Spring has officially sprung. Temperatures are rising, we’re starting to see more sun. With that, any remaining snow and ice are melting away. All of this is good news for us humans, but that water runoff can cause problems for our homes. Too often, this melting will saturate the soil, and force that water into our basements. Even if the snow-melt doesn’t cause leaks, spring rainstorms can overwhelm that over-saturated soil. Whether the cause is falling rain or melting snow, lots of homeowners can expect a leaking basement this spring.
What can you do to prevent waking up to water in your basement? There are a few different waterproofing options to consider, but before you make any decisions why not get a free professional quote to help you determine the best solution for your home? Just give us a call at 440-834-8252 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free quote. We’ll take a look at your situation and give you a professional assessment of the best way to waterproof your basement.
Don’t make basement waterproofing decisions blindly — let the experienced professionals at Ray Arnold Masonry & General Contracting help you determine what option is best for your home.
Do-It-Yourself Solutions
There are plenty of jobs that homeowners can do themselves. Generally speaking, basement waterproofing isn’t one of them. While anyone can go to the hardware store and purchase a few gallons of a waterproofing solution or paint, using the wrong solution or applying it improperly can actually make moisture problems worse over time!
If you have masonry walls in your basement, the misapplication of a waterproofing solution can hasten the deterioration of the brick and mortar. If improperly waterproofed, concrete walls can suffer from their own problems.
Even if a waterproofing paint or solution is sufficient for your basement, we still recommend that a professional take a look to ensure your home gets the treatment it needs and that it is properly applied.
Outdoor Waterproofing
The most common waterproofing technique that most people think of is outdoor waterproofing. This method is very effective to prevent water from penetrating your home, and it works equally well on basements with concrete or masonry walls.
When we do exterior waterproofing, we begin by removing the dirt from around your house. With the basement walls exposed, we apply a water barrier that deflects moisture away from the exterior walls. Then, we fill the area we excavated around the basement wall with gravel to support improved drainage. In many cases, we also install either a footer drain or a sump pump, which reduces the pressure put on the walls by standing water, reducing the likelihood of future cracks or leaks.
Outdoor waterproofing works well for many homes and is one of the most effective ways to prevent water intrusion in your basement. It isn’t the perfect solution for every home, however, and in those instances, we often recommend indoor waterproofing.
Indoor Waterproofing
If exterior waterproofing won’t work for your home, you can still protect your basement. Interior waterproofing solutions are also incredibly effective at preventing water intrusion. To install these solutions, we start by digging a small channel along the inside of your basement walls running alongside the foundation footers.
Inside this channel, we install a drainage system to collect any water that makes its way in through the exterior basement walls. Specialized membranes are attached to the walls to guide moisture into that channel. That will then direct water to a sump pump system that will pump water outside, and away from your home.
We then cover the drainage channel with new concrete. In some cases, we cover your walls with a waterproofing solution. Sometimes it’s necessary to erect new interior walls, but that varies from home to home.
Which Waterproofing Solution is Right?
It’s difficult to decide what waterproofing solution to use in your basement. While exterior waterproofing is the only method recognized by the International Building Code. It doesn’t mean it’s the best solution for your home. In our experience, interior waterproofing provides protection from water leaks. This is especially true for older homes with stone foundations were digging outside can cause damage to the foundation.
It’s challenging to determine which waterproofing solution is right for your home. That’s why a professional consultation is so important. It will save you time, money, and lots of hassle in the long run.
Ready to consider having your basement waterproofed? Let the experienced professionals at Ray Arnold Masonry & General Contracting take a look at your basement and help you choose the best solution for your home. The best part? Our quote is 100 percent free. Call us at 440-834-8252 or fill out our contact form to schedule your quote today.