The key to keeping unwanted water OUT of basements and crawl spaces is understanding how it gets IN and having the right preventive measures in place. Armed with a little knowledge, it’s possible for any homeowner to reclaim extra living space by keeping these areas dry and healthy year-round.
First, let’s look at the most common signs that water may be invading areas of your home that are below or near ground level:
- Rust on interior metal fixtures or appliances
- White, chalky mineral deposits
- Obvious damp or discolored areas on walls or floors
- Peeling or discolored paint
- Visible mold, mildew or a musty odor
- Rotting wood on trim, cabinets or exposed framing
- Bowing or cracking on below-grade wall surfaces
There are numerous ways that water can enter your home. The obvious sources are accumulated rain water or storm runoff, but excessive humidity and condensation can also cause enough moisture buildup over time to create significant water damage. One of the most common sources is “hydrostatic pressure” from the ground water that naturally surrounds your foundation and basement walls.
Many building materials that appear solid, such as older types of untreated concrete or masonry, are actually porous and will allow water to seep through. As ground water collects around these artificial barriers, the weight of the accumulated water (hydrostatic pressure) will gradually weaken the material, causing softer areas to buckle or crack and forces water into any available opening.
Basement window wells and invisible gaps between footings and concrete slabs are also vulnerable to water penetration. It takes a surprisingly small about of water to allow mold and mildew to begin forming in basements and crawl spaces. Besides the damp discomfort and health risks, unchecked water damage can also lead to more serious and expensive structural problems throughout your home.
Two ways to deal with incoming water
A reputable repair expert will give you the whole story on two different but effective waterproofing strategies; EXTERIOR waterproofing and INTERIOR waterproofing. Both methods allow you to protect your home from water damage with confidence, but they differ in cost, scope and approach.
Exterior waterproofing is the more resource-intensive solution (requires excavation) and helps prevent water from coming into your home by keeping it away from all potential points of entry. Interior waterproofing is often less expensive but can be just as effective as exterior waterproofing. It protects your home by safely removing any water that manages to get in, regardless of the source.
Exterior waterproofing basics
Exterior waterproofing involves digging out the dirt around basement walls, applying a high-tech moisture barrier and installing a specially designed dimple board that deflects water away from the wall. In addition to sealing the wall these materials also improve any structural cracks or foundation flaws that might have been allowing water to get in. The dirt is then replaced with gravel and a drainage system that significantly reduces hydrostatic pressure and helps keep cracks from forming in the future.
This approach stops water at the source and is popular among homeowners that do not want work to be performed on the interior of their home, but it’s also the most labor intensive and costly option. It requires exposing all of the below grade wall surfaces and a lot of hand work to minimize disruption to landscaping and the other outdoor features of your home.
Interior waterproofing basics
Depending on the age, location or construction method of your home, exterior waterproofing may be the best or only way to go and some contractors may try to convince you that interior waterproofing is an inferior approach. That used to be true, but recent advances in technology have made today’s interior treatments a lot more reliable than and just as effective as exterior waterproofing. In many cases using them can save you a lot of money.
Interior waterproofing allows you to skip all the expense and inconvenience of exterior excavation. Olshan has access to over 20 products that work together to resist, collect, drain and remove water from basements and crawl spaces, including sump pumps, gravity discharge systems, moisture barriers and air quality solutions. We can recommend an optimal mix for your home that fits your needs AND your budget.
Removing water is only part of the solution
Water issues not only put the value and structural integrity of your home at risk, but can also cause health issues. Keep in mind that unwanted moisture could be coming from more than one source. Fixing leaks won’t necessarily address the consequences of other issues like excessive humidity or poor air quality. It’s important to identify and repair all of them to ensure that problems don’t recur or get worse.
For 90 Years, Olshan has been perfecting the art and science of home services. Waterproofing technology has come a long way and wed be happy to show you the variety of safe and affordable options available to keep all of your living spaces clean, dry and comfortable just drop us a line on Facebook.