Basement Waterproofing Problem Signs
A basement that consistently leaks or floods can cause severe damage to your home and property while also creating health issues such as mold and mildew growth.
Ohio Basement Systems
Basement Condensation
Condensation is a sign of excessive humidity in your basement and should not be ignored. It can be a sign of serious issues at work in your home.
Ohio Basement Systems
Water Seepage
If you want to prevent seepage throughout your basement, you’ll need to take steps to prevent water from getting into your home.
Ohio Basement Systems
Basement Floor Leakage
Basements are susceptible to their fair share of flooding issues being that they’re a below-ground area of the home.
Ohio Basement Systems
Efflorescence
That chalky white residue on your basement walls may seem harmless, but efflorescence could be the telltale sign of damage and dampness in your property.
Does your basement leak during a heavy rain? While it’s commonly believed that normal basements always deal with leaks, excess humidity, and even musty odors, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Letting your wet basement sit can lead to mold, poor air quality, and structural issues in the long run. That’s where basement waterproofing comes in; by fortifying your basement to withstand the worst of any weather or soil type, you can confidently move forward with finishing it or using it to store your appliances and other valuables.
Wet Basement Causes
Your basement can leak and sustain damage for many reasons. Here are some of the common causes of your wet basement.
Basement windows are great for helping bring some natural light into the basement area that is mostly below-grade, and egress window systems are vital for safety and building code requirements. But the exterior window wells that are part of these fixtures can lead to basement problems. If the well is not properly sealed, is clogged with debris or water, or there is a problem with drainage, water can collect inside the well and leak into the basement. This is common, as window wells are exposed to the elements.
A home’s hot water heater is typically located in the basement, as are other appliances like washing machines as well as plumbing pipes. Appliances including your hot water heater and washer can wear out over time and sustain other damage including rust, corrosion, leaks, and failure. Any plumbing pipes running through your basement also can loosen, freeze, crack, break, and leak. All of these instances allow water to collect in your basement to damage stored items and other belongings, as well as lead to the total flooding of the basement.
During the construction of your home, footing drains were placed in the ground next to your foundation footing. These drains are meant to collect water that saturates the soil and keep it away from your foundation. As long as these drains are intact, your home is safe. However, the buried pipes can easily clog with dirt and other debris or be crushed by the weight of the surrounding soil. Water can then leak into your basement at the cove joint.
Likewise, gutters and downspouts often are your home’s first line of defense in intercepting excess water and draining it away from your foundation. But these channels can fill with leaves, twigs, dirt, nests, and other debris. They also can rust, separate, overflow, leak, and not have a proper pitch. Without properly functioning gutters and downspouts, rainwater and snowmelt can collect directly next to your foundation and leak inside your basement.
Having a properly functioning sump pump is an important piece of your basement waterproofing system. But it can fail over time or without proper maintenance. The system could clog, burn out, and give out with age. Without free-flowing pipes, functioning internal components, and power, a non-functioning sump pump is just as bad as not having one. Water that the system is supposed to pump out can leak into or flood your basement and lead to damaged possessions and mold growth.
Award-Winning Service
-
These guys were awesome. They called to let me know exactly when they would be here. Very polite and worked extremely hard. Did a beautiful job and explained exactly what they did when they finished plus left everything clean!! Would recommend them…
View review Read Kaylene Shortridge's review for Ohio Basement Systems
-
Wynn, Michael, and Robert were great. Very professional. Did a great job. They did a great job explaining things to me and I have a better understanding of how the system works. Great team!
View review Read Gabrielle Ankney's review for Ohio Basement Systems
-
Richard, Alec, Larry & Martin were professional and very happy with the service provided. Recommend to anyone.
View review Read Robert Long's review for Ohio Basement Systems
-
I couldn’t have asked for a better crew. The foreman contacted me in the morning to let me know he was enroute. They arrived, and Rashawn, Leland, and Dwight introduced themselves. After inspecting the job site, they began working non-stop. They…
View review Read Seth Riewaldt's review for Ohio Basement Systems
-
The crew of Larry, Richard, & Alec did an excellent job of a basement drainage system. Larry went out of his way to obtain specific parts to complete the job. Everyone worked very hard & very pleasant to be around. Highly recommend.
View review Read Brenda And Tim Rowbotham's review for Ohio Basement Systems
-
Was fortunate to have Chris come out and isolate a problem, rework sump pump area, and assess future work that was needed. Chris is the service provider you would always hope for. He is meticulous and thorough. I would recommend Chris to anyone.
View review Read Jimbe Jimmy's review for Ohio Basement Systems
-
They came in and covered our ugly red block basement walls with white plastic sheeting and installed big dehumidifier. They were very courteous and cleaned up after themselves. Our house is almost 100 years old but our basement looks new. Thank…
View review Read Jerry Thompson's review for Ohio Basement Systems
-
I would like to thank Rayshaun and Jay from Ohio Basement Systems for their great help in solving our basement flooding problem. They did an excellent job ! Thanks. Pam Artzner
View review Read Pam Artzner's review for Ohio Basement Systems
-
Work crew (Wynn, Michael, & Robert) were awesome 😁
View review Read Denise Lackey's review for Ohio Basement Systems
-
I want to Thank Caleb and Devon. They would Call when they were on there way and showed up on time and work all day straight trough. They did a great Job and were Professional in all aspects. When they were done and everything cleaned up they walked…
View review Read Robert Wise's review for Ohio Basement Systems
-
Cody and Robert were very Efficient with the work they did! If more work is needed we would ask for them.
View review Read Renay Kapusinski's review for Ohio Basement Systems
-
The workmen (Rashawn, Leeland, and Dwight) were very professional, worked hard, and cleaned up prior to completing the sump pump replacement. The job took almost exactly as long as promised. Rashawn explained the pumps functions and stated if we had…
View review Read Renee Coates's review for Ohio Basement Systems
-
The OBS crew was great! They were timely, professional, and thorough. Any concerns and changes that were done were communicated and addressed. I would recommend using OBS if your looking for waterproofing! And shout out to the sales rep Tyler. Good…
View review Read Tom Park's review for Ohio Basement Systems
-
I was worried about foundation damage from groundhogs and Mike came to assess the area. He was not only professional and thorough but very courteous and friendly. I highly recommend Mike and Ohio Basement Systems!
View review Read Carol Boudrie's review for Ohio Basement Systems
-
The workers Ray and his colleague did a great job
View review Read Hank's review for Ohio Basement Systems
-
Very nice, fast and professional. Jay, Rayvell, Darrell and Clarence did a great job!
View review Read Carlie Elek's review for Ohio Basement Systems
-
Courteous, prompt and friendly team of workers. Did a great job at stabilizing my home from inside the crawl space with the use of the IntelliJack system. Mike, Dwight, and Daijohn did a great job, and kept us in the loop throughout the process.
View review Read Jennifer Murtaugh's review for Ohio Basement Systems
-
Rayshaun, Larry, Richard and Marcus were very professional in the way that they handled the job. Rayshaun explained the process in an understandable manor. They were a very organized team and finished the job on time. After they were finished they…
View review Read Arthur Catalano's review for Ohio Basement Systems
-
Very professional friendly and knowledgeable. Explained what their plan was and what needed to be done
View review Read Tammy Sanchez's review for Ohio Basement Systems
-
Double J’s (Jordan and Jaylen)went above and beyond to deliver on their promise. My advice would be to establish rapport with the crews as they have the eyes on the situation and are empowered by their busy managers to take care of the customer.
View review Read Larry Shor's review for Ohio Basement Systems
Basement Waterproofing Solutions
Ohio Basement Systems makes it possible to have a dry basement. We solve all kinds of basement water problems, including those caused by condensation, runoff, and subsurface drainage issues.
Ohio Basement Systems
Egress Windows
The egress window well is an ideal option for egress access. With its all-natural look and a durable, covered design, it maximizes natural light in your basement, while creating a beautiful addition to your finished space.
Ohio Basement Systems
Sump Pump
A sump pump is the heart of a basement waterproofing system. When the water level in your sump pit rises, your sump pump must come on automatically and eject the water to the exterior.
Ohio Basement Systems
Basement Dehumidifiers
A dehumidifier from Ohio Basement Systems makes it easy to control humidity in even the most challenging basement conditions.
Ohio Basement Systems
BasementGutter™ Interior Basement Drainage
The BasementGutter™ basement waterproofing system from Ohio Basement Systems is an innovative interior perimeter drainage channel designed to effectively solve basement water problems.
Is Basement Waterproofing the Right Solution for Me?
Basement leaks, when disregarded for too long, can spiral into expensive and dangerous structural damages. All our solutions are customized to serve every home’s unique needs.
Our certified field inspectors are experts in all things basement waterproofing and survey your whole home to find the root of the damage. We believe that honesty is the best policy; that means giving you the full picture of what waterproofing solutions you need, or even telling you that you don’t need any at all.
It’s easier to set up a free inspection now to rule out basement issues than it is to attempt to pay them off in the future.
FAQs
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.
Why Basement Waterproofing Is Needed
Poor Air Quality from Mold
When your home is suffering from basement leaks and water damage, it’s only a matter of time before mold and mildew start forming. Mold thrives in dark environments with lots of humidity—it will grow covertly in corners, behind furniture, or even on your valuables. Since mold is airborne, it won’t hesitate to spread across your home. If you notice a boost in asthmatic or allergy symptoms, then it could be a result of mold growth in your basement spreading throughout your home.
Musty Odors
While smelly odors may seem like a commonplace trait of the average basement, it’s actually so much more than a basement quirk. Musty smells indicate the presence of mold, mildew, and standing water all stemming from basement leaks and structural vulnerabilities. While it’s a small symptom, it’s one of many ways that your home will speak to you about these basement issues.
High Energy Bills
When basements have undetected passageways from the outside for water to trickle in, outside temperatures and humidity also will sneak in. You may notice that your basement is excessively cold during the winter or exceptionally hot during the summer. When basements have these entry points for outside weather to infiltrate, it requires your HVAC unit to work harder to regulate the temperature of your home. If you’re noticing higher electricity bills, the cause of it may be coming from your basement.
Common Basement Waterproofing Tips & Mistakes
Tips
- Positively Grading Your Yard
A positive yard grade means that any water flowing in your yard during heavy rain will stream away from your home, as opposed to toward it (negative grading). This encourages healthy moisture levels of the soil around your foundation; when water is free to pool around your home, it will overwhelm the soil, exerting hydrostatic pressure which causes leaks, cracks, and structural damage.
- Considering Exterior Drainage
Basement waterproofing consists of a suite of solutions, like a wall vapor liner, sump pump, interior drainage system, and more. In conjunction with all of these interior solutions, our certified field inspectors will also recommend exterior drainage systems in conjunction. Exterior drainage systems can include a FreezeGuard™ for your sump pump discharge lines and gutter protectors. These encourage water to flow away from your home so that there’s less pressure on your basement and waterproofing measures.
- Install Waterproofing Measures Before Finishing Your Basement
It can be extremely tempting to want to cover up your cracking, leaking basement by finishing it with drywall. This out-of-sight, out-of-mind mentality can be extremely damaging not only for your basement but for your wallet as well. If you plan on finishing your basement, we highly recommend waterproofing it first, then installing your valuable cosmetic fixes. Otherwise, you risk a wasted investment on furniture, electronics, and interior design as cracks, leaks, and mold persist.
Mistakes
- Do-It-Yourself Basement Repair
While many YouTube videos or online listicles will urge that basement waterproofing can be done at home, any expert will urge you to go with professional-grade waterproofing. At-home fixes like water-resistant paint, crack filler, and other remedies are only bandages for major issues caused by soil and weather conditions. Waterproofing experts at Ohio Basement Systems specialize in permanent foundation repair and not temporary bandages. You can trust us to get the job done once so you can feel at peace with your basement again, and not in search of the latest antidote.
- Not Investing in Backup Measures
We stand behind our permanent solutions at Ohio Basement Systems, however, we cannot control the weather over the years. If your sump pump or discharge line gets clogged over the years or you experience a power outage, your sump pump will fail and you may experience flooding. Investing in solutions like a backup sump pump battery or a FreezeGuard™ can ensure that even in the coldest of Ohio winters or rainiest of days, you can trust your waterproofing systems.
- Not Maintaining Gutters
Gutters play a huge role in the health of your basement; ensuring that they are free of debris, are draining water healthily, and that downspouts are properly placed can be the difference between a healthy basement and a leaky one. If your gutters are malfunctioning or overwhelmed, water is free to pool around your foundation, leaving your basement more vulnerable to leakage and hydrostatic pressure.
Find your service area
Cleveland, Ohio
From lake effect snow to summer rain, the weather in Cleveland is likely wreaking havoc on your home’s basement or foundation. Our waterproofing experts can help.
Youngstown, Ohio
Poorly drained silty and clay soils in Youngstown and surrounding areas can mean trouble for your home. We can find the one-of-a-kind solution that fits your home.
Akron-Canton Metro Area
Akron-Canton homeowners endure snowfall and melt cycles several times throughout the year. It’s not only a headache—it can cause water damage and structural problems.
Mansfield, OH
Mansfield is home to a diverse number of soils vulnerable to poor drainage. This can cause structural issues to your property down the line—is your home protected?
