How to Waterproof a Concrete Block Foundation
Are you interested in waterproofing your cinder block foundation? If so, good for you! Waterproofing your foundation is a great step to take toward protecting your family, your home, and your belongings. However, before you move any further ahead with your waterproofing project, it’s important to understand exactly what the process entails.
How to Waterproof a Block Foundation From the Interior
You can waterproof your concrete block foundation from the interior of your home by installing drain tile (also known as “footing tile” or “weeping tile”) around the perimeter of your basement. Once this system is installed, any water that enters through the concrete blocks will be directed to a sump pump so that it can then be rerouted back outside your home.
How to Waterproof a Block Foundation From the Exterior
You can also waterproof your concrete block foundation from the exterior of your home. Although this approach is arguably more effective—since it prevents water from even entering the concrete blocks to begin with—it requires considerably more labor and is thus less popular. You’ll need to excavate the soil surrounding your foundation—all the way down to the footing—so that you have access to the exterior walls. This will likely involve destroying any landscaping in that area, and the job can become even more complicated if you also need to disrupt a driveway or garage to gain access. Once you’ve completed the excavation, you’ll need to apply a waterproof membrane to the foundation walls and install drain tile.
Why It’s Important to Hire a Professional
As you can see, waterproofing a concrete block foundation is a very complicated, labor-intensive task. Unless you have extensive experience handling similar projects, it’s almost always a smart idea to entrust the job to professionals. A waterproofing contractor will have the training and skills needed to get the job done right, as well as access to any required industrial-grade tools and equipment.
You might be wondering whether painting a waterproof sealant on the interior of your basement walls—a popular DIY method—would be a viable alternative to the processes described above. Unfortunately, it would not. A sealant would prevent water from entering your basement, but by doing so, it would also prevent any water trapped within your foundation walls from evaporating. This would likely cause the concrete blocks to prematurely deteriorate, which would end up doing even more damage and costing you more down the road.
The Waterproofing Pros to Choose in Northeast Wisconsin
If you own a home in the Northeast Wisconsin region and you’re interested in waterproofing a concrete block foundation, you can look to the experts at ABT Foundation Solutions, Inc. We’ve been serving homeowners in this area since 2002, and we proudly maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We have experience with a wide array of waterproofing techniques, and we’ll be happy to let you know which one is most appropriate for your specific needs. Contact us today to arrange a free in-home consultation.