The basement is usually the building area most at risk of water damage as it is situated at the lowest level and is surrounded by soil. Soil has moisture content and discharges water absorbed during rain, and the water ends up in the basement through cracks or leaks. Therefore, properly waterproofing the basement reduces the risk of damage caused by water or moisture.
Introduction to Basement Waterproofing?
Floors and walls in rooms underground level have a higher risk of damp lateral penetration by either capillary action or hydrostatic pressure. These forms of water can be easily avoided using professional basement waterproofing services that transform vaults, basements, and cellars into comfortable living areas.
The drainage system includes a high-density studded and extruded membrane, which performs as a dry lining to floors, walls, and ceilings with an air gap. This enables the free movement of water into the drainage system for emptying outside the building. The water is evacuated through pump installation or natural drainage without entering the structure. The interior wall is either a gypsum board dry linings or coating directly onto the membrane. The floor finish is either timber or screed boarded.
Basement Drainage System implementation is another vital aspect of safeguarding your property’s structure. By efficiently managing excess water around your foundation, a robust drainage system helps prevent moisture buildup, thus minimizing the risk of structural damage and ensuring a dry and stable basement environment for years to come. Protecting the structure of your home is essential for its integrity and value preservation.
What causes foundation cracks?
Soil expansion
Some soils expand when wet and push against the edges of your foundation. The added weight results in horizontal gaps, causing basement walls to bend.
Tree roots
The roots of trees cause damage by diminishing moisture from the soil under the foundation, making a cracked and uneven base. In addition, tree roots alone push and expand cracks into a basement wall. Nevertheless, tree root transpiration is almost certain to occur.
Loose, unsettled soil
Loam is a consistent soil comprising sand, clay, and silt. It efficiently supports foundations as it upholds water at a stable rate. But, when loose soil is under the basement, it adjusts and moves as per the weight above it. This is a result of poor engineering and causes stair-step or vertical cracks. The uneven settlement requires foundation repair as it causes severe structural problems.
The freezing and melting cycle and natural disasters
During winters, wet soil shrinks and expands when it freezes and melts. Thus, the soil cracks and upheave the foundation from below. Moreover, massive natural disasters like flooding, landslides, or earthquakes impact the foundation. In the worst scenario, a waterproofing basement might not be enough to save a building, based on the severity of the disaster.
Poor concrete mix and reinforcement
Concrete walls with not enough rebar are likely to crumble and crack. Additionally, poorly mixed or bad-quality concrete makes structural issues with time.
Concrete shrinkage cracks are non-structural cracks in poured concrete. They’re very common. You should even expect them. However, because they’re non-structural, they don’t affect the concrete’s ability to do what it’s supposed to do.
Engineering mistakes
It takes careful calculations to build a good foundation. A foundation cannot support the building if there are any mistakes. Poor basement waterproofing services puts a dent in repairing a home with engineering failures.
Plumbing issues
Basement water leaks from broken or old pipes cause the development of moisture around and under the foundation walls, resulting in cracks.
Thin cracks are not a cause for stress as they are common in older buildings. However, other types of cracks involve a professional review. For example, stair-step cracks and splits broader than 1/4 of an inch require an evaluation.
Finding the right basement waterproofing service
Check Reviews, Then Check Credential
As you look for basement waterproofing services, start with customer reviews. While it’s true that customers unhappy with services are more likely to post a review on a company’s website than those happy customers, professionals often pick only the best reviews for their websites. Looking at both reviews gives you a full picture of previous customers. You can also reach out to the reviewers and ask them about their experiences. Don’t forget to ask about important things like staying under budget and timeline estimations, as well as how the expert worked once you initiate the process of looking for contractors and then actually getting in touch with them. You should ask for the workers’ IDs to verify them with the proper agencies.
Speak to them in person
For the most part, waterproofing basement service providers can’t or won’t give a quotation without coming out to check the project themselves. At that time, be with them and take time to talk to the experts. They will measure and note that you can see yourself but don’t necessarily have to have questions. Once that is done, ask some project questions and details, including the estimated deadline, their concerns over supply chain problems, their insurance, or anything that you think will be beneficial for your project.
Directly compare quotes
Once you have numerous quotes, do a comparison. Make sure that the same scope of work covers the prices. If one is lower, there are some missing factors that the other ones include. Have that service provider add it to the contract if they say it is included before you sign.
Benefits of basement waterproofing
Water in the basement causes various health hazards and structural damage making basement waterproofing significant. Advantages of basement waterproofing include:
Protect the structure
When it comes to enhancing the longevity of your foundation, consider the significance of Waterproofing A Foundation Wall. This proactive measure not only shields your investment from potential water-related issues but also contributes to the overall durability of your home. Secure your property and fortify its resilience by addressing water-related concerns through comprehensive waterproofing solutions.
For anyone, homes are the largest investment. So, it must be protected from expensive damages. When water gains entry to your basement, it leaks from different areas of your home and harms your walls, basement, and different parts of the building. By effectively waterproofing the basement, you can protect subterranean assets.
Avoid dangerous health risks.
Humidity and water in one place for a long time cause mold growth. This mold can seriously affect the health of your family. The poisonous black-colored mold causes serious respiratory problems, chronic fatigue, skin irritation, dry cough, etc.
Preventing basement flooding
Installing a proper drainage system, sealing foundation cracks, and sump pumps reduce basements’ floods.
Increase the space value of your basement
Basements are mostly used as storage space by many homeowners. Unfortunately, this is a huge space you might be wasting on bacteria, mold growth, and leakage. By basement waterproofing services, you are adding a healthy and usable space to your home, eventually raising your property’s value.
In short, a basement waterproofing service is something all homeowners must consider. Hire experts who provide you with wide-ranging waterproofing services for commercial and residential basements.
