Interior Waterproofing Methods for Your Basement

by InteriorWaterproofing

Picture of a basement with black wrapping on the walls in a unfinished basement in Syracuse, NYThere is no better way to keep moisture out of your basement but to make sure it’s waterproof from the inside. Experts at waterproofing use several approaches to ensure your basement doesn’t suffer from water damage and leaks. 

 

Vapor Barriers 

One popular method of waterproofing is using polyethylene plastic, also known as vapor barriers to block condensation that results in water damage and the formation of mold. This sheet of foil is installed between the drywall and the insulation of your wall. Although this method is effective in preventing moisture from getting to your basement, it doesn’t entirely keep your basement dry without the help of other waterproofing methods. Nevertheless, vapor barriers are great preventive measures, so it wouldn’t hurt to have them installed in your home. 

 

Sump Pump

Installing a sump pump should be a priority if you want to have a waterproof basement. The contractor will install pipes that are placed in strategic areas and become passages for water to drain into your sump pit. The sump pump will do the hard work of pumping the water out of your home. Make a habit of checking the sump pump to ensure its quality and effectiveness. It should be free from any damage or rust and have no problems with power. Make regular inspection of your sump pump to ensure it performs to its full potential. 

 

Sealing

Sealing is one of the most effective ways to waterproof your basement. This method entails filling cracks, repairing damaged pipes with an epoxy injection or waterproofing paint. Not every contractor will agree that this method is a temporary solution to waterproofing, but it is a good place to start. Larger cracks need to be sealed with concrete, and you should have it checked by a professional in case the cracks are due to structural problems. Apart from that, this waterproofing method, along with other approaches is a great way to protect your basement from unwanted moisture. 

 

Contact Syracuse Basement Waterproofing for all Your Foundation Needs 

If you are decided to have your basement waterproofed, the next step is to contact us to get the job done. We are a top-performing waterproofing contractor servicing Syracuse and its surrounding areas. With our skills and experience, you can have peace of mind that your basement is safe from any water and moisture issues.

Understanding the Top 3 Basement Waterproofing Methods

by Waterproofing

A wet basement can be one of the worst nightmares of a homeowner. A small gush of water in the basement can cause significant troubles if not addressed immediately. In our previous post, we talked about the three primary basement waterproofing methods: interior, exterior, and drainage. Now, it is time for us to take a closer look at these three methods and learn more about them.

Interior Waterproofing

If you are looking for a cost-effective way to waterproof your basement, interior waterproofing is the best method for you. Aside from being inexpensive, it is also considered the most convenient manner. You have to ensure that any cracks or holes in your basement floors, walls, doors, and windows are correctly sealed and watertight. These places in the basement are where water usually enters; that is why it is crucial to make sure they are appropriately sealed to prevent water from making its way to your home. Sealants are available in the market which you can use to fill these cracks. These special sealants are generally effective, and some even come with warranties that tell you how effective the product is.

Using waterproofing sealants can also help reduce the humidity levels in the basement which can, in turn, prevent condensation. Sealants can be applied onto floors and walls to prevent water from entering. These coatings are really effective. However, they do not address the root cause of the problem, which is the moisture. In most cases, the real culprit is found in the exterior.

Exterior Waterproofing

Factors found outside of the home typically causes wet basements. When you are planning to waterproof your basement, it is imperative to inspect the outside of your basement walls. This method is more demanding compared to interior waterproofing but can be very effective. It is recommended to consult a professional contractor when you plan to do exterior waterproofing.

Excavating the ground around the home’s foundation is typically required with exterior waterproofing. For that reason, we can say that it involves more labor and equipment and can take a longer time to complete that interior waterproofing. A waterproof sealant should be applied to the exterior of the walls after excavating the soil surrounding your house. We usually use a polymer-based sealant which can last for the lifespan of the building. Exterior waterproofing is ideally done during construction.

With exterior waterproofing, it is also important to talk about gutter systems. Gutters are important to ensure rainwater is channeled away from your home instead of towards it. The key to successful and effective waterproofing is a proper installation. If the gutters are not properly installed or maintained, it can be counterproductive and cause you more harm than good. Avoid clogging of gutters by keeping them clean and free from debris.

Drainage Systems

Issues with moisture in the basement are usually caused by poor drainage. If you want to keep your basement dry, you have to install drainage properly. Drainage directs water from rain and ground away from the foundation of your home. Drainage systems can be done in different forms. You should start by assessing the ground around your house because soils have different ways to drain, depending on their type. Ensure that the soil around your home drains quickly and does not lock in moisture.

Don’t forget to inspect the drainage around your home because no two houses are the same. Make sure that the drainage surrounding your home is working correctly. The slope around your foundation should be in the direction away from the foundation of your home. It may also be necessary to install a sump pump which will collect water from the inside.

Make sure that these drainage systems will not fail in case of a power outage. Sump pump installation can be challenging and requires professional attention; that is why it is best to consult an expert if you think of using this type of waterproofing technique.

Which Method Should You Use?

Waterproofing methods can differ depending on each home. One way can be effective for one, but not for another. There are different factors to consider before using a specific waterproofing method, but the rule of thumb is, prevention is better than cure. Make sure to waterproof your basement before water makes its way inside your basement. Waterproofing is far less expensive than repair costs, so it is best to act early and fast before the problem gets worse.

You are not saving money by ignoring the issue; in fact, you are waiting for trouble to happen anytime. Basement waterproofing can differ in many ways; that is why we urge you to plan your action thoroughly so you can come up with the best solution for your situation.

Give importance to the most significant investment you have- your home. Prevent water from entering your home and discuss with a professional waterproofing contractor which method is best to use in your home.

Understanding the Top 3 Basement Waterproofing Methods, Part 1

by DiagnosisGeneralWaterproofingWaterproofing Methods

One of the worst things that can happen to a home is to have a wet basement. It may start as a small leak, but it can cause more serious damage if left unaddressed. Prevent moisture from coming in and keep your basement dry.

What are Common Reasons for Basement Moisture?

It is essential to understand how moisture comes into your basements to know how you can keep your basement dry. However, water can enter basements in ways that homeowners have no control over. Below are the most common reasons moisture makes its way to your basement:

Improper Soil and Drainage Systems

Persistent rain and groundwater that doesn’t drain correctly can cause a leak in your basement. If water is not redirected away from your home, water will saturate the ground and can enter your basement.

Incorrectly Installed and Maintained Gutters

If gutters are improperly installed in the beginning, they become too clogged to do its function. Water will not drain properly, and it can accumulate and cause leaks.

Improper Slope

The slope is essential to draw water away from your home and not towards it. Water will build up in your home’s foundation and cause water to enter your basement.

Hydrostatic Pressure

When water builds up in your home’s foundation that is when hydrostatic pressure happens. Water will try to escape when gravity pushes down on it, and it creates pressure that can lead to cracks to your walls or basement.

Cracks in the Basement

Breaks in any part of your home are an easy entry for water to flow inside your home.

Condensation

Damp places such as the basement can be home to mildew, mold, and cause other potential damages in the future.

Top 3 Basement Waterproofing Methods

After knowing the most common reasons that cause basement moisture, it’s time to learn how to prevent it. Below are the three principal methods to basement waterproofing:

Interior

Interior waterproofing is done to keep water out of the basement from the inside. This is typically used when an existing problem has been determined and needs immediate attention. Sealants and coatings are some of the materials used for interior waterproofing. Methods used to prevent condensation can also be done as interior waterproofing.

Exterior

As the term suggests, exterior waterproofing is a method done on the outside of your home. The primary purpose of this method is to block water and prevent it from making its way to your home. Exterior drainage systems and use of a waterproof barrier to coat the exterior walls are some methods used for this purpose.

Drainage

Problems in the drainage usually lead to basement moisture. The poor and damaged drainage system should be repaired for it to be fully functional again. You can also install a drainage system in your home if you have none yet.

Every situation is unique and requires a particular approach. You need to know what exact waterproofing problem is happening in your home so that an effective method can be used.  Call the basement waterproofing Syracuse trusts for professional yet affordable wet basement solutions.

Top 4 Reasons for Water Seepage in Syracuse NY

by Diagnosis

Picture of a customers basement flooded in Syracuse, NY

Water seepage can be inconvenient, mainly if it happens in your basement or the major problem occurs in the basement. Every homeowner dreams of a house that is far from seepage, however, homes are susceptible to leaks, especially if not waterproofed. If your basement is in trouble of leakage, you have to address the situation right away to prevent it from causing more concerns in the future.  We have listed four reasons for water seepage in the basement and walls.

1. Water pooling up at the basement

Make sure to check your walls and basement following wet seasons. Continuous rains can cause water to pool up beneath your walls. Check the ground and see it is clayey. If this is the case, there may be holes that can allow water to enter and build-up. There are cases when they form sticky mud that lies against your outer wall. The water from the space can penetrate your walls. If your walls are dry, they can suck the water in. Not only rain and moist in the soil can cause seepage in your walls but also your use of sprinklers when watering your plant.

2. Leaking drainage pipes and plumbing

It is alarming to see wet areas in your home, particularly your walls or basement, during the dry season. The first thing that you should consider checking is your drainage pipes and plumbing. They can be the culprit for the wet basement floor or walls in your home. Check if the pipes burst or are damaged and address the issue immediately if they are. The best thing to do if you find out there is a problem in the pipes and plumbing is to call the experts so they can take care of the problem immediately. If you let it sit there without doing something, you might find yourself in deeper trouble in the future.

3. Leaking Tanks

You should also consider the tanks around your property if there are wet spots in your home. Leaking tanks, as well as swimming pools, can be the reason why water seeps into your walls and basement. This scenario is typical among households that have pools installed that is why it should be considered even before the beginning of the construction of the house. In most cases, construction companies make sure that this doesn’t happen to homes. However, there are times that the situation cannot be helped. Even temporarily installed pools such as the inflatable ones can add to the leak to your basement and walls. Basement waterproofing may help, but it may not be enough.

4. Bathrooms and toilets

It is crucial that you ensure your bathroom tiles are in good condition because broken or damaged pipes can be an entry point for water seeping through your floors. Sadly, the leak doesn’t stay in your bathroom but finds its way to other parts of your home. Always remember that prevention is better than repair, so make a habit of checking your tiles to avoid future problems.