Basement Waterproofing is a common term that describes the range of services conducted to fix leaky basements. We very often get questions as to “How much will it cost to waterproof my basement?” That's the same as taking your car right into a dealer and asking, “How much does it cost to fix my vehicle?” The answer is usually, “It depends upon what's needed”.
Step one in basement waterproofing is always to identify the origin of the leak. This can usually be achieved by consulting with the home owner to determine how, when, and where the issue occurs. When the basement is unfinished, analysis is much easier simply because water leaves a trail. Be certain, however, as your Basement Water proofing experts are also well educated to help you find the origin of the problem in a finished basement.
A large amount of our leaky and wet basement repairs include sealing foundation wall cracks in poured concrete foundations (poured concrete is easily the most common type of foundation in the Drifting, PA region). Cracks are easily visible in an unfinished basement; seeping cracks leave water stains on the foundation wall. In a finished basement, the identification starts by determining the area where water first makes its way into the basement, then searching the outside for a crack. Most cracks extend to the top of the foundation wall, that is normally exposed above the soil line. We handle these complaints to stop the issues associated with wet and leaky basements. Our repair and sump pump service may be the only way to handle a flooded basement.
An additional common leaky basement waterproofing issue is when the source of seepage reaches the cove joint, floor and wall meet. Usually this is caused by hydrostatic pressure, which takes place when the water table rises after extented rain or snow melt. The accumulated weight of water in the earth (8 pounds per gallon) forces water beneath the footing and up to the basement causing the damp, wet and leaky basement. The very best solution to this kind of problem is the installation of a Drain Tile System, with a sump pump utilized to discharge the water. The drain tile (called a French drain in some places) relieves the hydrostatic pressure by providing a pretty simple path for the water to escape, thus removing the water pressure so that the seepage problem goes away completely. The problem can be treated from either the interior or exterior.
Sometimes the diagnosis will show water on its way over the top of the foundation, through the mortar joint between the brick that sits atop the foundation wall. This situation occurs because the exterior grade was made up above the top of the foundation wall, either by earth or by the previous construction of driveways, walks or patios. This can easily be confirmed by running a garden hose on the ground alongside the area in question. Water will usually enter the basement quickly, so we recommend that you stand-by ready to turn off the water at a moment notice.
Often, lowering the grade is not a possible option in these instances. We usually recommend that an Exterior Subsoil Membrane be applied to the below grade portion of the wall in situations like this. It only needs to cover the wall from the soil line down and overlap the foundation by about 6 inches. Membranes are also very effective for waterproofing brick and stone foundations.
There are numerous alternative methods water can enter a basement, as well. The real key to waterproofing your basement starts with properly diagnosing the cause of the problem. We offer a zero cost appointment and estimate by a qualified and knowledgeable Basement Advisor as the starting point in basement waterproofing. Contact us and set up an consultation. See what some of our customers have to say.
Basement drains come in many shapes and sizes, some which work better than others. Basement drains also have many names, including drain tile, weeping tile, French drain, interior footing drain, and other names. The best way to keep your basement dry all the time is to install a drainage system on the inside perimeter of your basement. An interior system can bypass the expense and damage to your yard that is caused by an exterior drainage system. Interior systems cost half as much, install in 1-2 days, and are installed with no need to excavate the outside of your home.
To install a basement drain inside your home, we will run a drainage system across all leaking walls and ideally along the entire perimeter. Once the water is collected, it's directed to a sump pump, which discharges the water out and away from the house.
All basement drains are not alike, and some work much better than others. Basement Technologies would like to share with you some of the features of the best basement drains -- and why our system is the one for you.
Call us at 814-834-9757 or
1-800-287-9364 for a FREE ESTIMATE.