Tag Archives: foundation failure

Hydrostatic Pressure – What is it, and Can you Prevent it?

Hydrostatic Pressure Causes Wet Basements and Cracked Basement/Foundation Walls

Prevent wet basements, bowing basement walls and cracked foundation walls by waterproofing your homeDoes your basement flood due to cracks? Do you notice a musty odor in your home? If you are encountering these issues, your home may be experiencing hydrostatic pressure. Hydrostatic pressure is a natural process that causes foundation failure over time. Basement walls may start to bow or lean, forming cracks throughout the home’s structure.

What is hydrostatic pressure? Hydro means ‘water’, and static means ‘fixed or stable’. Homes built on clay soil tend to have higher water levels because clay absorbs water. As water seeps into the soil, the water table rises. The ground is unable to absorb excess water, therefore it creates hydrostatic pressure against your foundation walls. Small cracks form throughout the basement walls and foundation walls, creating a pathway for water. Your basement may flood especially during heavy rains.

How does hydrostatic effect your home? Hydrostatic pressure, accompanied with snow melt and heavy rainfall, can intensify the pressure against basement walls. Over time, you may start to notice foundation issues, such as:

Hydrostatic Pressure Solutions for Wet Basements, Basement Walls and Foundation Walls

There are ways you can help prevent hydrostatic pressure from occurring in your basement. Hire our waterproofing experts to install ECP products and materials in your home. We use the latest products on the market to ensure quality service by our skilled professionals. Our waterproofing methods are designed to collect and divert water away from your home. We install the following products:

Interior Drainage Systems

  • Less labor intensive
  • Installed all year round in all types of weather conditions
  • Prevents hydrostatic pressure by relieving water pressure from beneath the foundation
  • Less disruption to exterior
  • Collects floor and wall seepage
  • Guards against outside issues such as tree roots growing into the drainage system

Exterior Drainage Systems

  • Drains saturated soil and decreases water pressure against the foundation walls
  • Minimal disruption inside of the basement

Sump Pumps

  • Prevents water damage and flooding
  • Reduces mold and mildew growth
  • Minimizes the risk of fire due to wet electrical appliances such as heating systems, water heaters, and laundry machines

Sump Pits

  • Water is removed from the pit to prevent overflow
  • Collects water and other fluids

Our waterproofing solutions will give you long-lasting results so you won’t have a wet basement. Contact Reliable Waterproofing today! We can prevent pressure build up against your basement and foundation walls in Virginia.

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.

Waterproofing in Virginia

Waterproofing in Virginia

Is your Virginia home or business experiencing signs of water damage? Some of these signs include water seepage, water stains, mold and mildew growth, water in your yard, wet basement, or flooding. These signs of water damage are a huge annoyance, especially for business and homeowners. Luckily you can forever avoid dealing with water damage if you call Reliable Waterproofing & Masonry today.

Water in Yard Virginia, Waterproofing Virginia

Do you want to know more signs? Not sure if your home or business is experiencing water damage? Or want to know some things that can cause water damage? Here are a few more signs of water damage or causes of water damage that you may notice in and around your Virginia home or business:

While these problems do not necessarily mean that your home or business is close to collapse, it is not wise to ignore these problems. Unfortunately, it is likely that these water damage problems stem from foundation failure, and water will only make matters worse. Call today to get repairs by Reliable Waterproofing & Masonry. We want to help clear up foundation failure and water damage from your Virginia home or business.

Waterproofing Solutions in Virginia

We are proud to say that we offer a variety of solutions for all your waterproofing needs. Whether you need to fix an existing problem (such as water seepage or a wet basement) or you just want to avoid a future water problem, waterproofing can help. We offer waterproofing services and products such as:

These are all great tools to help you keep water out of your basement or crawlspace and away from your Virginia home or business, so make sure to call Reliable Waterproofing & Masonry. We are a team of professionals with the experience, knowledge, and tools to help repair any problem you might have.

To learn more about our waterproofing services and products, our other services like foundation repair, masonry, and concrete repair, our service area, or for a FREE estimate, give Reliable Waterproofing & Masonry a call today. We want to help you feel safe and secure in your Virginia home or business, and our services can help you get there. No matter the problem, Reliable Waterproofing & Masonry has you covered. Contact us today!