Tag Archives: common water problems

Hurricane Season Ends this Month, Waterproof Your VA Home

Hurricane Season In Virginia

Waterproofing Virginia during hurricane seasonVirginia has had its share of bad weather, ranging from tropical storms to hurricanes. Hurricanes, like hurricane Sandy, were destructive causing blackouts and basement flooding. That’s why it is important to waterproof your home to prevent these disasters from recurring during hurricane season. At Reliable Waterproofing, we offer quality basement waterproofing in Virginia to keep your home habitable and dry.

Hurricane season ends late Nov., but it is still wise to be thinking about next year. Nature can cause devastating results, but there are ways you can prevent basement flooding during the hurricane season. Take these preventative tips to protect your home.

  • Sump pump: Make sure your sump pump is properly working or invest in a high horsepower sump pump that is made to handle flooding. If you don’t own a sump pump, hire one of our experts to install one. Our heavy duty sump pumps will pump water out of your home to prevent basement flooding.
  • Backup Sump Pump: Ordinary sump pumps depend on electricity from your home. If the power goes out during a storm, so does the normal sump pump. However, a backup sump pump continues to run because it is powered by a battery. Reliable Waterproofing installs effective battery-powered sump pumps to keep your basement safe and dry during hurricane season.
  • Yard Drainage: The outside of your home may contribute to basement flooding. If your home sits in a low area, water will flow towards your foundation. In the event of a hurricane, your basement will flood. Our team of waterproofing experts can install a drainage system to direct water from your home.
  • Gutters and Downspouts: Clogged gutters filled with debris and leaves can cause water to accumulate around your foundation. Make sure your gutters are cleaned out on a regular basis to control water run-off and prevent soil erosion around your foundation.
  • Foundation Issues: Cracks in basement walls and floors should be repaired immediately to prevent water seepage and leaks. If untreated, cracks will become wider allowing pests and other critters into your basement. Also, you can avoid basement flooding and pooling water by hiring out team to install a waterproofing system in your Virginia home.

What are the dangers of having a flooded basement? Water damage can slowly destroy your home’s foundation, crawlspace and basement walls. Waiting to make repairs will only exacerbate the problem, causing you to spend more money on repairs and replacing damaged personal possessions.

Some homeowners may experience health issues like allergic reactions, asthma and lung infections. Flooded basements can also compromise your home’s structure, electrical units and heating equipment. Other dangers include:

  • Wood rot
  • Condensation
  • Metal rust
  • Foundation cracks
  • Basement mold and mildew 
  • Crawl space mold and mildew
  • Foundation crumbling, flaking and chipping

Waterproofing Solutions in Virginia

If you are looking for a waterproofing system to protect your home from hurricane floods, then you come to the right place. Af Reliable, we offer sump pumps, sump pits, interior drainage systems and exterior drainage systems. Our waterproofing products are made by Earth Contact Products (ECP), the leading manufacturer in waterproofing and underpinning so you’re getting the latest on the market. They are designed to protect your basement or crawlspace from excess water around your foundation.

However, there are a number of benefits of having a professionally waterproofed basement in Virginia.

  • Reduces energy costs by sealing cracks and air leaks
  • Prevents health risks caused by toxic mold
  • Increases the value of your home 
  • Increases the space of your home so you can convert your basement into an extra living space

Waterproofing your basement will give you peace of mind, so you don’t have to worry everytime it rains. No more mopping floors and replacing carpet! Call Reliable Waterproofing today if you need waterproofing in Virginia. We proudly serve cities within the 100 mile radius of Richmond, VA.

Common Water Problems in Richmond, VA

What are the most Common Water Problems in Virginia?

wet-basement-blogWhen you discover water in your basement, it is time to act quickly. Common water problems like wet basements can cause mold growth, damage furnishings, structure damage, and affect your health. Without proper waterproofing, the problem will get worse over time. At Reliable Waterproofing and Masonry, we can identify the source of your water issues to prevent water damage to your home. We are the waterproofing experts for the residents in Richmond, VA and the surrounding cities.

So what causes damp basements, and how can they be prevented in the first place? The most common causes of wet basement are due to the following issues:

  • Leaky Basements – Leaks are caused by clogged gutters and drains. Improper downspouts also cause leaks through basement walls from outside or down the ceiling from upper rooms.
  • Water in Yard – Pooling water in your yard causes basement floods and leaks. Make sure you have proper drainage to allow water to divert away from the foundation.
  • Water Seepage – Excess water causes wall cracks and settlement. As the water builds up, it presses against the basement walls causing cracking. Water seeps through the cracks, creating water puddles on your basement floor.
  • Cracks – Cracks can form on doors, walls, window frames or floors. Also look for soft spots and discolorations on the walls.
  • Condensation – Condensation usually occurs during the summer. During hot summers, the basement becomes cool making the humidity levels rise. This can also be caused by water vapor in the basement from washing.
  • Poor soil conditions – Poor soil conditions can cause soil erosion
  • Plumbing leaks – This could lead to soil erosion and settlement.

Look for signs that you have water problems. They can determine the type of water issue your home is having and locate the source. Some indicators include:

  • Rust stains
  • Insect infestation
  • Wood rot
  • Mold and mildew
  • Mineral deposits on surfaces
  • Water stains or dampness
  • Stained carpet

If you have any of these issues, give us a call so we can inspect your home.

Solutions for your Common Water Problems in Richmond, VA

waterproofing-homeOne of the best ways to reduce water problems in your home is to get a basement waterproofing system. Our company provides free estimates with accurate information about waterproofing. We offer the following waterproofing systems:

  • Sump Pumps – removes water that is collected into the sump basin or pit
  • Battery Backup Sump Pumps – protects against flooding when your power goes out
  • Sump Pits – the unique design of the sump pit makes the sump pump system more efficient and effective
  • Interior Drainage Systems – a water management system that relieves excess water from surrounding the foundation and directs it to the sump pump system
  • Exterior Drainage Systems – used to divert water away from the foundation and prevents settlement

All of the waterproofing solutions are ways to prevent water problems from occurring in your basement. We’ll find the best solution that fits your waterproofing needs. We understand that every waterproofing issue is different. Contact us for a free estimate. We service Richmond, Virginia and the surrounding cities.

Northern Virginia Foundation Repair and Waterproofing Solutions

Reliable Serves all of Northern Virginia for Foundation and Waterproofing Needs

Reliable is well known for their masonry solutions in Virginia. But did you know we also offer the highest quality Northern Virginia foundation repair solutions and waterproofing solutions in Northern Virginia? Virginia is known for heavy rain falls throughout the year. This can wreak havoc on foundations and basements. Water will find the path of least resistance, and if you have foundation cracks, wall cracks, bowing or leaning walls, or other foundation problems, you are going to end up with a wet basement.

So How can Reliable Help with Northern Virginia Foundation Repair Solutions?

We can inspect the inside and outside of your home. We will look for the problems that are signs of a need for Northern Virginia foundation repair. We will look for the following things inside your Northern Virginia home:

Outside we will look for:

If we see these signs, we will find the best solution for your home and budget. There are many different options for both waterproofing and foundation repair.

Waterproofing Solutions for Norther VirginiaSump pumps remove water from wet basements in Northern Virginia

We offer both interior and exterior waterproofing solutions. If water builds up around or under your foundation it could find it’s way into your home. We can use a combination of solutions to resolve this. Sump pumps can pump water out and away from your home’s foundation. We use battery backup sump pumps to ensure that you are protected even when the power goes out. We can install a drainage system from inside to the outside of your home to assist in moving water away from your foundation and toward the street. We offer the highest quality in sump pumps and sump pits and drainage products from Earth Contact Products. With our service and ECP products you can be sure that your basement will remain dry.

Helical Tieback Wall Anchors Add Support for Bowing Walls in Northern VirginiaNorthern Virginia Foundation Repair Solutions

Reliable offers underpinning products that can add support and lift for foundations that are settling and sinking. Helical piers and resistance piers from ECP can be installed easily and without much disturbance to your yard and home. Slab piers can be installed to lift your concrete slab and level it out if there has been settlement or sinking with your garage slab or slab foundation. We will find the right foundation repair product for your specific situation and to fit your budget. Call Reliable today to learn all about our Northern Virginia foundation repair products and solutions. We are a trusted foundation contractor in the Northern Virginia area, and we only use the most trusted products from ECP. We look forward to helping you protect the investment you have in your Northern Virginia home.