Why Basements Require Waterproofing

Anyone owning a home or any other type of building with floors below the ground level, has probably had to contend with some kind of water or moisture in those lower levels. Virtually any structure built beneath the ground level must do something in order to keep ground water out. The products, techniques, and strategies to cope with everything from transient moisture to free-standing or flowing water can be collectively referred to as basement waterproofing. But waterproofing your basement can be particularly difficult if you don't understand the problem. In this article we'll explain what causes basements to be damp and why almost all basements require some degree of waterproofing in order to be comfortably dry.

All soil will contain some measure of moisture, even in arid climates. The amount of moisture content (or water) in a particular spot will fluctuate at any given time, but as time goes on, ground moisture will invariably be present to a certain degree. Due to the fact a basement is constructed below the surface level and therefore is in contact with the soil around it, the moisture within this encircling soil will be propelled, as a result of natural forces, to penetrate that basement. Experts will often make use of the term hydrostatic pressure to explain this phenomenon. Within this particular context, hydrostatic pressure alludes to the tendency of water to disperse laterally. This behavior is the result of gravity.

All water on Earth, particularly that in the Earth, is under the inexorable influence of gravity. As gravity pulls ground water downward, that below is pushed aside by that above. Imagine, if you will, pouring a bucket of sand onto a concrete sidewalk. What do you get? A small pile of sand, kind of like a pyramid. Some of the sand falls to the side but some of it also piles atop that sand below. Although gravity is acting on the sand to pull it downward, the properties of the sand allow some of it to pile up in defiance of gravity.

Now imagine pouring that same bucket full of water onto the sidewalk. What happens? The water does not pile up at all. It completely spreads out very thin until it soaks into the concrete. Actually, it continues to spread out even after it has soaked into the concrete but that's not readily apparent to the person holding the bucket. The water is under the same influence of gravity as the sand but the properties of water do not allow it to pile up. Instead, it readily spreads out.

This tendency of water to spread out is the reason many basements are damp. Ground water is actually able to move in a similar fashion as the water poured from the bucket. As water at higher ground is under the influence of gravity, it is pushing down on the water below. The water below is being forced in all directions into any adjacent spaces that do not already contain a comparable amount of water. A basement is actually a cavity in the ground. As long as the basement contains less moisture content than the surrounding ground, that moisture will be compelled to enter the basement.

Although it may seem like a cliche that basements are always wet, there's a good reason for that. As long as a basement is below the surface level, ground water is continuously under pressure to enter that basement. The only way to keep a basement comfortably dry is to waterproof it.

Foundation Settlement Causing Brick and Drywall Cracking - When Do You Call an Engineer?   Causes of a Foundation Problem   Examining Your Foundation and Choosing a Contractor   Hire a Reputed Company For Your Foundation Replacement   Signs of Foundation Damage   Savvy Tips To Keep Mold Away From Your Basement   

Basement Waterproofing Options: What's Best for Your Home or Business?

If every rainstorm leads to puddles in your basement, or if the room feels damp and humid year-round, it's time to look into basement waterproofing. Depending on how your building is constructed and what you want to spend, you have an array of options.

A wet basement isn't just frustrating-it's also potentially dangerous. In addition to the general unpleasantness of a room that's always damp or leaking, you're risking water damage to any belongings you store in the room, or you're losing good storage or living space because the basement is uninhabitable. Basement leakage and humidity can damage your home's foundations, potentially leading to costly structural repairs and replacements. And then there's the mold that can thrive in a damp, dark environment such as a basement. Mold growth can damage your property and put you and other building occupants at risk for severe allergies and respiratory diseases. If you're struggling with a wet basement, don't wait to consider basement waterproofing. Here are a few options that might work for your home or commercial space.

Sealants

If your basement is made of poured concrete, you may experience seepage or leakage due to cracks or holes, especially in areas where pipes penetrate the foundation. In this case, your basement contractor may be able to apply a sealant to the interior or exterior walls and surfaces. The sealant is pressure-injected into the cracks to ensure that it completely fills the open area, stopping water from entering the foundation or wall. This basement waterproofing option can last several years, if applied properly.

Weep Holes

For basement foundations that are constructed from cinder blocks, a sealant alone cannot stop the leakage or seepage. Cinder blocks have holes in the middle that can hold accumulated water, which then contributes to structural damage and mold growth over time. One of the most common basement waterproofing scenarios for cinder block foundations involves drilling small holes, known as "weep holes," into the lowest blocks, to allow for water drainage. As the water drains out of the foundation it goes into drains around the perimeter of the basement to be channeled out of the building.

Sump Pumps and French Drains

A sump pump collects accumulated water from drainage areas and pumps it out of the basement. Generally, the water will be moved far away from the building, perhaps to a nearby dry well. Professional sump pump installation -including a battery backup for power outages-can ensure that your basement stays dry even in the heaviest of rainstorms.

Another common basement drainage option is a French drain, and you can have one installed inside your basement or around the perimeter of your building, depending on your needs and your budget. A basic French drain is a trough, covered with gravel or rocks, through which a perforated pipe is run. Water enters the pipe by trickling down through the rocks and is directed, via a specifically designed pipe pathway, away from your property. An interior French drain will be installed below your basement floor and may collect water from the foundation's weep holes. An exterior French drain is designed to keep water from getting into the foundation in the first place; the water will enter the drain rather than seeping into the foundation and will be channeled away. A French drain can be installed together with a sump pump or can act on its own, depending on the system's design.

A professional basement contractor will be able to advise you on the strategy or combination of strategies that's right for your home or commercial building. He'll also be able to look for signs of existing mold or water damage and can help you correct those issues before the problems get worse. Your basement may not be the most beautiful or most used room in your building, but that doesn't mean you can just ignore leaks and water damage. Waterproof your basement and foundation today so that your home or commercial building will work for you tomorrow and in the years to come.

Foundation Settlement Causing Brick and Drywall Cracking - When Do You Call an Engineer?   Causes of a Foundation Problem   Examining Your Foundation and Choosing a Contractor   Hire a Reputed Company For Your Foundation Replacement   

Top 4 Reasons Why Waterproofing Basement Space Is Important

When you have water in your basement, you may be worried about the cost of fixing the problem or you may simply not see the point in spending money on repairs when you never go into your basement. The reality, however, is that waterproofing basements can be an affordable process and is one that is very necessary to protect your home. There are many reasons why waterproofing basement space is the right choice when you are experiencing leaks or dampness in your basement space, and just a few of those reasons are listed below.

1) A wet basement is a breeding ground for mold and mildew

Mold and mildew grow and thrive in damp, dark places. A wet basement, therefore, creates a perfect environment for these unpleasant organisms to grow. Once mold begins to take hold, the problem can quickly become worse and the mold can eventually spread into your walls and in other areas of your house. This can become a very expensive problem to fix if you don't act quickly in waterproofing basement space and you allow the mold problem to spread.

In addition to potentially growing out of control, mold and mildew are also simply unhealthy items to have in your home. There are certain mold that are considered to be toxic and that can cause you to become seriously ill. Other types of mold aren't necessarily going to create serious health problems, but the mold spores in the air can aggravate asthma and make respiratory problems worse. The elderly and children tend to be most affected by mold, so it is especially important to look into waterproofing basement space if you have someone young or old in your home.

2) A wet basement attracts bugs

Bugs such as spiders, cockroaches and mites are attracted to wet spaces and are likely to move in and make their home in your wet basement. By making sure your basement is properly waterproofed and keeping the dampness and the water out, however, you reduce your chances of these bugs moving in. No one wants a home infested with cockroaches and if they are living in your wet basement, it is only a matter of time until they move themselves upstairs.

3) A wet basement can undermine the foundation of your home and affect its structural support

When your basement space is wet, and especially when is subject to repeated and long-lasting water or dampness, rot can begin to develop and the supports for your home can start to weaken. The entire structural foundation of your house can be affected over time by water in your basement or crawlspace. Waterproofing basement spaces is thus absolutely essential to making sure you avoid this problem.

4) A wet basement will lower your home values and make passing inspection impossible

If it comes time to sell your home, buyers are going to be on the lookout for water and water damage in the basement. Home inspectors are also going to spot signs of water problems. This can lower the value of your house and sometimes make it impossible to sell.

Avoid this and other problems by taking the appropriate steps in waterproofing basement space at the very first sign of a problem.

Foundation Settlement Causing Brick and Drywall Cracking - When Do You Call an Engineer?   Causes of a Foundation Problem   Examining Your Foundation and Choosing a Contractor   Signs of Foundation Damage   

Foundation Repair Is a Vital Part of Any Basement Waterproofing Strategy

Basement waterproofing can involve a variety of scenarios. You might have a basement contractor install an interior or exterior foundation membrane to repel water or a French drain and sump pump to channel water out of the space. You might use a dehumidifier to pull moisture from the air. But none of these proven methods will be completely effective if your foundation remains cracked and deteriorating.

In order to stand strong and protect your home and your family from water damage and flooding, a foundation needs to be solid. Even small foundation cracks can grow quickly, thanks to changing temperatures, humidity levels, and other factors. Plus, once water starts seeping into your foundation, the water itself can cause cracks to grow. If you see signs of foundation cracks or are considering basement waterproofing, have a professional examine your foundation for problem spots. Then, he can come up with a plan to repair the issues and help you move forward.

Signs that your foundation might be deteriorating or cracking include:

Visible cracks in interior basement walls or floor Cracked or gapping masonry on the exterior of your home Sloping flooring Door and window frames out of square Water damage and mold growth even after some basement waterproofing steps have been taken

If you see signs of foundation problems, even if you haven t experienced any physical fallout yet, it s time to call in a professional foundation contractor. It may be only a matter of time before cracks worsen and make that area of the building dangerously unstable. Meanwhile, water seepage can be deteriorating your home from the inside out and making conditions ripe for hazardous and unhealthy mold growth.

Depending on what problems you re having and how serious they are, the necessary foundation repair might take several forms. For small and medium-sized cracks, a basement contractor can inject an epoxy or urethane foam to fill each crack and make the foundation solid again. When foundation deterioration has led to bowed walls, a foundation expert can reinforce the walls with steel rebar and concrete or even high-tech carbon fiber panels. A foundation that s cracked due to settling into the ground can be reinforced from underneath, using additional concrete and steel piers driven deep underground. Only a professional foundation contractor will have the knowledge and experience to determine exactly what strategy is right for your needs.

Once your foundation is truly solid and secure, you can be confident in whatever other basement waterproofing systems you choose to implement. Those systems, from French drains to industrial dehumidifiers, will be able to do their job more efficiently and effectively. Getting water out and keeping it out will be easier, and your basement will be a safer, healthier, and more pleasant place to be.

Foundation Settlement Causing Brick and Drywall Cracking - When Do You Call an Engineer?   Causes of a Foundation Problem   Examining Your Foundation and Choosing a Contractor   Hire a Reputed Company For Your Foundation Replacement   Signs of Foundation Damage   Savvy Tips To Keep Mold Away From Your Basement