Moisture in your basement leads to trouble: time-consuming repairs, structural problems, mold infestation, and ruined possessions. Is it really possible to dry out a basement simply by sealing the walls? Yes it is but you need to have a proper assessment of your home’s conditions and building materials. Professional basement waterproofing companies such as American Eagle in Glen Burnie will evaluate and offer solutions that could include:
Interior Steps
Steps that can be taken to keep water out of your basement from the inside the home like sealants and coatings, as well as methods to prevent condensation.
Interior solutions typically begin with sealing any holes: basement walls, floors, and around windows. Properly sealing them is the first step towards preventing any new moisture from traveling inside and keeping your basement dry.
Interior waterproof sealants prevent an accumulation of condensation and also do a good job at keeping humidity levels down. These coatings can be put onto basement walls and floors creating a waterproof barrier. While these interior methods are a crucial step in the overall waterproofing process, they do not address the underlying problems causing the moisture. American Eagle Services want to identify and solve all the issues and bigger problems are usually found outside, and we know all the dos and don’ts of basement waterproofing.
Exterior Protections
In your situation, extra steps may be needed to prevent outdoor moisture from breaching your perimeter in the first place. The cheapest and easiest step is to maintain the gutters. Clogged downspouts, or gutters that misdirect rain to close to your foundation can lead to wet basements.
A professional basement waterproofing company may suggest coating the exterior walls with a waterproof barrier. This method is messier and more complicated; exterior waterproofing typically requires the excavation of the soil surrounding the foundation of the home. Once all the soil around the foundation has been removed, a waterproof sealant can be applied to the exterior walls for long lasting results.
Improve The Drainage
Sometimes you need to look further out to control basement moisture– in the garden. If your home is situated in a low area on your property, rain will always flow toward the house. Driveways, sidewalks and other impervious cover will further add to the amount. These drainage issues might require 1) repairing a poorly functioning drainage system or 2) adding additional infrastructure to your existing drainage system.
Depending on your specific situation, it may be necessary to install a sump pump to collect water from the inside and pump it away. These interior drainage systems collect water from around your foundation and pump it out away from your basement. Every home is different, so having an experienced team like American Eagle is helpful to understand the scope of your problem. A truly effective waterproofing system might need all three methods.
Interior Sealants
Although interior sealants are not often used as a basement waterproofing tool, they can be used as a temporary material for keeping your basement dry. Using interior sealants to waterproof your basement prevents moisture from being absorbed by the basement walls and floors is the best defense against groundwater. Plus it can also help prevent moisture from building up in other parts of the house.
Interior Water Drainage
Another effective option is interior water drainage. The term “French drain” doesn’t reflect its country of origin but instead the creator– Henry Flagg French. Also known as interior drains, it involves drilling a hole or downward sloping trench in the concrete foundation and installing a drain. A sump pump then moves water out of the basement. A drainage system can help avoid water buildup in your basement, moving the water from the footers of the house foundation and out below the basement floor.
Exterior Basement Waterproofing
Exterior basement waterproofing is often the best defense against surface water but can cost five to 10 times more than interior projects because the task requires heavy equipment, more labor and takes longer to complete. This system is done in several steps. First of all, the team needs to excavate the foundation down to the footer. Then, the basement walls are inspected for any weak spots or cracks and repaired accordingly. A sealer was applied outside of the basement walls and a physical membrane is wrapped around the foundation. A new footer drain is then installed and covered with gravel. Once the soil is put back into place, the surface is graded to slope away from the house.
Contact Experts for Basement Waterproofing In Annapolis
Summer is the perfect time to address your moisture issues. American Eagle Professional Services provides quality basement waterproofing, foundation repair, and mold control in Maryland. Contact us to set up an inspection to reveal the causes and options to control moisture in your basement.