A Practical Guide to Waterproofing Your Concrete Foundation

Nothing terrifies a homeowner more than discovering they have a leaky basement due to foundation problems. Whether moisture seeps through wall cracks or crevices on the floor, it can damage your basement and allow mold and mildew to grow. You have to resolve the underlying issues fast. 

You can combat basement moisture and prevent water damage in your Cleveland, OH, home by waterproofing the concrete foundation. We’ll show you four ways to do this. If this is a gray area for you, always remember that it’s best to consult a professional. 

Where Is the Water Coming From? 

You’re probably wondering where all the moisture or water in your basement is coming from. The answer is water can get into your basement in different ways, but the most likely sources are: 

Foundation Cracks 

No matter how small they are, cracks on the foundation walls will ultimately introduce water to your basement. These cracks may appear when the soil settles or when the concrete cures. Pressure from the outside soil may also instigate these cracks. To fix the problem, have the cracks sealed and repaired by a foundation repair contractor. This contractor also may need to address the root problem if there are significant cracks and signs of damage. 

Poor Drainage 

Roof or surface drainage can seriously affect the flow of water into your basement. If your roof does not have properly functioning gutters and downspouts, rainwater will find its way into the basement. The same applies to the surface slope. The gradient of the slope should direct runoff water away from the foundation of the house. 

Burst Pipes 

A burst water pipe can also cause water to leak into your foundation or basement. Make sure you get a plumber to check the pipe’s condition before you move into your house. You can easily fix a burst pipe if the line is not embedded in your foundation walls. 

Foundation Waterproofing 

There are a few things you can do to fix your foundation leaks. Let’s look at some of the practical steps: 

Repair foundation walls. 

Cracks on your walls can allow water to seep into the basement. If water gets in unabated, it can lead to mold damage and water damage. Your wooden structures could also get damp and start rotting. Make sure that you replace or repair the damaged sections of your basement. This way, you will prevent structural damage to your house.  

 Re-grade the yard. 

Surface drainage matters a lot when it comes to keeping your foundation dry. Make sure the landscape slopes away from the foundation or the basement by at least six inches. Some excavation may be required, but it’s worthwhile. Let a qualified contractor handle this type of work.  

Install an interior drainage system. 

Another thing you can do to stop floods or water pools on the basement floor is install an interior drainage system. Your contractor will open up the subfloor, lay a perforated pipe, and cover the floor. This solution will arrest any water that penetrates the basement cracks and collects on the floor before it causes any damage. 

Get a basement sump pump. 

Water collected by the interior drainage system needs somewhere to go other than your basement floor. Connect these drains to a sump pump so any leaking water is properly removed from the home before it has a chance to cause any damage. It’s also worth it to invest in a backup sump pump to ensure your basement will continue to stay dry even when the power goes out. 

Should I Hire a Contractor or DIY? 

Waterproofing your foundation may seem like a typical DIY job. However, there is a lot that goes into sealing the foundation and waterproofing the basement. Installing a sump pump and setting up a dehumidifier might require some technical expertise, and foundation repairs are also intricate as they impact the structural integrity of your house. Plus, you could misdiagnose the problem and apply the wrong fix, which means the foundation issue will persist. It makes sense to hire an experienced basement waterproofing and foundation repair expert to work on your home. 

Start Protecting Your Basement 

If you’d like to eliminate basement dampness and preserve the structural integrity of your home, contact the experts at Ohio Basement Systems for a free inspection and repair quote. Our waterproofing professionals use industry-leading solutions and will provide you with lasting fixes to your perennial basement moisture issues.