Basement Waterproofing

There are a lot of moving parts in a basement waterproofing system, and it’s key that you’re able to install the system properly. That’s why Ohio Basement System offers installation options for all customers. If you’re having issues with basement waterproofing,request a free estimate to free yourself from these problems.

If you choose a low-quality basement waterproofing system over a high-quality one, you can definitely end up with serious negative impacts. Chief among these impacts is a seriously damp basement. If the waterproofing process doesn’t work, you’re more likely to end up with water issues, which can lead to basement flooding in the long term.

Gaining access to the most high-quality basement waterproofing system is a requirement if you want it to work well. After all, if you don’t invest in the process at all, you’re unlikely to get what you want out of it. That’s why you should only trust high-quality, long-lasting products for the entire basement waterproofing process.

A basement waterproofing system consists of three key elements: an interior drainage system, a sump pump, and a dehumidifier. When you put these elements together, you’ll gain complete protection from basement water. It’s important to have the right choice for each element to make sure they work well together.

If you have noticed a white, powdery residue on your basement floor or walls, there are a few different potential issues that could be causing this. 

Efflorescence or Plaster Residue? 

There are some benign reasons as to why you might find pale or white powder on your property’s floors or walls. If you have been doing work in your basement, for example, or you have recently installed plasterboard or drywall, it is very likely that any white or pale power you find is from this process. This is especially the case if it is evenly distributed throughout the room. 

If, however, the powdery substance in your basement is limited to certain areas and is found in a flowering formation, the most likely cause is efflorescence. This powder or crystalline substance is not dust or plaster residue, but rather a mineral residue carried into your property by water. When the water evaporated into the air, it left the salt and minerals behind in this formation. 

The Causes of Efflorescence 

As we said, efflorescence is caused by a combination of water and salts or minerals. The salts and minerals themselves are often found in the water or picked up as the water makes its way through the concrete walls or flooring in your basement. In this way, the water is really the carrier for the substance that causes efflorescence formations. 

The actual source of the water, however, can take many different forms. Unless you live in an area with very hard water, however, efflorescence is more likely to be caused by water that is seeping into your home from outside. As such, issues like foundation damage and seepage are far more likely to be the underlying cause of the white powder in your basement. 

The work professionals can do in a leaking basement can protect the entirety of your home. What kind of work, however, do these professionals actually do? How can they protect your window wells from comparable damage in the future, too? The trick is in comprehensive care: first repairing what damage is already visible and then installing waterproofing measures to protect your home in the future. 

Repairing Window Well Damage 

The first thing professionals will want to do when stepping into your home is to inspect your basement. Basement inspections let professionals understand how water’s getting into your home and what kind of damage it’s already done to your property. After your initial inspection, you can count on professionals to provide you with a personalized and free services quote. This quote will detail what means you may need to restore your basement to its original, watertight standing. 

Once you give the go-ahead, professionals can get to work restoring your basement. In most cases involving window well leakage, professionals will replace your window seals and install a basement window well system. This system resembles an interior drain and will deliberately guide standing water away from the perimeter of your home. 

Waterproofing Your Basement 

Only once your home is as watertight as it can be will professionals discuss waterproofing your basement. Trying to waterproof a basement that’s actively taking on water, after all, is somewhat of a fruitless process. If you do try to install waterproofing measures while your home’s still damp, you can shorten the lifespan of those measures significantly. 

The good news is that there’s a wide variety of potential basement waterproofing measures available to anyone interested in them. Provided that they’re properly installed, you can count on them to keep unwanted moisture out of your basement for an extended period. Some of the most common basement waterproofing measures include but are not limited to: 

• Waterproof insulation
• Sump pumps 
• Interior drains 
• Non-commercial dehumidifiers 
• Window well liners 
• Vapor barriers 

Do note that you will need to have any home waterproofing measures installed in your basement maintained regularly. None of these measures will last forever. With proper care, though, they can see your home through the worst of Ohio’s seasonal weather.