When the weather starts getting nasty and compromises areas of your home, one of the most threatened areas is the basement. Luckily, there are fantastic ways to protect your basement from trouble. Water is the most intrusive element in basements. Because basements are below ground, water can seep in through foundation and wall cracks that may not be noticeable to you. When your home is hit with basement water damage, it is important to have professionals, like those from American Eagle, come in and waterproof your basement.
What causes water damage issues in your basement? Here are a few things to look for:
- Wall or floor cracks: when the foundation of your home is compromised, water is very good at sneaking in between small cracks and crevices and causing damage.
- Faulty plumbing: Pipes that line the inside of your walls are just one example of where water damage can occur. If the plumbing is backed up, or if the pipes are not checked regularly, disaster can strike.
- Excess water in the soil: The soil and ground of your home is very important. If there is too much water surrounding your home, however, it can push the soil into your home and cause the seals of your basement to become compromised.
- Puddles: when you see excess water in places where it should not be, that is a very good indication that you have a problem.
A more in-depth look into it would include:
Structural and Mold Danger
Water can enter the basement in a variety of ways, including over the top of the foundation, through the cove joint, through cracks in the wall or floor, and from many other places. Our team will install a basement waterproofing system that can stop water seepage from any source and protect your basement from damage.
Mold and mildew growth can cause a variety of serious health problems. These issues can all be avoided by having an effective basement waterproofing system installed in your home to help keep it moisture free.
Is “Sealing the Walls” Enough To Control Moisture?
Well, the answer is maybe. But to make sure you’re choosing the right option, you need to figure out if the moisture is coming from the outside, or if it’s actually high humidity that’s condensing on the cool walls of your basement. The cause may be that the soil around your house is naturally damp from a high water table or poor soil drainage. In that case, waterproofing your basement walls can be useful.
Concrete waterproofing coatings are cement-like; once dry, they adhere permanently to concrete and masonry walls. You apply the coating with a heavy brush made with bristles — swirled during application for an attractive, finished look. However, concrete waterproof coatings can’t be applied to previously painted surfaces
Silicate-based concrete sealers, also known as densifiers, are also suitable only for walls that haven’t been painted or sealed. The sealers soak in and chemically react with ingredients in the concrete or brick, forming a hard, waterproof surface. Because these are penetrating sealers, they can’t flake off or peel, and you can have paint applied over them.
For More In-Depth Solutions
The American Eagle team may discover more complicated causes for your moisture issues; there are additional solutions available. Plastic sheets and panels might be combined with interior basement drainage systems. They don’t stop water from getting through the wall, but they do stop it from ruining things in the basement. Water that gets through the wall runs down the back of the plastic, into a drainage system in the floor. A sump pump is needed to move water out of your basement.
In order to properly recommend a solution for your wet basement, call American Eagle for a no-obligation visit. Our technicians will be able to explain which solutions are options for your home.
Why should you waterproof your basement? Here are a few things the professionals can install to help the waterproofing process:
- Safe Edge: this is designed for the walls of your basement. It allows the water to go through a seal without letting dangerous soil gasses enter the living areas of your home.
- Safe Drain: this is designed for the flooring in your basement. It allows water to flow freely while also reducing hydrostatic pressure caused by poor soil solutions.
- Sump Pump: these are usually the most important thing when waterproofing your basement. They are designed to collect water that would usually leak into your home and expel it away from your home instead.
- Basement Dehumidifiers: this will allow for the correct amount of humidity to be present in your basement. It also helps prevent the growth of mold or mildew, which can be a pretty big health hazard.
Basement Waterproofing In Maryland
Basement waterproofing is a great way to get ahead of potential water damage that may come your way. Do not hesitate to contact local professionals, like those at American Eagle with any waterproofing questions you may have regarding what basement waterproofing looks like and more. They have the professional expertise and knowledge to know what types of systems should be installed to allow for the best waterproofing for your home.
