If basement floor waterproofing wasn’t overlooked on such a regular basis, then there wouldn’t be as many problems with seepage and flooding when it was finished. Many people think basements are just concrete storage spaces for things you don’t use very often. These days, many individuals recognize that such an area can be used for other things besides more bedrooms, living rooms and dens.

Water situation was not encountered in the beginning by homeowners, but it later appeared because sub-floor and sub-surface drains clogged with mud.

If water from the roof is not directed far enough away from the foundation, then the soil becomes too saturated. As the home stabilizes, wall fissures appeared, exterior paintings decayed and the drains filled with sand or silt. A leakage in the basement might result from all these problems. Natural pressure from the soil against the foundation will cause flowing ground water to enter through any cracks or crevices in your foundation. The level of pressure is positively correlated with the height of the water level. If water is pressurized, concrete cannot withstand it, concrete will surely break because the water will seek all cracks or crevices in the walls and floors. The end results are a water filled crawlspace or basement.

If you want to keep hydrostatic water from getting into your home, pressure relief systems will do the job for you. Whenever there happens to be a power outage due to a rainstorm, it is very likely that the primary pumps will not work, and that may cause somewhat of an inconvenience. Pressure builds up over time and moisture is pushed through the wall or floor. (sometimes termed bleeding). Corners and joints that connect the floor and the wall are the most likely candidates for seepage.

If water seems to be coming in from an isolated area, installing a sump pump below floor level can lower the water table and underground hydrostatic pressure in that area. Water vapor will go right through concrete since it is porous. Because of moisture it feels even more cold, and rots carpet and other floor coverings. Even the mold starts to grow and basement smeels musty.

One fix for this problem is to use some of the quality sealants now available to the average home owner. Frequently, they can be applied with a brush, roller or spray can.

A normal basement floor waterproofing job may entail:

- getting the floor ready by taking up any materials that are broken up or loose.
- making sure the basement floor is as dry as possible, hiring large fans or heaters if necessary.
- You must seal all joints between the walls and floor.
- filling any particularly noticeable cracks or joints.
- Priming the floor when the product calls for the use of a primer.
- top-coating floor with the final product, using 2 or 3 coats as appropriate.

With a good product you will have a waterproofed basement floor that should last for a number of years. Permaflex is one type of sealant that will give a complete and permanent waterproofing for a basement floor. This is arguably the only waterproofing system that is suitable for indoor use that will result in the complete sealing of a basement floor, no matter what sort of state it might be in. And it is considerably cheaper than other type of work as it does not involve pipes or pumps!