Basement Waterproofing
Basement waterproofers are contractors who use specific methods and a variety of materials to eliminate water from penetrating a basement floor or the foundation walls of a structure. Waterproofing may include specially designed drainage pipe, sump pumps, vapor barriers, drains and battery back-up systems all working in combination to ensure water is collected and redirected away from the basement and outer foundation walls.
Over the years there have been 100’s of systems designed. In recent years improved research and testing has resulted in new products that when installed properly allow contractors to provide transferable lifetime warranties for homeowners. Of course any warranty is only as good as the company who offers it so be sure to read carefully what is or is not covered and then check with the Better Business Bureau to be sure the contractor you select has an excellent history of how they conduct business.
Top Reasons Your Basement Leaks
When a home is built most builders install a perimeter exterior drain tile system. Typically they put rock around the drain tile to protect it from becoming clogged quickly. Perforations in the drain tile all water to gather into the drain pipe and then be diverted to an area away from the interior of the basement. This works fine for a period of time, however, eventually dirt makes its way through the rock into the perforated pipe and clogs the system. This may take several years, sometimes much less depending how well the system was installed. In addition, during the building process most responsible contractors will use a variety of coating materials that adhere to masonry or poured foundation walls. View examples of what damp proofing looks like, here.
When either of these initial systems fail a structure becomes subject to water intrusion. The most common causes of a wet basement are:
- An existing exterior drain tile that is clogged and can no longer function
- Failure of builder to damp proof walls
- Structural settlement that causes cracks in the foundation
- Hydrostatic water pressure
- Poor grading in the yard causing drainage problems
- Gutters with downspout extensions that are not long enough to allow water to move away from foundation
Choices on how to address water problems
Over the years we have seen many homeowners who just live with a wet basement until it comes time to sell their home. Nowadays the inspection and disclosure process will prevent anyone who has not fixed a leaky basement to most likely lose their buyer. Whether you decide to do-it-yourself or to hire a professional you need to make sure that you fix the seepage problem at some point. There are many products on the market that simply do not work very well. A classic example is the paint you can buy at a box store. It may seal up the wall but the water not being collected and diverted so overtime the paint will fail and the problem will recur. In addition, the underlying issue remains so the water will then find the next open source and begin penetration at that porous spot.
How we Stop Basement Seepage
Our team has certified basement waterproofing professionals who have all been through very rigorous training. The key to finding the solution is to fully understand the source of the problem. It can be very tricky. Often homeowners self diagnose the source of a leak when in fact what they are observing is the end result of a problem that may not be readily visible. This is especially true in finished basements. When you ask us to do an inspection (free by the way for homeowners), we’ll send out a trained professional who will spend the time necessary to very carefully inspect and assess what is happening at your residence. Once he or she gathers up all the information we’ll put in writing for you a complete summary. If repairs are needed we’ll outline the cost involved and provide you all reasonable solutions.
We are an authorized dealer of Basement Systems, the world’s largest network of waterproofing professionals. Learn more about our network here.
Our patented products:
WaterGuard® Drainage System
Our most popular drainage system, WaterGuard® is the ideal solution for most applications. View a video about WaterGuard® here. Unlike old-fashioned exterior and interior drain tile systems, WaterGuard® is installed just underneath the perimeter edge of the basement floor.
WellDuct® Window Well Drain
This product alway water from window wells to be captured and sent to the sump pump by way of the drainage system.
TripleSafe Sump Pump System
We offer 3 different sump pump packages. See this video about how these sumps work.
IceGuard Discharge Line System
This ensures your sump works when it is cold outside. View how it operates on this learning tutorial.
FloodRing Water Tank Protection
As the picture shows when a hot water heater breaks (and eventually they all do) the water normally would leak into your basement. Flood ring captures the water and sends it to the drain system and over to the sump pump.
FlexiSpan® Crack Repair System
This product is used to fix cracks in foundation walls and prevent water from leaking into your basement. Learn how the product works now.
SaniDry™ Basement Dehumidifier
We carry two types of dehumidfiers – one for a full basement and a second made just for crawl spaces. These are self draining systems requiring very little maintenance. Learn more.
Wall Systems
We offer wall covering systems that keeps moisture behind your basement or crawl space walls. Ask us about this product when you visit with our certified inspector.
Nashville Basements offer both a free inspection and written analysis for any Nashville and 75 mile area homeowner. Contact Us