When you spot dirt coming through basement wall cracks, you need to hire a basement waterproofing contractor. Although you see dirt, its presence means moisture can also enter the basement through the same cracks. Another type of problem involves older homes featuring dirt wall basements or natural stone walls.
How to Fix Dirt Basement Walls
These older wall types appear in many older homes when the homeowner dug the basement and built the house over it. As homespun as that sounds today, most homes used this construction method 100 years ago or more. Adding a basement drainage system and a plastic water vapor barrier inside the basement helps alleviate the problem of a leaky basement with dirt walls. Adding a sump pump helps, too.
How to Waterproof Outside Walls
Obtain waterproofing quotes from local basement waterproofing contractors for waterproofing the exterior walls. This process includes excavating the area around the home to replace the drain tile, filter sock, edge drain, and crushed rock around the foundation’s edge. It also adds an asphalt-based foundation sealant and a drain mat to the home’s exterior at the basement level. The waterproofing crew then refills the excavated area with new dirt. After a few weeks, you can re-landscape the area.
If you’ve noticed dirt coming through basement wall after heavy rain or snowfall, you probably need waterproofing and foundation crack repairs. These renovations can be expensive, but investing in them will help you avoid bigger problems in the long run. Ignoring the issue won’t solve or make it go away. It’s time to address them head-on.
A house is typically the biggest asset someone owns. It’s a life-long commitment and possible inheritance for relatives. Therefore, it must be taken care of, so any responsible homeowner will begin by calling a company or service to get their waterproofing quotes. The contractors may need to visit your property to see the extent of the damage. Sometimes, it’s not as terrible as you imagine, and the cost won’t be astronomical. However, you should be prepared for a hit to your savings or emergency funds.
During their consultation, ask them how to waterproof outside walls and how to fix dirt basement walls. It’ll help you understand the kind of knowledge and expertise they have, so you can hire them confidently. Having that reassurance will ease your concerns with regard to spending a significant amount of money. Let’s find out more about why you should waterproof your basement.
Many basements will eventually have problems with flooding. It doesn’t even have to rain very heavily for that to happen. You might end up checking the basement regularly for signs of a flood. There’s only so much you can do to prevent water from getting to the basement at all, although it’s important to use all the relevant techniques that are currently available. Waterproofing contracting companies can help you make your basement more resilient and less likely to be affected by water in general.
There are plenty of effective water repellents that you can use. You can find a stormproof water repellent that should be durable enough to last for a while. Contractors can offer you plenty of important waterproofing details. The right products can help you protect different parts of the basement from floodwater. The construction of the basement can also make a difference.
If you’re already renovating your basement, you might decide to make it more water-resistant this time. You’ll have the chance to update your basement floors, which are often strongly affected by floods. People are getting textured waterproof vinyl plank flooring installed now. A basement that has these features and others will be less likely to get damaged in a flood.
Updated 5/16/22
A common cause why basements are infiltrated with water is because of gutters that are clogged or misguided. A major question that circles the mind of many people is “can I waterproof my own basement?” The moment a basement floods, your home, and belongings, including you, are at risk. Sometimes, in most cases, your insurance company may not have the capability to recover all your property. So if you want to avoid your belongings getting lost or spending lots of funds on home repairs, you have to take a counteractive measure and waterproof your entire house.
Waterproofing your home, particularly the basement, is done to defend it against mild or moisture. Its main objective is to prevent water from entering the basement of your home. Some of the benefits of waterproofing include the prevention of water damaging your home’s foundation due to flooding. It also helps to get rid of mold growth and prevents it from advancing to other areas of your home. Sealing your basement also contributes to lower energy bills because of its ability to prevent cold air and water from leaking which may damage your HVAC system.
You consult with basement waterproofing companies to get complete roofing and waterproofing services. They will provide the correct waterproofing materials suppliers needed for watertight waterproofing. Reach out to a waterproofing company today if you want to receive the best quality waterproofing services for your basement.
The cost of basement waterproofing can make some people uncertain about whether it’s really worth it. Yet basement waterproofing specialists have seen it all, from damaged window wells to home structural failure. Everyone wants to avoid structural failure, right? You can pay for water damage repair after the fact, but it’s cheaper (and smarter) to keep the problem from ever happening. Here are some facts that you can use to make sure your basement stays dry and intact.
Indoor Humidity
Mold is a common issue in overly humid basements. Ideally, indoor humidity should be between 30% and 50%, and a maximum of 60%, to prevent mold from forming.
Sump Pump
Sump pumps are one of the most popular drainage solutions on the market. All sump pumps should have a backup power source in case the electricity goes out. A standard sump pump is 1/3 horsepower, which is powerful enough to remove 1,800 to 2,200 gallons an hour, but for greater volumes a 1/2 horsepower pump will be needed. Furthermore, if your pump is more than 10 years old, or you notice it being unresponsive when the water level rises, it’s time to purchase a replacement.
Foundation Problems
Water damage accounts for approximately 23% of all property damage for American homeowners, and water damage done to the house’s foundation is among the most expensive kinds? commonly ranging between five and 10 thousand dollars. Compared to this, the cost of basement waterproofing isn’t so bad. Outside of the basement, make sure that your downspouts are clean and that they direct water at least 10 feet away from the house’s foundation, and that the ground surface around the house is positively graded away from foundation walls.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, the cost of basement waterproofing is a small price to pay when you consider the nightmare of repairing your home’s basement or foundation after water damage has already occurred. For people living in flood prone areas, this is especially important. Don’t wait til it’s too late? invest in good basement waterproofing today.
