A Beginner’s Guide to Step-By-Step Approach to Basement Waterproofing

Basement waterproofing may lead to many as the seepage may end up in causing extensive damage to the whole structure if not properly addressed on time. Sometimes, the need may apply an additional coat or strengthen it with any supplements to the basement, and some other times the problem may be coming from the external walls. In any case, it is ideal for conducting an expert assessment of the issue and administering adequate waterproofing measures. Let's have an overview of the basement waterproofing process.

image:www.foundationrecoverysystems.com/waterproofing

1.   Dig out

In order to protect the basement of your structure from water, you have to dig around the outer perimeter of the basement to go to the optimum foundation base. Applying the right product over the walls is also the key to have a fully waterproofed basement. You can also think of drainage tiles, crushed stone, gravel, or perforated pipe which can be installed below the basement area to protect it from water accumulation or use any approved mechanical measures for waterproofing.

2.   Checking for any cracks

On completing the first step of digging, then you may clean the walls and then check for any types of big or small cracks out there or any signs of water seeping in through any point. If you detect such an issue, it is ideal for applying an additional coat of cement using hydraulic pumps to seal the leakage. The hydraulic cement can expand as getting cured due to its chemical properties, and it will fall into the cracks to reduce any possible leakage.

3.   Applying sealant

After application of hydraulic cement to seal the cracks, it is also essential to add an additional layer of sealant to the exterior wall. There are cement-base sealants available, which are so easy to apply and also can be applied to masonry and concrete surfaces alike. The sealant will get hardened into concrete pores and close them. In cases of hairline cracks also, which may not get fixed with the application of hydraulic cement, sealants will help to cover these too.

4.   Applying a membrane

After applying hydraulic cement and sealant, you can also install a waterproofing membrane on to it. It's a heavy coat of a waterproof substance as asphalt-enriched polyurethane or so, which can be sprayed or troweled on the surface to seal the wall completely to avoid water seeping into it from outside. These elastomeric membranes, which are made of asphalt have excellent waterproofing characteristic. The electrometric membranes are able to flex and move to accommodate the cracks which occur due to temperature changes. Always make sure to apply a waterproofing substance instead of the common damp-proof products which may fail.

5.   Implementing drainage mats

At the next step, it is advisable to install some drainage mats also with. It should be made of materials which can ensure adequate air gaps between the wall so that moisture can be transferred to the drain duct. Drainage mat also should be sized as per the depth of the foundation wall. Using it will also help to ease the lateral pressure against the basement wall.

6.   Install French drain

You may also install a French drain or use weeping tile. It is ideal to use a pipe of at least 4", which must be installed onto the basement to keep the water level beneath the basement floor. It is also ideal for installing the cleanouts to offer easy access later for any maintenance tasks. Once it is also done, then you can fill back the pit with gravel and then complete the installation of the French drain. Use grave of 18″ at earth areas and 4″ where cement is filled.

7.   A few things to avoid

While doing the above essential things in basement waterproofing Kansas City, there are few things you should also abstain from doing as below.

–        Don't use any tar compounds. It may become brittle over time and easily crack.

–        Don’t use plastic materials also to waterproof the basement. They may peel off, and then water will again enter.

–        Also, don't use any limestone to fill. It will ultimately reduce the drainage capabilities and tend to clog the drainage. Gravel is the best choice to make.

Choosing a professional basement contractor

A homeowner cannot perform the above tasks all by his/her own. In case of serious tasks like basement waterproofing, it is essential to get the assistance of a skilled and professional basement waterproofing service. If you are concerned about your belongings getting damaged by water leaking into your floors, then it is ideal to consider calling in a good waterproofing contractor. Keep the following things in mind while attempting it.

Checking credentials

Always check if the contractor you approach is licensed and has needed credentials to take up such tasks. The professional waterproofing providers must be insured and bonded too. Check for their years of experience in this industry and also ask for references.

Warranty

The top contractors in basement waterproofing also offer warranties also the clients to ensure the quality of work. It is also essential to check for the warranty of the installed products also along with work guarantee. It is ideal for getting a 10 to 25 years warranty for crucial home improvement tasks like basement repair and waterproofing.

Cost

You can save a significant sum by comparing the offerings of various contractors. Many are offering competitive rates as there is a bit of competition in this market sector. You can find many affordable options out there, but it is ideal to consider the experienced and technical knowledge of the provider also along with the cost to make the best choice. The providers may also offer a free inspection of your basement to check for issues and also a free estimate for the work needed.

Services

Some basement waterproofing contractors may only offer this sole service, but it is better if you get a full-spectrum home improvement service provider who can look into other allied issues too. Say, for example, one very common issue related to basement water seepages is the need for wall straightening in order to ensure that the waterproofing is offering the best results.

In order to ensure that you avail only the services which are needed to you, it is ideal for getting an unbiased inspection of your basement by a third-party Evaluator. During the inspection, you can ask essential questions also regard the type of construction materials they use and also the experience and expertise of the inspectors and workers.

Tips On How To Sand Deck Railing Properly

If you need to sand your deck, and you would like to do so in a professional manner, you will need all of the tools that can help you get the job done fast. This will include a sander, sandpaper, and other tools that may be necessary for this type of job. The type of sandpaper that you get should be no more than 60 or 80 grit. If you want to finish the job, grit above 100 is recommended. Once you have all of this ready, you will also need to get your respirator, safety goggles, gloves, and preferably clothing that will protect your skin from the fine sand that will be on the floor and in the air. Let's begin with the process of how to sand deck railing the right way.

Start With Pressure Washing Your Deck

Before you do any sanding at all, it is absolutely necessary to start with a pressure washer. This could be a power washer as well, depending upon the type of unit that you have invested in. It is recommended that you allow this to dry over the course of several days. You need to have a fully dry deck in order to sand it the right way. When using the pressure washer, be sure that you do not keep the water spraying in one location for longer than a split-second. It will be at an angle, and as you are spraying it may cut a groove or notch into the lumber. Once this is done, and it is fully dry, will move on to the next step.

How To Begin Sanding Your Deck

You will want to begin from the top down. That means you will begin with the railing. If you have looked at tutorials on how to sand deck railing, you will see that it's actually very easy to accomplish. You can do this with the power sander, using the course grit, and then use grit above 100 for finishing your sanding of the railing. It is important to do the finer sanding by hand if possible, specifically around the edges. That is because the slightest wrong move can etch a mark into the wood. This is where you must be very careful, and when you are doing a large deck, you will become very adept at going fast and slow when necessary to avoid any mistakes.

How To Complete Your Project

Once you have done the railings, you will move on to the floor. Some people go in the reverse order. They prefer to get the floor of the deck done prior to moving upwards. The deck itself needs to be sanded using the coarser sandpaper. You will literally be on your hands and knees with the power sander for several hours. Be very fluid with your motions, making sure to not remain in one spot for very long. In the same way that you were sanding the railing, you will use the same motions but on a larger scale. Once you have completed with the course sandpaper, you can then move on to the fine sandpaper. However, unlike the railing, it is recommended that you attach the 100 grit sandpaper to the power sander this process. That is because you do not have to worry about edges, allowing you to go very fast as you are completing this major portion of the deck. If you have a larger deck, it is recommended that you only do this a few hours a day.

Once you have completed this project, you will then have the ability to stain your deck you want to. Prior to doing so, it is necessary to use a blower to remove all of the excess sawdust. If you can do this over the next few days, you should be ready to stain your deck by the weekend. It can be a week long project, depending upon the size of your deck, but it is something that one person can easily accomplish. Now that you know how to sand deck railing properly, as well as the rest of your deck, you should obtain all of the recommended supplies and tools so that you can get started. You can also visit this site to learn more about Deck Sanding.

How to Improve Low Water Pressure

Introduction

What do we mean by low water pressure?  Basically, when you turn on your tap, shower, washing machine etc. the water is coming out slower and with less force than it should. Sometimes this occurs over a period of time without you noticing until the flow slows gradually to a trickle.

There are different reasons for reduced water pressure and some of them are very easily solved with a little bit of DIY.

image:pixabay.com/photos/tap-water-kitchen-faucet-1728106

1.      Taps, Showers and Machines

If the water pressure is low through specific taps or shower heads, the most likely cause is blockage in the final exit point of the water from dirt, lime-scale (a buildup of calcium) and rust.

a)      Taps

Most taps have an aerator, a small mesh filter where the water exits.  This catches the dirt particles and can also help to stop water splashing or coming out too forcefully  Over time it can become blocked and will affect the speed the water exits the tap in a negative way. 

With some faucets, you can unscrew these by hand, but in most cases you will need pliers or a wrench.  Be sure to place a piece of cloth around the area before you apply the pliers so that you don’t damage the stainless steel.

Once you have removed the aerator, turn on the tap and check there is now good pressure.  If there is, you know this was the problem.  Also have a quick clean up of the inside of the tap with a soft bottle brush.

Then simply brush gently to remove debris and run clean water through it before reassembling. 

b)      Showers

As the water slows to a dribble from your shower head, the most common reason will be because it is blocked.

The first thing you should do is disassemble as much of the shower head as you can, depending on the model.  There are commercial lime-scale removers available but I find the soaking the parts in white vinegar for approximately 6 hours works perfectly and doesn’t damage any plastic parts.

Once the soaking is finished, brush all the parts with a soft brush and poke a piece of wire through all the holes to get rid of remaining traces.  Then simply reassemble and shower under a waterfall!

(You might need to do this a couple of times for badly blocked shower heads.)

c)       Washing Machines, Dishwashers, Ice Making Machines

Most machines which are connected directly to the water supply will be affected by low water pressure.  Many of these machines will have alert systems to tell you not enough water is available to them.

In these cases, disconnect from mains electricity before doing any work.

Making sure all water has been drained first so as to avoid a flood in your kitchen or laundry room, disconnect the pipes from the back of your machines and clean all the filters and pipe tips with vinegar and a soft brush.  You can also try poking a piece of wire in any metal holes but avoid poking down plastic tubing with metal wire.  A Q-tip can also help smaller holes.

Once reconnected, you should find the water flow has improved.

2.      Toilets

Toilets work by flushing enough water into the bowl to create a suction that removes the waste down the pipe system.  If your toilet flushes slowly and incompletely you need to look at one of the following possible causes:

a)      Tank (Cistern) Is Not Filling Properly or Quickly

Open the lid of the tank and check if the water is filling to approximately one inch below the drainage hole.  If it’s not, move the float upwards until it does.

If the water flow into the tank is low, check the pipes to make sure they are not blocked or leaking.

Finally, check that the small holes underneath the rim of the toilet bowl are not blocked.  They allow water to cover the entire bowl as it flushes through and can be cleaned with dishwashing liquid and a brush alongside a small piece of wire to poke around and remove all the debris.

b)      Water Exiting the Toilet

If the problem is not in the tank and there is plenty of water for the flush, then the problem is usually a blockage in the drainage pipes that is stopping the waste leaving the bowl properly.  You can try toilet anti-blocking chemicals, (or try the more organic method of pouring one cup of baking soda into the bowl and then2 cups of white vinegar, wait 3 hours and then flush)  and then use a plunger to try and move whatever is down there that shouldn’t be.

If this fails, you can rent a toilet auger (or toilet snake) which you can thread through the pipes and dislodge blockages which are deeper in the system.

3.      Low Water Pressure throughout Your Home

If the water pressure is not limited to one pipe or outlet, you should check your water valves as well as ensuring water is not escaping in the wrong places:

a)      PRV (Pressure Release Valve)

This is a bell shaped valve, usually found where the water mains pipe enters your home.  Gently turn the screw on the top a tiny amount.  Try it in both directions but usually clockwise will increase pressure.  A small turn can make a huge difference so be careful

b)      Shut-Off Valve

Most homes have a shut-off valve either near the PRV or near the actual water meter.   If this has been turned slightly, it can reduce pressure so make sure this valve is fully open.

c)       Leaks

It is relatively easy to do a visual check on all your taps, toilets, water outlets etc.  But leaks can occur in hidden places.  The best way to check this is to take a reading of your water meter and then, without using any water (difficult I know!), take another reading 4 hours later.  The result should be the same.  If not, you have a significant leak and need to call a plumber.

Summary

The above points will solve most of the problems but, if none of these succeed, then call the professionals.  Too much amateur DIY behavior can lead to a very high bill for their work!