Basements are traditional spaces for storage and parking areas. With the advent of space-efficient building designs, many property owners started to repurpose their basements. Many converted their basements into comfortable rooms, such as spare bedrooms. Some chose to install wine cellars and entertainment rooms. Others decided to turn their basements into kitchens.
Since kitchens are prone to leaks and other plumbing issues, basement waterproofing is critical. Suppose you’re one of those who want to create a basement kitchen in Hamilton. In that case, you need to consider some tips and tricks to ensure you’ll have the best basement waterproofing Hamilton has to offer. For that purpose, here’s an article to guide you. So, read on!
1. Start With A Basement Kitchen Design
To keep your basement kitchen safe from water damage and similar troubles, consider coming up with a design. You could make one or pay a pro to make one for you. In the plan, you have to take into account the overall layout of the plumbing system. In addition, make provisions for electrical connections, pipes, and other plumbing lines.
Apart from these, you may also think about whether to fully renovate the basement to provide more space or tweak the original layout just a little. In doing so, you may need to re-concrete any part previously damaged by water. For better results, click here for basement waterproofing ideas to protect your basement kitchen.
2. Identify Obstacles For Quick Removal
With proper planning, you can address the apparent issues and obstacles early. You can start by cleaning the surface thoroughly. Remove hardened dirt and grime on the floor and walls. Mop the floor and vacuum-dry it after.
Cleaning also involves removing any broken appliances you may be keeping in that space or fixtures you may have previously installed as dividers. It might also be necessary to remove unnecessary objects and installations to provide adequate space for the kitchen and its components, such as countertops, cupboards, and sink.
If the previous installations are too challenging to detach, you may need to look for appropriate tools or seek help from a friend or contractor to do so safely.
Aside from identifying obstacles for removal, be on the lookout for anything that could produce puddles of water or trigger plumbing problems.
3. Hire A Reliable Contractor
Hiring a reliable contractor could turn your basement into a top-notch kitchen. Professional contractors could suggest kitchen ideas applicable to the available space in most cases. Apart from their tools and equipment, contractors generally have the rich industry experience to work in different concrete spaces and address various waterproofing issues.
In choosing a contractor, you may consider the array of services they provide. What type of waterproofing is ideal for your basement? Which will decrease the chance of leaking in the future? Which waterproofing methods are offered at affordable prices? Collectively, the answers to these questions will help you identify which waterproofing contractor and service best fit your needs.
4. Check The Plumbing System
Since waterproofing problems typically originate from plumbing issues, you need to ensure the pipes in the basement are properly installed. You could apply water-repelling grout and other chemicals to keep your pipes, sinks, and connections dry and undamaged. In addition, you should schedule regular maintenance checkups for your plumbing system.
If you discover leaks and other plumbing problems, you must address them before installing the kitchen completely. Covering up or ignoring these issues may cause minor problems to worsen and cause considerable damage in the future, such as broken concrete and pipes.
5. Consider The Best Waterproofing Materials
Whether hiring a contractor or doing your kitchen yourself, you need to identify the different waterproofing materials and their features. That way, you’ll have ideas about what is appropriate for your basement.
For that purpose, check out the following:
• Polyurethane
This material is known to resist oils and detergents. It can also seep into the basement’s tiniest cracks, ensuring that all gaps are treated. In addition, it’s easy to apply.
• Cementitious Coating
This material is a mix of silica-based materials, organic materials, and sand. This mixture can provide several waterproofing layers to cover cracks and gaps when combined with water.
• Thermoplastic
Thermoplastic could be the most durable of the waterproofing options. It’s also easy to apply and suits any basement concrete surface. However, it’s usually expensive.
• PVC Waterproofing Membrane
In many cases, this material is used on flat roofs. Yet, some contractors favor this material for basements because of its durability. Like thermoplastic, it has a longer lifespan than most waterproofing materials.
Furthermore, you may need to apply two to three coats of waterproofing materials if mixed or melted. You add a layer of protection against leaks and water damage by doing so. For better results, paint the basement walls to optimize protection against moisture and water damage.
6. Install Appropriate Ventilation
Poor basement ventilation can cause water drips that may lead to severe water damage in the long run. To prevent it from happening, you need to make sure your basement kitchen has proper ventilation. You may opt for natural ventilation if you have basement windows. These are the least expensive and least maintained among the choices.
If the basement is entirely walled, you may consider installing floor fans and dehumidifiers. Furthermore, you may connect exhaust fans to the vents for better moisture reduction and airflow.
Wrapping Up
If you’re in Hamilton and planning to convert your basement into a kitchen, you should be prepared to address waterproofing problems or prevent them in the first place. If neglected, these troubles may affect your new kitchen, from its water sources down to its aesthetic qualities.
You might want to hire an expert in basement waterproofing to do the job. Nonetheless, it’s essential to inspect your basement from time to time and take note of anything unusual.
Furthermore, the kitchen design should ensure your entire kitchen is safe and protected against leaks, moisture, and other types of water damage. Also, you may add wine racks to add a touch of elegance or kitchen islands to maximize the space.