Tips for waterproofing your Clemmons basement or crawl space

3/2/2021 (Permalink)

Keeping moisture our of your home's basement in important to your home's overall health

Water can be a homeowner's worst nightmare. Few things have the potential to damage a home as much as water. From leaks to flooding to moisture problems like mold, water can wreak havoc on a home.
Basements or crawl spaces are areas of a home where water can do the most damage. Basements and crawl spaces tend to be the lowest-lying spots in a home, and therefore prime spots for water to enter. Water problems in these areas can contribute to the demise of the structural integrity of the foundation.
According to Olshan, a foundation solutions company, water can enter homes in numerous ways. Many building materials, including concrete that seem solid at first glance, are actually quite porous. As groundwater collects around these materials, the accumulated water's weight, called hydrostatic pressure, can weaken the materials, causing cracks where water can seep through. Water also can enter subterranean spaces through basement windows and gaps between footings and concrete slabs, or push up through foundation floors when homes are in areas with high water tables.
Remedying water issues in a home generally breaks down into two methodologies: exterior waterproofing and interior waterproofing. Depending on the cause and severity of the water issue, one or the other, or even both, may be recommended.

Exterior waterproofing

Exterior waterproofing aims to keep water away from and out of the home. The home improvement information resource DoItYourself.com says that exterior waterproofing generally includes the application of a waterproofing agent to the concrete foundation. In addition, exterior waterproofing also could include excavation so a drainage system can be installed around the entire footing of the home. Regrading a property and properly relocating gutters and downspouts can help with many water issues.

Interior waterproofing

When water in a basement or crawl space needs to be remediated indoors, a system to collect, drain and remove water may be necessary. This can include sump pumps, drains, gravity discharge systems, and more. Moisture barriers, which can include special paints or products applied to the foundation walls and floor, also can help keep water from entering the space.

Moisture solutions

Keeping water out is only one part of the equation. Homeowners also need to manage moisture, like excessive humidity. A marriage of HVAC and waterproofing techniques may be necessary to improve airflow and remove humidity in the air.
While many homeowners have attempted to address water issues on their own, many times, it is a job best left to the professionals. At SERVPRO of Lexington/Thomasville we will come out and assess your issue and offer free estimates. Call us today at (336) 224-2565 and schedule your appointment today!