Basement Waterproofing
When you have wet basement problems with many vulnerable spaces that leak water and moisture, it may be time to to address the issues with professional help. Certified technicians and engineers from our company are experienced in the many problems concerning basement waterproofing and the effects they have on your home. Structural integrity is a primary concern depending on the nature of your water problem and how much has penetrated within your basement. There are many vulnerable areas that cause increased leaks and stress on the surrounding concrete, such as wall cracks, cove joints, and the top of your foundation wall (where ground level meets the basement wall). These are common areas that our company looks at for understanding your unique situation, and to determine which basement waterproofing system will be required to mitigate and solves these weak points.
Is Your Basement Leaking?
Leaking basements can often be overlooked as a normal problem due to the common nature of basements. They are subject to water leaks from being located underground where water has easier access compared to the rest of your home. Drain pipes can often create a perception that minor puddles of water are normal and to be expected. However, any water leak or flood is considered dangerous to your home for many reasons. This is why basement waterproofing your home is important, and must be addressed before serious structural damages occur. The best way to know if you're basement leaks, is if you're seeing water protruding from walls of floors, or if you're noticing small pools or puddles of water.
Why Do Basements Leak?
There are many reasons that basements leak water. This comes from various aspects and variables that are associated with your unique circumstance of climate, basement level, surrounding soil conditions, subterranean soil conditions, yard slope, concrete integrity, how the concrete was poured or created, etc. The list goes on; and any one of these elements or factors is subject to producing water problems.
The most common problems that cause basements to leak is direct relation to hydrostatic pressure. When rain falls, or natural build-up of water within the surrounding soil of your basement persists, the pressure between your basement wall and the swelling soil/water grows. This can become an enormous amount of pressure, causing cracks on your walls. This can also cause the tiny gap between your wall and floor (also known as a cove-joint) to be forced open for water to leak through.
Sometimes the structural integrity of your foundation may be the problem. Your foundation may be deteriorating from weak soil conditions that can't handle the weight of your home. When these shifts in foundation settlement become too harsh, this can cause cracks which allow water to leak through your walls and floors.
What Is The Solution? Basement Waterproofing Systems
Basement leaks have several levels of extremity. Depending on how much water is leaking, and the amount of pressure, will determine which basement waterproofing system we use. A waterproofing system is designed to mitigate water away from your home and foundation, while alleviating the hydrostatic pressure at the same time. We have three different systems available depending on your unique situation.
Our SafeTrack™ Water Control System is a non-invasive, low profile system that helps mitigate excess water. These are generally smaller leaks that can be easily apprehended with this smaller system. The SafeTrack™ is also designed to be installed without any excavation needed within your basement. This can be installed much easier than our other systems, and is beneficial for homeowners in the early stages of basement leaks.
Our SafeDrain™ Waterproofing System is a bit more advanced, requiring some minor excavation for the installation. This system goes underneath your concrete floor to mitigate even more water - draining larger amounts of water than the SafeTrack™. This may be necessary if your surrounding water conditions are a bit more advanced than other homes.
Our SafeBasements™ Complete Waterproofing System with our multi-flow component is for the most dire of circumstance. Where water has become a major problem from various sources and reasons, we use this complete system to provide the ultimate protection. It utilizes similar concepts and components from our SafeDrain™, except we also include the multi-flow piping that can handle the largest amount of water flow.
Do You Have Cracks In Your Basement Walls?
If you're experiencing cracks in your basement walls, this may be cause for alarm. Basement wall cracks can be caused by two different aspects: a foundation settlement problem or a water problem. Wall cracks can be created by hydrostatic pressure from water build-up, causing stress and fractures on the concrete wall.
Reliable Solutions for Wall Cracks
When this is diagnosed as a water problem by our technicians, we can use different solutions depending on which will be most beneficial and cost-effective for your home. Different problems can be solved with simpler solutions. Our professionals will consider every variable to find the best system and method for your wall cracks.
Our solutions for wall cracks consist of our Shotcrete™ sealant that seals the gaps of cracks. If the crack is small and minor, no further structural repair will be necessary.
Our wall anchors will address bowing and bent basement walls that are caving inwards from excessive hydrostatic pressure. Using wall anchors will realign and stabilize the wall back into place.
Our wall braces and carbon fibers will help realign wall cracks back into place, and is a simpler alternative to wall anchors. Carbon fibers and wall braces continuously apply pressure over time to keep your cracks from expanding, and close the gap.
Our basement waterproofing systems will alleviate the hydrostatic pressure by draining the water surrounding your basement wall. This helps ease the wall crack and remove potential leaks.
Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are the best waterproofing system combined with a drain pipe. Our basement waterproofing systems work along side a sump pump to 'pump-out' excess water through local sewage lines. This is the best method for dealing with basement leaks and floods, where free-flowing water is a continuous problems.
Hazards of Water Leaks
There are many dangerous aspects of wet basements and water leaks that may surprise homeowners. While pools of water in your basement may be unsightly and irritating to step over on a daily basis, there are more hazardous concerns that threaten your home. Water leaks are a direct result of vulnerable weak points in your concrete and foundation. Over time, water can deteriorate concrete structures from continuous exposure. Water leaks are also based on what is formally called "hydrostatic pressure". This pressure is the amount of water and soil pressing against your foundation wall, causing it to stress, crack, and cave-in. If the pressure is even further underground, it can cause 'shifts' in your foundation - causing your home to move in small increments, which then leads to foundation cracks. And lastly, water leaks underneath your basement floor can cause cracks as well, causing further structural deterioration.
Other Risks
Another concern is the amount of moisture and vapor in the air. This is a common problem that causes the growth of mold, which is harmful in itself. Mold becomes an issue when spores grow and accumulate in an enclosed space, such as a basement. Mold is hazardous to families, with many health risks involved from over-exposure. Mold will also deteriorate dead organic material over time, such as wooden support beams and concrete.