Water leaks can be a problem in any basement, but they are more common in homes with several sides of the foundation walls buried to the top of the sill where the house sits. Most basement water issues stem from runoff in the area, and basement waterproofing is essential to keep the water from getting inside or damaging the basement walls. 

Water Infiltration

When your home has a basement that sits below the soil line, groundwater can find its way to the concrete or block wall outside and begin to cause damage to the material. In most situations, the damage occurs over many years, but if not addressed, it will eventually cause cracks and damage to the foundation or basement walls that require repairs. 

Basement waterproofing can block water from penetrating the walls, but it needs to start outside the home to be effective. Waterproofing inside the basement is an excellent additional step. However, by the time the water gets to the inside walls, it has already penetrated the concrete or blocks and is causing damage that will eventually need fixing. 

Water infiltration needs to stop outside the home, and working with a foundation company or a basement waterproofing service is often the best way to ensure the water stays outside your home. 

Excavation And Drainage

Excavating around the basement walls all the way to the footing and sealing the outside walls with waterproofing materials will block water from getting into the concrete. A professional basement waterproofing service will use a sealer that can spray or roll onto the walls from the base to the top just above the soil height.

When the sealer is installed correctly, it forms a barrier that keeps water from working through the concrete and inside the home. However, there are additional steps you can take to help ensure this barrier is effective. 

While the soil is away from the foundation, the waterproofing company may recommend adding some drainage around the house and placing gravel or stone between the foundation or basement walls and the soil to help keep water away. Adding some perforated pipe that allows water to run in from the top and drain off will add an additional barrier. When used with the waterproofing material, this can remove most, if not all water around your basement walls. 

Adding waterproofing paint inside the basement is also helpful, and it can make the basement look more finished if you are using it to extend the living space in your home. Talk with the basement waterproofing service such as Case Foundation System about what they recommend for your home, and they can help keep your basement dry and allow you to feel comfortable using the space.