Waterproofing during remodeling

If you’re considering the idea of ​​remodeling your basement, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, if you plan to spend your time and money on remodeling, be sure to take the extra step toward remediating mold and waterproofing your investment. All foundations are susceptible to moisture and water leaks due to the porous concrete foundation and wood materials used for construction. This means that all foundations are susceptible to mold. It’s better to take care of any potential problems now, while construction is underway, rather than wait to deal with an emergency situation involving flooding or mold, which could end up costing much more than your remodeling project.

Interior waterproofing is possible, but it involves a bit more than just painting a layer of plastic over the concrete, as many companies or DIY guides may try to tell you. The process requires a polymer membrane to be inserted into the exterior walls creating a barrier between the dirt outside that can hold large amounts of moisture and the dry interior of the structure. During the early years that this process was being developed, the hot-applied foil system was easily used. Coal tar pitch or asphaltic bitumen was heated layered with felt. However, due to fumes, this method has been used less since the 1990s and government regulations have been put in place. Since the 1990s, polymer-modified bitumens have been developed that allow safer cold application without the threat of potential carcinogenic fumes. Several plastoelastic polymeric products are available on the market today.

Now, when planning your remodel, you’ll want to make sure you’ve laid the groundwork for a successful experience. The remodel itself can be as simple as converting an unfinished area into a laundry room or as large as completing an entire unfinished basement. By planning your project well, you can avoid having to remove drywall more than once. If the area is currently unfinished, the polymeric membrane can be placed on the frame before it is ready for the final drywall. No matter what kind of remodel you’re doing, you’ll be glad you took the time to do the waterproofing at this early stage instead of doing it when it’s too late.

You will need to hire a professional, licensed basement waterproofing contractor. Be sure to hire a professional and be wary of mold repair companies that do not offer or recommend waterproofing services. They may just remove visible mold, but do nothing about the source. The mold will continue to grow and grow back in the same area.