What you should know about Basement Leak Repair

The benefits of basement leak repair and waterproofing are important to your home’s overall health. Leaks can come from several different sources, such as indoor humidity, saturated soil surrounding the foundation, plastic piping, or cracks in the foundation.

Advantages of waterproofing your basement include:

• Increased liveable square footage
• Potential to increase your home’s value
• Access to other vital fixtures
• Healthier indoor air quality
• Safe space to ride out inclement weather

Why Your Basement Needs To Stay Dry

In the event that your basement is not renovated, starting with a clean, dry slate is best for protecting your home’s overall structural integrity. A home with 1000 square feet of above-ground footage can easily double this living space with a well-planned finishing project that transforms your basement from bland to grand.

Water problems quickly make themselves known in a basement that is not structurally sound. Surfaces in your basement such as drywall, electrical components, and flooring quickly degrade and become downright dangerous if moisture is not managed. Even if you’re not remodeling your basement, you need to keep it as dry as possible to prevent the harmful development of mold, mildew, and other rotting materials that can have a significant impact on your health and of your loved ones.

The Basics Of Basement Leak Repair

Contrary to popular belief, basement leak repair isn’t a singular project. Quick fixes such as clearing gutters and coating basement walls with sealant will be little more than a band-aid that will not deal with moisture’s root cause. A group of interlocking projects coordinates to keep your foundation and basement as dry as possible.

Contributing Factors To Water and Moisture Damage

There are several possible causes of water and moisture damage in a basement, including:

• Poorly graded soil that causes water to pool around a foundation
• Missing gutters and downspouts
• Missing or poorly designed window wells
• Missing window well covers
• Damaged drain tile
• Broken sump pump
• Backed up sewer system
• Structural cracks in the foundation

With all of these issues contributing to water in your basement, how do you go about making sure that your home’s systems work together to keep your living space clean and dry? Starting outside and working your way in, tackle one project at a time, and consider calling in a basement leak repair professional to diagnose and eliminate your water woes.

Dos and Don’ts of Basement Leak Repair and Waterproofing

Take these tips to heart when working to make your basement a safe and enjoyable place to live.

Do: Clean those gutters!
Gutter clutter can really mess up your home and foundation. These clogs prevent water from being swept out and away from your house, causing water to pool around your foundation. It’s only a matter of time before water makes its way indoors through cracks in your foundation. Keep gutters cleaned regularly and you’ll be less likely to see evidence of maintenance neglect in your basement.

Do: Check For Cracks
Foundation cracks in the basement are a significant issue when waterproofing your home. Check the area in your basement thoroughly for cracks in the wall; these cracks get worse with time. Consider foundation repair services to ensure that the root cause of your water problem doesn’t continue to worsen.

Do: Find Leaks
Cracks are just one possible avenue for water to enter your home. There may be other places where water is making an appearance, such as in corners, drains, and around your sump pump pit. A Licensed Foundation Repair Professional to diagnose and treat these leaks by eliminating their sources.

Do: Fix The Downspout
Cleaning your gutters is one part of your drainage system; making sure your downspout is properly positioned is another. Broken downspouts can cause rainwater to seep inside your home, potentially flooding your basement. Making sure that downspouts are positioned correctly and in good condition can significantly improve your chances of keeping a dry basement.

Don’t: Ignore Leaks
You might think that a small leak or crack in the foundation can wait, but this can lead to excess pressure that causes catastrophic damage to your home and foundation. Inspect your basement and foundation regularly for leaks, and follow up with a professional to see what the best course of action is for correction.

Don’t: Use DIY Sealant On Your Walls
Do it yourself sealants are increasing in popularity as people try valiantly to patch up cracks and avoid foundation repair. While they do seal small cracks, they provide temporary relief for a worsening problem. Never attempt to patch up your foundation on your own. The only sure way to waterproof your basement is to have a professional provide you with permanent solutions for your basement leak repair.

Don’t: Neglect Clean Up After A Flood
Flooding brings a serious mess to your basement and belongings. Clearing out debris, water, damaged fixtures and furniture to clean thoroughly is crucial as you attempt to prevent mold and mildew build up. Toxic build up after a flood can impact your health; cleaning and disinfecting is a vital part of keeping your home safe.

Don’t: Ignore Damp Spots
Much like leaks, you should never neglect the presence of damp spots in your basement. This is a sure sign that your foundation is compromised somewhere. Follow these spots to a water source to alleviate additional issues.

Contact A Basement Leak Repair Professional

The process of basement leak repair is vital to protecting your home. If you discover wet spots or pooling water in your basement, take note of these preventative tips to ensure that your property stays clean and dry. Consider the process of foundation repair and maintenance to ensure that your property is protected through all seasons, and know that you’re taking a proactive step toward protecting your most valuable investment–your home.

Crackmasters team has over 20+ years of professional experience with cutting-edge basement waterproofing, basement crack repair, and foundation crack repair systems. A lifetime guarantee backs our foundation repair services. For a free estimate and inspection, contact Crackmasters today.