Here is Why you Should Waterproof your Basement Sooner Rather than Later
There’s no doubt that a comfortable and well-designed basement can be an important hub of family life in your home. Whether it’s converted into a den or a TV room or a gaming center or a play area for kids, the basement is as much a part of your routine as the kitchen or bedroom.
Unlike the average kitchen or bedroom, however, basements and crawl spaces are more prone to water damage, which can lead to foundation problems. Heavy rain, runoff from melting snow, and even poor home design contribute to basement flooding and flooded basements can lead to cracks. Basements are less common in the southern United States due to soil composition, water tables that are closer to the ground surface, and other geological phenomena. In Madison, soil commonly contains limestone, chert, and red clay with a silt loam surface. Slab and crawl space foundations are more common.
Even the smallest crack or a single unsealed tile can contribute to costly and frustrating water damage that render your basement undesirable or at worst unusable. The higher-than-average level of rainfall in Madison – 58 inches a year compared to 39 inches in the rest of the United States – makes moisture resistance a top priority for local homeowners.
The good news? Olshan’s basement waterproofing services makes all of this hassle preventable. Taking preventative action now saves you worry, time, and money later!
Olshan Fixes Problems Before They Start
According to DoItYourself.com, there are five common causes of basement flooding or standing water in the crawl space, ranging from structural issues like basements or crawl spaces built in homes on low plains to blocked gutters and poorly installed drainage networks. All it takes is one heavy rainstorm or a particularly aggressive snow melt to exacerbate a problem and turn it into a catastrophe.
Even the best-built basement can be susceptible to moisture problems. Some of the most common basement moisture issues include:
- Subsurface water under the foundation
- Cracks in the walls or flooring that make the basement permeable
- Poor sealing on walls and flooring
- Trapped water in windows
How Can Madison Homeowners Waterproof A Basement?
In order to better serve you, Olshan offers two main types of basement waterproofing services, interior waterproofing and exterior waterproofing. Both options are designed for maximum convenience and customization based on your home’s individual needs.
What Does Interior Waterproofing Do?
Interior basement waterproofing tackles moisture and drainage issues from inside the home. This method allows water to enter your basement and then removes it before it has any undesirable effects. By installing an in-home drainage system like the Water Lock™ Plus System, water is easily managed! Interior waterproofing is easy to care for and has a shorter installation time than exterior waterproofing.
What Can You Expect From Interior Waterproofing?
Interior waterproofing requires breaking out some of the concrete in order to install the drainage equipment. In most cases, Olshan will install a sump pump system to help with the water removal. Waterproofing the basement walls with a moisture barrier may also be recommended.
What Does Exterior Waterproofing Do?
Exterior basement waterproofing focuses on preventing water from ever entering your basement and works outside the home instead of inside. It’s a great choice for finished basements already being used on a regular basis; there’s no disturbance to your basement interior, so there’s no need to move furniture or alter your décor
What Can You Expect From Exterior Waterproofing?
Exterior waterproofing requires basement excavation in order to install Olshan’s five-part drainage system. This combination of gravel, dimple board, moisture barrier, sump pump (not always required), and footer drain all work together to keep water out and away while alleviating hydrostatic pressure. These products will be serviceable after installation.
How To Decide Between Interior & Exterior Waterproofing
The best way to determine which method is right for you is to schedule a free in-home assessment with an Olshan Certified Structural Technician. With a variety of options to fit any home and any budget, Olshan’s highly-trained staff will guide you through the process and answer all of your questions.
What About the Crawl Space?
To keep your crawl space dry, Olshan offers a wide range of products enabling us to design the best possible solution for your home. Our services include crawl space encapsulation, dehumidifier installation, vapor barrier installation on both walls and floors, interior and exterior drainage options as well as sump pumps.
What About Slab Foundations?
We specialize in pieing sunken slab foundations and back our services with an available warranty plan. If you need helical pier installation near Madison, AL – give Olshan a call.
There’s no need for Madison homeowners to attempt costly and difficult DIY methods to deal with basement moisture concerns: call Olshan and let the best in the business treat your home right!
We also serve nearby cities in Alabama, including Tuscaloosa, Birmingham and Huntsville.
