What is Done to Waterproof a Basement?

Effective basement waterproofing is a science and an art. There are many different kinds of waterproofing solutions for homeowners to choose from. One common example, injecting an epoxy or polyurethane material into a crack can help keep groundwater out of a basement. However, this approach is only suited when the groundwater is entering from the walls as opposed to the floor. While there are many ways to waterproof a basement, not all are as effective. It is important to have your basement waterproofed in a way that accounts for the various ways that water and moisture may infiltrate your basement.

Exterior excavation waterproofing is another form of basement waterproofing that some choose. However, this method is incredibly invasive as it involves digging six to eight feet around the exterior of the foundation. This kind of method can also be very costly and disturb your landscaping, driveways, porches, and other areas of the home. Exterior waterproofing also doesn’t solve the problem of hydrostatic pressure.

What is Hydrostatic Pressure?

This water pressure is created as the water table rises to press against the foundation walls and floor. This can lead to both intrusive groundwater and moisture as well as potentially cause cracks in the concrete foundation. Given enough repeated instances of this, other structural damage may occur such as bowing basement walls. Cracks caused by hydrostatic pressure can also become new avenues for groundwater and moisture to infiltrate your basement.

Fortunately, there is a solution. To address the hydrostatic pressure problem and keep your basement dry, there is a different kind of waterproofing: interior basement waterproofing.

Interior Basement Waterproofing

Interior basement waterproofing involves installing drainage channels, also known as French drains, along the perimeter of your basement. These drainage channels are either placed on top or beside the footer, depending on the contractor that’s doing the installation. These channels will lead captured water to a sump pit where a sump pump will then push it out of your home through a discharge pipe. But not all waterproofing systems are made equal. From the type of products to the methods used, these can all make a difference.

At ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing, we offer to install our very own ‘58 Foundations Waterproofing System. Unlike some basement waterproofing contractors that offer one type of solution that they assure you is the best, our basement waterproofing drainage system is completely customizable to fit your unique situation. This is done using our own specially-engineered Channel ’58 drainage channels, our high-powered Workhorse sump pumps with battery backup options, vapor barriers, rigid sealers, and more.

Our ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing Basement Waterproofing System is designed to address the six common ways that water can invade your basement…

• Under the Footer
• Over the footer
• Floor Cracks
• Wall Cracks
• Bleeding and Sweating
• Moisture vapor and humidity

By accounting for these common ways of water intrusion, the ’58 waterproofing system protects your basement from moisture-related problems including mold, wood rot, termites, dust mites, and more. That can save you from other costly repairs that would come from these problems.

Over 64 Years of Basement Waterproofing Expertise

We’ve been in business since 1958, helping homeowners like you keep their basements and homes safe and dry. For decades, we’ve been continually perfecting our quality products and honest methods to ensure the best outcomes. What’s more, our ’58 waterproofing system is proudly backed by our industry-leading warranty. When your basement is protected by a ’58 waterproofing system, you can rest easy even during those heavy storms. Along with our basement waterproofing expertise, we also offer our services in crawlspace encapsulation, mold removal, and foundation repair!

When you need an expert to waterproof a basement, contact your nearest ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing location today to get the process started. We have local offices throughout the Eastern Seaboard. Whether you’re living in Knoxville, TN, Washington, DC, or Newark, DE, you can always lean on ’58. We’ll be happy to schedule you for a free inspection and provide you with a free estimate. One of our associates will be happy to assist you and answer any questions you have.