The Importance of Basement Waterproofing

Wet, damp basements lead to diminished property values due to the loss of potential storage and living space for both homeowners and business owners. Those wet conditions also give cause for a host of health concerns, which are associated with wet, damp crawl spaces and basements. Homeowners and business owners benefit from waterproofing their basements and crawl spaces by protecting their home, their health, and retaining the value of their home or business.

Unfortunately, most homeowners won’t realize the potential loss in home property value until it’s time to sell, plus selling a home with a leaky basement will cause many potential buyers to turn away, leaving your home on the market longer. Regardless of whether you plan on staying or selling, make an investment in your home by correcting the water problem in your basement and crawl space.

Call someone you can trust. Call someone with 15 years’ experience. And call someone recommended by local structural engineers. Call us today…for a free estimate! 

The interior French drain system is perhaps the most recommended and installed system by drainage contractors to correct water seepage into your basement, particularly from the cove joint (floor and wall seam) and basement floor cracks. The system is simple by design, yet very effective for collecting water and relieving hydrostatic pressure (pressure exerted by a fluid) from under the floor and around the foundation walls.

The system, which is installed below grade at the foundation’s footer along the perimeter of the basement wall(s), consists of: perforated drain tile, washed stone, geotextile cloth, and a sump pump to discharge the water collected by the system. See, simple by design…and just about every drainage company installs it, or some variation of it. But if every waterproofing company can, and is, installing them, what separates us from them? We think it’s our choice of materials, and more importantly, our workmanship!

Exterior French drain systems work on the same principle as an interior system. However, there are a few subtle differences in the installation process. Often, drainage contractors will avoid using these systems due to the extent of excavation involved and cost. Should this system be your only option to correct the water issue, we use our unique installation process, which incorporates NDS EZflow pro bundles. This system might also use waterproofing products such as a polyethylene membrane. 

Pro Tip: Keeping your basement and crawl space dry starts above grade. Yes, that’s right, most water-related issues in your basement can be traced to above-ground problems. Poor grading, improper gutter size for roof runoff, and open downspouts around your home’s foundation are some of the main culprits for damp and wet basements. 

Have these areas checked and corrected first, before considering any major basement waterproofing alternatives for your below-grade spaces. If you need assistance identifying problem areas above grade… call us!