Is the age-old story of a dark, damp, moldy basement now your reality? Your basement was meant for so much more than an uncomfortable, odor-ridden area. It’s time to find a solution and restore your basement for good. But, when it comes to basement waterproofing, where do you begin?
Start by observing your basement and take note of all the issues and signs you see. Let the signs lead you to the basement waterproofing solutions that are right for your basement.
What Signs Do You See In Your Basement?
- Water stains along the walls or floor
- Musty smell from excess, stagnate moisture in the basement
- Mold and mildew that is either black, brown, yellow or green
- Efflorescence that produces a white or grayish ash on the basement walls
If your basement has water and moisture issues, possible solutions include interior basement waterproofing methods or exterior basement waterproofing methods, depending on how severe your situation is.
Interior basement waterproofing methods include:
Special sealants that are applied to basement walls, floors, and around windows and doors.
An interior floor drain system for severe water issues when exterior basement waterproofing is not possible.
Exterior basement waterproofing methods include:
Installing an exterior drainage system. Excavating around the foundation of your home and coating the exterior walls with a waterproof barrier. Spores or stain-like areas on your basement walls, floors or ceiling that are either colored black, brown, yellow or green. A musty, mildew, dirty, earthy scent. Experiencing allergies in your basement, like sneezing, sore eyes, a runny nose, or nasal congestion.
It’s important to note that while mold and mildew may be obvious in some environments, it’s common to not know you have a mold problem in your basement. It’s also common to mistake mold for harmless cosmetic stains.
Because removing mold from your basement is vital for your family’s continued health, effective solutions usually fall under interior basement waterproofing methods. Keep in mind that this, of course, depends on the severity of your mold situation. That’s why it’s always best to contact a waterproofing specialist to ensure you’re utilizing the best methods to remove the mold and mildew and prevent it from returning.
A foundation that needs a waterproofing solution can display a range of signs, such as:
Small cracks and minimal water leakage on basement floors and walls
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Multiple, large cracks and extensive leakage and moisture buildup on basement floors and walls
When you’re dealing with cracks in foundation walls, water issues are almost always bound to arise. Typically, the best and most effective solution is exterior basement waterproofing.
Why?
Because when dealing with water in the basement, the main cause of water and moisture is almost always located on the outside of your basement walls.
Exterior basement waterproofing blocks water from entering your basement and prevents water from causing damage to the foundation structure.
- Dirt floor
- Wet floor
- Drafty
- Wet insulation
- Wood rot
- Wet floor joists
Crawl spaces are great for additional storage, but if a crawl space is not sealed correctly (or sealed at all) it can be a waste of space that sits gross, unusable, and wasting energy. The best solution for a crawl space that is currently unusable is crawl space repair and encapsulation. Through these efforts, your crawl space can turn into a dry, clean, usable, mold-free space.
Keep in Mind: Your Basement Can Have Overlapping Issues
After reading through all the various signs that indicate your basement probably has a water issue, we understand your head may be spinning. Ultimately, you’ve probably come to the conclusion that your basement has a lot of these signs, and most overlap from one issue to the next. It is very possible that, for example, your basement has a water problem and a mold/mildew problem. Or, that your basement has a compromised foundation and water problems.
Since every home and every foundation is different, there is no one-size-fits-all waterproofing solution that works for every basement.
In addition to noting the signs, it’s also important to know:
Where and how the water is coming in How the moisture is presenting itself The type of soil surrounding your foundation The age of your home The quality of your basement and foundation walls. So, which waterproofing systems will keep your basement safe and dry?
To Ensure the Right Waterproofing Solution(s) is Implemented in Your Basement, Turn to the Experts
With extensive experience in exterior basement waterproofing and interior basement waterproofing, Invisible Excavations is a team of experts in basement waterproofing systems. Once it is determined which method is best for your basement, our complete waterproofing systems will restore a dry, comfortable, odor-free environment in your basement. We promise honest feedback, affordable prices, a restored basement, and long-lasting peace-of-mind. Serving all of Cuyahoga, Erie, Lake, Lorain, Summit, Medina and Mahoning counties, we’re here to take the stress and worry off your hands and ensure your basement is safe and comfortable again.