Have you been struggling with waterproofing problems for years on end now? It doesn’t seem to matter what you do, the water just keeps coming back? Have you tried crawl space encapsulation methods only for them to fail? If your outlook is glum for basement waterproofing, it’s time to look at the full waterproofing package: interior drainage and exterior drainage. A complete package of waterproofing on the interior and exterior along with an inspection of your foundation for cracks will provide you with peace of mind and a dry basement.
Foundation Cracks
Before anything else, you need to get your foundation inspected for any cracks or damage that may be the root cause of your water problems. These cracks can let in water, moisture, and even pests. They can also cause instability in your foundation which could lead to eventual bowing walls and collapse. Your foundation is never something to mess around with or try DIY solutions–you should always call a professional, like Reliable Waterproofing & Masonry, for their expert advice and assistance. Fixing foundation cracks may fix all of your problems. Always have your foundation inspected first thing if you have persistent waterproofing problems.
Interior Drainage and Waterproofing
Interior waterproofing is probably the most familiar type of waterproofing for most people because that’s usually the first option. A sump pump, crawl space encapsulation, etc. These are all methods that can be used for interior waterproofing in your home. Crawl space encapsulation is one of the best methods to keep out water and moisture because there is a layer between your home and the soil. However, if the land your home is sitting on is not graded correctly, there might be problems with water pooling in lower areas of your basement or crawl space. We can work with this by correcting the grading issue and installing a sump pump system for added security and assurance that if any water does enter your basement or crawl space, you will not have to deal with it.
Interior waterproofing is necessary, in almost all cases, to make sure that no water is in your basement or crawl space, but many waterproofing companies won’t go the extra mile to assure you that your waterproofing woes are behind you. Interior drainage systems, like sump pumps, are not waterproofing. They are a security system in case water does end up entering your basement through some means (usually cracks in the walls). Exterior drainage systems need to be considered as well when you have persistent waterproofing problems.
Exterior Drainage Systems
Exterior drainage systems can include grading the yard so that soil is higher near the home and lower away from the home. This assures that water that drains from gutters, which should have downspouts at least five feet away from the side of the home, and other sources will not cause water to soak into the soil directly above or beside your foundation. This water can cause hydrostatic pressure on the side of the foundation or it can enter through any cracks that you may have. Neither of these is a good option for your basement or crawl space.
Another option is a drain system in your yard. If your yard is persistently collecting water and becoming a swamp every time it rains, there are some steps that you can take to prevent it and to prevent it from affecting your foundation. We can advise you on the best drainage system for your yard that will be most effective at taking water away from your home and redirecting it to other areas so that your yard and your foundation are not constantly covered in water.
Dual Approach Waterproofing Outcomes
This type of dual waterproofing and drainage system approach, along with a prior inspection and fix of any foundation problems, will assure you that your water problems are most likely far behind you. While there can be extenuating circumstances, in most cases, this dual approach will help you finally get rid of the worry and frustration that comes with water in the basement or crawl space. Give us a call today to get started!