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.