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A Guide to Basement Waterproofing

There are few things as stressful as finding out you have standing water or a leak in your basement. Standing water or leaks of any sort can cause serious damage to the infrastructure of your home, as well as the belongings inside it and it’s something that needs to be addressed right away. If your basement isn’t somewhere you spend a lot of time, leaks and issues can go unnoticed for days or weeks, leading to hazardous mold growth, smelly furniture, and other issues.

Basement waterproofing can be a great solution, as it involves techniques and materials that are used to prevent water from penetrating the basement in your home or office building. This week’s Basement & Foundation Solutions blog discusses what you need to know about this process.

Basement & Foundation Solutions specializes in a wide range of home repair services, including foundation repair, polyjacking, mold remediation, basement waterproofing, and more. With the experience, skills, and knowledge necessary to complete any job, our BBB-accredited business offers industry-leading solutions to help return your home to tip-top shape. Read this week’s blog to learn more about basement waterproofing and contact us in the Piedmont Triad area to schedule an appointment with Basement & Foundation Solutions today!

What Is Basement Waterproofing?

Basement waterproofing is a procedure that uses various materials and techniques to prevent water from entering your basement. It involves waterproofing areas below ground, and can require different types of methods and materials depending on the type of waterproofing used.

Why Would You Need Basement Waterproofing?

If basement waterproofing is new to you, you’re probably wondering why you’d even need it. There are a few different reasons why basement waterproofing may be beneficial to you. In certain situations, particularly for commercial buildings, basement waterproofing may be required by code. If it’s not, however, there are still many reasons why you may want to consider investing in waterproofing.

If you live in an area where groundwater is likely to build up in the soil or where there is a high water table, you should definitely consider basement waterproofing for your home.

Additionally, your basement may be presenting important signs that indicate that basement waterproofing is a must.

Some signs you may need basement waterproofing include:

  • Water puddles in your basement
  • Stains on the floor or walls caused by water
  • Swelling or warped doors
  • A musty smell that indicated dampness that won’t go away
  • Mold or mildew
  • Cracking in the floors or walls
  • Leaks coming from the floors or walls

All of these are very important issues that need to be addressed promptly, as they can cause severe damage to your basement and the infrastructure of your property.

Types of Basement Waterproofing

There are a wide range of basement waterproofing techniques available, but we will discuss the three most common below.

Interior Sealant & Epoxy Injections

This method of basement waterproofing involves applying sealants or injecting epoxy into basement walls from the interior of your property to prevent any water from seeping through. Epoxy, which is a type of strong adhesive, can be pressure-injected into cracks or openings in your foundation, penetrating through to the exterior and cutting off any path water may have to seep through.

While this is a viable option for keeping water out of your basement, it’s viewed as more of a “band-aid” fix than a permanent solution. This is a great method for preventing high humidity in your basement, but it should not be used as a long-term solution for keeping water out.

Interior Drainage

Typically, waterproofing a basement from the inside of the home is typically the best option. Not only is it more cost-effective, but it’s also much less disruptive than exterior techniques.

The goal of interior drainage waterproofing is to direct water away from the foundation of your home, as moisture in your basement can often be attributed to poor drainage. This technique involves digging a trench or channel around the perimeter of your basement floor and then installing a sump pump or drain to help move water out.

Exterior Waterproofing

This method of basement waterproofing typically involves the use of polymers or membranes to waterproof basement walls, or excavating down to the foundation wall foot and installing a trench drain underground, or a combination of these two techniques.

When executed correctly, this method is considered to be the most effective form of basement waterproofing, as it is very comprehensive and targets your whole drainage system.

How to Know Which Method Is Right for You

When it comes to choosing a method of basement waterproofing that’s right for you, there are a number of things to consider, which include:

  • Cost — Depending on the method of basement waterproofing you choose, cost will vary. Establish a budget beforehand so you know how much you’re able to spend before the process begins.
  • Risk Factors — Depending on the area in which you live, you may be at a higher risk for basement leakage or flooding. In this case, it’s a good idea to choose a method that can help prevent it.
  • Disruption — Some methods of basement waterproofing can be very disruptive, so it’s important to consider what you can handle before you choose. For example, exterior basement waterproofing is a highly invasive process that requires heavy machinery and is more expensive than other methods.
  • Severity of Your Situation — In some cases, depending on how bad your basement currently looks, you may not have much of a choice when it comes to the method of basement waterproofing. If the situation is severe, you’ll likely want to start with some of the more effective methods, including interior drainage or exterior waterproofing.

Our professionals at Basement & Foundation Solutions can help you assess your situation and determine which method of basement waterproofing would make the most sense. Contact our team of experts in the Piedmont Triad area today to learn more about our basement waterproofing techniques!

Trust Basement & Foundation Solutions for Basement Waterproofing

If you’re in need of basement waterproofing for your home or business, Basement & Foundation Solutions can help! With more than three decades of basement waterproofing, our team has the knowledge and expertise necessary to provide you with superior services. We use industry-leading methods and equipment to ensure that every basement we service is completely protected from water. We’ll thoroughly assess your situation and provide you with options that meet your specific needs.

If you’re looking for industry-leading basement waterproofing services for your home in the Piedmont Triad, reach out to Basement & Foundation Solutions today! We’re happy to help you protect your home from water damage.