What looks like a small puddle in the basement can turn out to be the warning signs of a much bigger problem for any homeowner in waterproofing services. Humidity in the basement leads to a range of costly and laborious basement leak repairs. From toxic mold to structural damage, water accumulation in the basement is a grave problem. So, what can be done to keep the basements dry and avoid moisture from making its way in?A dry, comfortable basement that you’d be happy to spend time in is most definitely not an impossibility. Any wet basement can be transformed into a dry, healthy living space via basement waterproofing.
What causes basement moisture?
To best understand the process of keeping our basements dry, we need to have a detailed knowledge of the cause of the moisture in the first place. Unfortunately, homeowners face a lot of difficulties in keeping water away from their homes. Due to basements’ unique construction and nature, these areas are mainly prone to moisture.
Here are the primary causes of basement wetness:
Improper soil and drainage systems:
If rain and groundwater can’t find their way out of your property, making their way into your basement. Unsuitable soil and bad drainage systems are some of the common reasons for basement wetness. Likewise, if water isn’t drained from your home, it will collect around the property, finding a way inside.
Poorly installed and well-maintained gutters:
The main purpose of gutters is to direct rainwater away from your basement. However, water starts to collect around your foundation if it is improperly fixed or too jammed to work instead of getting away from it.
Improper slope:
The space around your basement should slant away from your foundation, not towards it. If the slope is built in the wrong direction, water accumulates around the foundation instead of running away from it. It’s important to note that repairing uneven floors can be complex and time-consuming. It’s best to consult a professional contractor or structural engineer to determine the best repair method for uneven floors.
Hydrostatic pressure:
Hydrostatic pressure happens when water collects around the foundation of your home. As gravity pulls down that water, it will try to leak to relieve that pressure. As a result, the water gains its way through cracks in the basement walls and floors. In many cases, the pressure gets so strong that it causes more cracks.
A gap between the wall and floor can indicate inadequate drainage in the basement. This can lead to water pooling on the floor and increasing humidity. It’s important to address the issue by identifying the cause and implementing appropriate solutions, such as fixing drainage, sealing the gap, or installing a dehumidifier to prevent moisture buildup.
Cracks in your basement:
Horizontal foundation cracks are very common in basements and are usually caused by hydrostatic pressure. When the soil around the foundation gets saturated with water that can’t drain off, hydrostatic pressure builds up and exerts a tremendous force against the foundation walls. All horizontal foundation cracks need immediate attention from either an experienced foundation repair contractor or a structural engineer.
Condensation:
Basements are especially damp spaces. When condensation happens, it brings mildew, mold, and damage together.
The top 3 basement waterproofing methods
Now that we have a better understanding of the cause of basement wetness let’s talk about what we can do to avoid it. There top 3 best waterproofing services that you can try:
#1. Interior
Interior waterproofing service is the easiest and most affordable procedure. These usually start by properly sealing any holes and cracks in your basement floor, walls, and around the door or windows. Water makes its way into the basement through these cracks, so correctly waterproofing them ensures your foundation stays dry. Special sealants fill these cracks and prevent new moisture from traveling inside.
#2. Exterior
When you choose the best waterproof service, it is significant to look at your basement wall from the outside. Exterior waterproofing usually requires the diggings of the soil nearby the foundation. As you can think, this is a labor-intensive procedure requiring hefty machinery and tools. Once all the soil around the basement is removed, a waterproof sealant is applied to the exterior of the walls. This sealant is usually a polymer base, which lasts for life. Ideally, this exterior basement leak repair takes place at the construction time.
#3. Drainage
Drainage problems are usually the original cause of wetness in our basement. Therefore, having a proper drainage system in our home is crucial to keep your foundation dry. A drainage system aims to keep water away from the basement of our home. Several different drainage systems help direct the water away from our home.
Start by examining the soil near your house. Different kinds of soil drain water in different ways. Make sure your home is bounded with soil that absorbs water easily and retains moisture.
Each condition is different, so it is significant to get a better understanding of which waterproofing issues are exist in your home. A truly effective basement leak repair will comprise all 3 methods.
Which method is right for you?
As we have mentioned above, each property is different. Thus, the best way to waterproof your home is different from that of your neighbor. Different factors are to be considered when keeping our basement away from getting humidity. While each condition is different, the best way is to prevent rather than directly choosing basement repair. Taking appropriate steps to waterproof the basement is sure to yield the best results.
It is significant to take the required steps to safeguard your basement. Don’t just wait until a problem arise. Take preventative measures to keep your foundation dry and your pockets full for years to come.
