Fort Washington, MD, has experienced its fair share of riverine and coastal flooding along the Potomac River and its tributaries. With portions of Prince George’s County located within the one percent (100-year) floodplain, local flood management is vital to community safety. In fact, county officials adopted the Floodplain Ordinance to deter filling and construction in areas prone to flooding due to these risks.
Just as Prince George’s County has flood management plans, so should homeowners. Basement waterproofing in Fort Washington MD protects homes and families from the devastating risks of water damage caused by localized flooding.
Have you experienced basement flooding, or are you concerned it might happen in the future? Continue reading to learn how to safeguard your home and maintain peace of mind.
There are several steps homeowners in Fort Washington can take to prepare for basement flooding. Looking for foundation cracks, testing and maintaining the sump pump, and installing a reliable waterproofing system are easy ways to begin. Basements are vulnerable to water intrusion, whether it’s caused by a light rainstorm or a heavy flood event.
Whether you have flood insurance or not, basement waterproofing in Fort Washington MD can help homeowners avoid water damage and the extensive, out-of-pocket repairs that often follow.
Expansive clay soil earned its name for good reason. This soil type absorbs moisture from rainwater and snowmelt, expanding as it becomes saturated. Its expansive nature exerts pressure against the exterior basement wall, causing foundation cracks, water seepage, and wet basement walls. This stress is known as hydrostatic pressure.
Overflowing rivers and tidal surges contribute to area flooding, potentially impacting basements in low-lying regions or those close to waterways near the Potomac River and its tributaries.
A malfunctioning or overwhelmed sump pump fails to remove water, leading to basement flooding, regardless of the external water source.
Some Fort Washington homes lack effective waterproofing systems or rely on outdated ones, making their basements more susceptible to water intrusion. This is especially true in low‑lying areas near the Potomac River and its tributaries. Interior drainage systems and sump pumps help manage water intrusion and prevent damage.
Basement flooding has detrimental effects on basement foundations. Common effects include:
Basement flooding is most common in low-lying areas, particularly near drainage swales and stormwater channels. However, basement waterproofing in Fort Washington MD can help protect your home.
If you’re unsure whether you live in a high-risk flood zone, check your address on the FEMA flood map or speak with a local Fort Washington foundation repair expert.
Water in basement Fort Washington MD can cause severe structural and cosmetic damage. Fort Washington homeowners have several options to address these issues, including:
Basement waterproofing methods significantly minimize moisture, humidity, and water damage. The following interior and exterior solutions work together as a comprehensive system:
Sealing foundation cracks in basement walls and floors helps prevent water seepage and structural damage. Crack repair also helps prevent further damage to the foundation.
Water compromises basements in Fort Washington, particularly those along the Potomac River or further inland. However, you can protect your home from long-term damage with the right waterproofing system and foundation care.
If you’ve noticed water in your basement, contact JES Foundation Repair. Our local experts have over 30 years of experience in basement waterproofing in Fort Washington MD.
Contact us today to schedule your free inspection and discover how Fort Washington foundation repair can safeguard your home.
Some waterproofing solutions are temporary, whereas others can last longer if they’re more comprehensive. The type of waterproofing that involves interior drainage installed by a reliable basement waterproofing professional is a more permanent solution. Comparatively, sealant waterproofing lasts between one and two years, depending on the type of sealant you used.
Basement finishing has become more and more popular in recent years as homeowners seek to make the most of every square inch of space that their home has to offer. There are many regulatory requirements around what is needed to class a basement as a ‘habitable space’. For example, you will need an egress window of a certain size. However, waterproofing is not technically necessary to finish your basement fully.
However, it is a very good idea to waterproof your basement before you begin any finishing work. After all, nothing is certain to ruin your hard work and furnishings quite like dampness, flooding, and mold. The benefits of waterproofing your basement before finishing it are many, and the process itself should be very straightforward and cost-effective, unless there are serious underlying issues that must be addressed first.
Generally speaking, waterproofing your basement will start with clearing all obstructions and debris from the space. After this, insulation will be cut to size and installed alongside vapor barriers to prevent moisture from seeping through the bare concrete walls and into your home. Depending on the space you have, a professional may also suggest perimeter drains and a sump pump system to make sure that your finished basement stays safe and dry in even the worst weather. Waterproofing your basement before you finish it will not only protect your hard work, but will make your finished basement more comfortable to be in.
Waterproofing your basement is essential in homes throughout Virginia, Maryland, and D.C., as our humid climate frequently sees rainfall. Even outside of rainy weather, moisture is still present in the earth in the form of hydrostatic pressure. This is a major contributing factor to the development of basement leaking and cracks in the floor and foundation, through which water seeps. Water-logged soil can also cause water to seep through window wells and doorways.
Draining this water away effectively is important for preserving the health of your basement, and thereby also keeping your home healthy and comfortable to live in. Water in the basement can cause a number of problems including the following:
Mold, Mildew, and Wood Rot
A persistent presence of water and moisture will cause mold, mildew, and wood rot to grow. Mold and
mildew don’t cause overly much property damage, but they do affect the indoor air quality. The spores released by mold can cause irritation of the mouth, nose, and eyes, and can trigger allergic reactions.
Some types of mold, like Black Mold, are even toxic.
Wood rot is a fungus which devours dead wood. Within 2-3 years of first growing, wood rot can cause significant structural damage to the home. In the basement, this means the ceiling/floorboards and wooden supports and framework.
Preventing these growths from forming is important for the health and happiness of your family. To do this, water must be drained away and a moisture-free environment maintained.
Pests
Rodents and cockroaches actively seek out warm, dark environments like basements to call home. Basements with water leakage are even more attractive. A reliable source of water is high in the priority list of any animal, and cockroaches need damp environments to survive.
Maintaining a dry and water-free basement is crucial for deterring pests from living in your basement.
Established colonies of pests can negatively impact the indoor air quality with allergens, and the creatures themselves can spread bacteria.
Increasing Humidity
In our area, water will eventually begin to evaporate, especially if it is left to puddle in the basement.
What this does is cause the interior humidity levels of the basement to rise. As heat rises, these peaks in humidity will quickly move into the home itself. Not only does this make your home uncomfortably warm, but it also causes your energy usage to rise too.
Often, to combat these unprecedented humidity levels, people will run their air conditioning system for longer. This increases the home’s energy usage, and thus the monthly energy bill as well. Effectively draining water from the basement controls indoor humidity levels, and in doing so creates a more comfortable, energy efficient home.
Groundworks Editorial Team
