Have you been experiencing moisture in your basement? You may have tried a dehumidifier but had little to no luck, and now it’s time to take your efforts a step further by waterproofing. There are several different methods of waterproofing that could help you keep the moisture out of your basement. However, depending on the severity of your situation and your price point, your options will differ.
But before you begin to try different methods of waterproofing, the first step is to find out how the water is getting in.
How is Moisture Getting in My Basement?
An old trick of the trade is to tape some aluminum foil to the basement walls. After about 24 hours, there will be moisture on one side of the foil. If the water is on the side of the foil that is facing out into your basement, you are lucky and have an easy solution. You need a stronger or a full-house dehumidifier.
However, if the moisture is on the side with the wall, you may have a problem with cracks in the foundation or excessive water around the outside of your home. This means that you should move forward with waterproofing your basement.
Sealings
The most common and straightforward way to waterproof a basement is to “seal” the walls. Most home improvement stores carry different types of concrete or sealing paints for basements. However, some of these seals cannot be applied to walls that have been previously painted. If you are going to seal the walls yourself, read the labels carefully to ensure your basement is a good match for that sealant.
Purchasing a sealer is a cheap fix that may be able to solve your moisture problem. However, if there are cracks in the foundation or a lot of water on the outside of your home, this may not be enough.
Repairing Cracks
If there are cracks in your basement walls, it is often caused by the pressure of the soil on the outside. To repair these cracks, a premium basement services team can install an anchor system into the wall. This will prevent the need to rebuild the wall, which will save significant money. Additionally, an anchor system can prevent future bowing of the walls and other much more costly problems.
French Drains
Depending on whether water is pooling around your foundation, you may need an exterior French drain. French drains will redirect water that is seeping into your basement to a location that is away from your home. Oftentimes a professional team can install a French drain around the base of your home with little to no damage to your landscaping.
How Do I Know Which Waterproofing Method is for My Basement?
Every basement is different. There isn’t a “cookie-cutter” method that will work for everyone. That is why it is crucial to contact a professional basement waterproofing team. Ark Basement Services creates custom solutions to fit each unique situation.
With offices in both Pittsburgh and Erie, PA, the Ark team will come to your home and complete a free evaluation of your basement. Contact us below for your free quote.
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