Tag Archives: wet basement

Recent Virginia Rains Cause Wet Basement Issues

If the recent rain in Virginia is causing you a headache, it might not be the change in pressure and temperature. You might be experiencing problems with a wet basement that is causing stress in your daily life. Many people use their basements for storage or extra living space. When they become wet, this can lead to unnecessary stress and frustration. Reliable Waterproofing & Masonry knows what a headache a wet basement can be, and we’re happy to help you get back on track to a dry, mold- and foundation damage-free home.

Causes of a Wet Basement

This may be the big question on your mind: “Why does my basement or crawl space keep getting more water in it?” You may have sealed all the cracks you could find, but the water keeps coming. This is a sign that there may foundation repair that is necessary to truly solve the waterproofing issue.

In most cases, wet basements are caused by hydrostatic pressure on the foundation walls. What is hydrostatic pressure? This is when water seeps into the looser backfill around the foundation and saturates the soil. The soil becomes heavy and dense and pushes against the foundation wall. The wall isn’t ready to have this kind of pressure on it, and it begins to feel stress and eventually crack or bow. Cracks let in water and cause wet basements. However, it’s not the right solution to just seal the cracks because this will not solve the problem. The water will continue to press against the foundation and cause more cracks and more wet basement problems. It’s important to get to the root of the problem instead of just fixing the surface issues.

Other causes of a wet basement might be water seepage through cracks in the windows or doors, improper yard drainage systems, or tree roots growing into the foundation. However, even simple things like a downspout too close to the home leaking water into the foundation or grading that lets the water pool at the base of the home should be taken into consideration when looking for the source of a wet basement problem. These, of course, can easily be remedied, but they may have caused foundation damage. This is why it’s important to contact a professional to perform an inspection. Reliable Waterproofing & Masonry will perform a free estimate on your home to determine the cause and how we can fix the issue.

How to Solve Issues with a Wet Basement

There are as many ways to solve wet basement issues as there are causes. The way to solve the issue will depend on what the cause is. As mentioned, if it is simply an issue of a downspout too close to the home or a grading issue, this can be easily remedied and the issue resolved. However, in most cases, the issue is more serious than a misplaced downspout and has caused foundation repair damage. In these cases, a different approach must be taken that is centered on getting to the root of the problem while also fixing the surface damage that is letting in the water and causing wet basement issues.

Foundation repair can be performed with helical tiebacks or plate anchors which will be driven deep into the ground into stable soil. This will support the foundation and attach to it with a plate. Once attached, all weight is transferred to the tiebacks or anchors and we can resolve any foundation issues occurring. Next, fixing issues with a yard drainage system will be massively helpful in eliminating wet basement issues. Once the yard is draining properly, it will not drain into the foundation and will cause little to no problems. After that, you can move on to interior waterproofing and vapor barriers. For an extra layer of security, a sump pump can be installed that will redirect any water that does make its way inside, out.

Don’t let the rainy weather give you a headache this month! Take charge and give Reliable Waterproofing & Masonry a call. We’ll set you up with a free estimate and find out what the problem is. We’ll give you a timeline and get to work resolving the issue. Give us a call today and find out what we can do for you!

What to Know: Buying or Selling a Home With a Wet Basement

Wet basements are a troublesome issue for any homeowner. Basement flooding and puddles in the basement can cause water damage and can ruin furniture, drywall, and any personal possessions that you might be storing in your basement. Even small amounts of moisture in your basement can cause mold and mildew to grow and can cause other problems in your basement. A damp basement might lead to wood rot and metal rust that can compromise the structural integrity of your home.

Buying a Home With Basement Water Issues

When searching for a home to buy, the last thing that you want to see is a wet basement. Wet basements are a pain to deal with and might even be signs of a foundation problem. However, water in the basement of the home that you are considering purchasing might be a plus. Why? Because wet basements give you a chance to negotiate a lower price. The seller knows that homes with wet basements are harder to sell because they are less attractive to potential buyers. If they have already been having a hard time selling the house, they will likely be open to selling it for less. Homes with wet basements often see a 10-25% decrease in value while on the market. That can be a great advantage for the home buyer.

Why should you consider buying the bargain home with the wet basement? A lot of homes in the current market, up to 40%, have some sort of serious issue. In other words, you are probably not going to find a perfect home. Common problems in homes include:

Foundation cracks or movement
Asbestos in walls or floors
Defective roofing that leaks
Lead paint on walls
Wet basement or basement leaks

Out of these issues, the wet basement is the easiest to fix. It only takes a day or two for a professional waterproofing crew like the ones at Reliable Waterproofing &Masonry to install a sump pump and interior drainage system. Our team also offers exterior waterproofing for added protection against basement water leakage. Proper waterproofing, a small expense compared to the benefit, can even increase the value of your new home by 400% or more.

The best way to approach buying a home with a wet basement is to make it clear that you are willing to buy the home, but that you want to do so at a lower price due to the basement water issues. Once you have purchased the home, invest in waterproofing with a professional, trustworthy waterproofing company to avoid any damage to your property and keep water problems from reoccurring.

Selling a Home That Has a Wet Basement

If you are the one selling the home with the basement water issue, the best course of action is to get the problem fixed as soon as possible. Proper waterproofing will raise the value of your home immensely and will make it even more appealing to potential buyers. This might involve putting in an exterior waterproofing system to prevent water from seeping through the foundation or forming puddles in the yard around your home. It might involve putting in an interior drainage system that collects basement water and expels it using a sump pump system. Whichever waterproofing option that you choose, Reliable Waterproofing & Masonry can help.

With proper waterproofing, you might even be able to reconsider selling your home. If your goal in selling your home is to get more usable living space, waterproofing and finishing your basement might be a more appealing option. This option can provide you with the added space you need while saving you the time, money, and stress of moving to a new home. In addition to giving you valuable extra living space, finished basements raise the value of your home, making it easier to sell if that is the route you choose. Finishing your basement is also a less expensive alternative to adding on.

Tips on Waterproofing and Finishing Wet Basements

However, when finishing your basement it is important to start out right. First, you want to make sure that the basement is properly waterproofed. If water seeps into your finished basement, it will likely ruin all of the hard work that you have done. Basement water can wreck insulation, drywall, carpeting, and more in finished basements. Exterior waterproofing prevents water from entering the basement, but interior waterproofing is a less expensive option that also keeps water from collecting in your basement. To provide even further protection from basement water issues, invest in a high-quality dehumidifier for your basement, which will reduce the chances of mold growth or wood rot in your basement. You might also consider having a vapor barrier installed if you have a crawlspace, as this will keep moisture vapor out of your home.

Whether you are buying or selling a home with basement water issues, you will need professional basement waterproofing at some point. When you get to that point, do not hesitate to call Reliable Waterproofing & Masonry for professional exterior and interior waterproofing.

Prevent a Wet Basement this Spring

Waterproofing is often ignored when it comes to your home’s overall “health”. Most of the time it is put off until there is an emergency that needs immediate attention. Water damage can be completely avoided with the proper basement waterproofing services from Reliable Waterproofing & Masonry. We offer a variety of basement waterproofing solutions for your Richmond, VA home or business. Our foundation repair and waterproofing products come from Earth Contact Products, a top producer of high quality products. You can rest easy knowing that the waterproofing services we provide will protect your home from water damage. Some of the waterproofing products and services we offer include:

Sump pumps
Interior drainage
Exterior drainage
Battery backup sump pumps
Vapor barriers

Waterproofing Solutions for Richmond, VA

Together these products and services will provide you with complete protection against water damage in your Richmond, VA home’s basement, crawl space, or foundation. Make sure that you do not wait until there is a major problem. Getting repairs and waterproofing installation can cost a small fortune. The best way to avoid this is by installing waterproofing before any water damage affects your home. Contact us today if you notice signs of water damage such as:

Mold and mildew
Water stains
Wood rot
Basement flooding
Humid crawl space

These signs point to issues that may become serious if your home does not have the proper waterproofing protection. We can help you there. Give us a call today to learn more about our basement waterproofing services. We also provide foundation repair, crawl space repair, masonry, brick re-pointing, and concrete restoration services for those in our service area. Our service area covers most of Virginia. We want to help you protect your home and everyone in it. Contact us today to learn more or for a FREE estimate.

Preventative Tips for Basement Waterproofing in Virginia

Preventative Basement Waterproofing in Virginia

While flooding and dampness in the basement can be a troublesome issue for some homeowners in Virginia, it is also an issue that can often be prevented easily. There are a number of steps you can take yourself to keep your protected from basement moisture problems. Consider looking for the following causes of a water problem in your basement and taking action right away:

Gutter Problems: Your gutters may be defective or clogged, causing rainwater to run down the house and gather around the foundation, where it seeps through the concrete. Install gutters or fix and clean any malfunctioning gutters to prevent water pooling near your foundation.
Thick Shrubs and Bushes by Foundation: Large plants right next to the house can keep the soil moist longer, causing the basement walls to be exposed to moisture for longer periods of time. Trim shrubbery often to let sunlight dry the soil faster.
Open and Bare Basement Window Wells: If the window wells in your home are allowed to collect water and debris, they can allow the water to enter the basement through cracks, especially during severe storms. Invest in window well covers and gravel for drainage in the bottom of the window wells.
Leaky Plumbing: Plumbing issues are an obvious cause of certain basement moisture issues, and should be fixed as soon as possible.
Improperly Graded Slopes: If the yard that surrounds your home does not slope away from the house, it may let rainwater collect around the house. The longer this water sits near the home, the greater the chance that it will see through the walls and into the basement. Ensure that your yard is graded properly so that the land slopes away from the foundation, letting water run away from the concrete.

Reducing the Need for Basement Waterproofing in Your Virginia Home

These suggestions are only a few different ways that you can prevent the need for professional basement waterproofing in your home. You should also ensure that water pipes are insulated to reduce condensation, the entire area has adequate ventilation, windows are closed during humid weather and rain, a dehumidifier is installed to reduce dampness, and any cracks in the walls or floors are sealed. These steps will help to keep basement water at bay in your Virginia home.

If there are persistent problems with moisture in your basement, it may be time to invest in professional waterproofing services. Do not let the water in your basement become an issue that you cannot handle – if you cannot find the source and none of the preventative measures listed above are stopping water from entering your home, contact Reliable Waterproofing and Masonry today. We offer several solutions, including sum pump installation and both interior and exterior drainage systems. These solutions will remove water from your basement and keep the area dry for years to come.

Call us right away to learn more about preventing mold growth and other moisture issues in your Virginia home.

Prevent Dust Mites, Mold, & Mildew with Basement Waterproofing in Virginia

A wet and damp basement can cause many problems. Besides losing living space and ruining personal possessions, a wet basement without basement waterproofing can cause an unhealthy home. Mold and mildew thrive in a damp, dark area. The mold spores can get into the air that you breath, causing you and your family a number of health issues. Among the health issues cause by mold and mildew are:

Stuffy nose
Throat irritation
Coughing and wheezing
Lung infections
Eye irritation

Along with mold and mildew, a wet basement becomes an inviting place for dust mites and critters.

The obvious sign of a wet or damp basement is standing water. However, there are more subtle signs that you may have a wet basement. Some of these signs are:

High humidity
Higher energy bills
Wood rot
Rust on appliances
Condensation on pipes
Musty odor

If you have any of these signs that you have a wet basement, it is important to have an experienced company inspect your home and offer the best solution for the repair. The professionals at Reliable Waterproofing & Masonry can come and give you a free inspection.

Basement Waterproofing Solutions in Virginia

Reliable Waterproofing & Masonry can get your basement livable again with proper basement waterproofing. We offer:

Interior drainage systems
Exterior drainage systems
Sump pumps and sump pits
Battery backup sump pumps

Interior drainage system – The simplest and least costly approach to interior waterproofing is a drain channel adhered at the base of the wall, on top of the footing. Water is collected and drained into a sump basin. As the basin gets to a certain level, the sump pump will automatically turn on and drain the water out of the basin and away from the foundation.

Exterior drainage system – Stopping water from surrounding the foundation is the best way to prevent water from entering your basement. With an exterior drainage system, water will not even get near your basement. This is done by installing a perforated drainage pipe along the exterior footing. This is then hooked up to a sump pump that drains the water away from the foundation.

Sump pumps and sump pits – The sump pumps that Reliable Waterproofing & Masonry installs are 1/3 to 1/2 horsepower that can pump up to 5,000 gallons per hour.

Battery backup sump pumps – In case of a power outage, Reliable Waterproofing & Masonry will install a battery backup sump pump that are the most energy efficient lineup of 12 volt backup sump pumps on the market.

All of the products that we use are manufactured by Earth Contact Products (ECP), the leader in the manufacturing of basement waterproofing products in the industry.

To prevent mold and mildew, let the experts at Reliable Waterproofing & Masonry install that basement waterproofing system to fit your needs. Contact us today for a free inspection and free estimate.

Hurricane Season Ends this Month, Waterproof Your VA Home

Hurricane Season In Virginia

Virginia 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

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.

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!