No homeowner wants to encounter a flooded, leaky basement or crawl space. Flooding can occur in most homes almost anywhere, causing water damage, health risks, and safety hazards.
This page explores the waterproofing methods that protect your home from a leaky basement and other water-related damage.
Waterproofing protects against a leaky basement and other water-related damage. Flooding—caused by heavy rainfall, storm surges, and high tides—accounts for 90 percent of all U.S. natural disasters. It can strike almost any region, leaving homes vulnerable to water damage.
Heavy rainfall and snowmelt can seep into basements or crawl spaces through foundation cracks, leading to mold and mildew growth and jeopardizing your home’s indoor air quality and your family’s health.
Basement sump pumps help keep your basement dry by removing water from the area and directing it to the interior drainage system. Sump pumps are vital to the overall waterproofing system and are a critical element in flood water management.
Discharge line attachments are critical for preventing sump pump backflow and burnout. This backup system activates when the sump pump fails and water levels reach excessive levels. FreezeGuard is especially important in instances of frozen lines or power outages.
Interior drainage systems receive water from the sump pump and direct it away from the basement foundation. These systems are installed along the perimeter of the basement to manage and discharge water effectively.
Vapor barriers prevent moisture seepage, which causes wet basement walls. Moisture can seep through wall cracks and leaky basement windows, causing efflorescence and other damage.
Basement dehumidifiers are part of a comprehensive waterproofing solution. They combat basement humidity and moisture, helping prevent mold growth, mildew, and musty odors.
Clogged and leaky gutters, downspouts, and exterior drainage systems prevent effective water removal. Maintain these crucial waterproofing elements by inspecting the components for damage, cracks, clogs, and debris. Remove ice or snow from downspouts in winter to ensure proper drainage when it melts. Gutters and downspouts are critical for channeling water away from the basement foundation.
Snow accumulation around the foundation increases the risk of a wet, leaky basement. If not promptly addressed, basement floor cracks can allow snowmelt seepage, leading to basement leaks, water damage, mold, and other issues.
Are you concerned about how heavy rainfall or snowmelt affects your basement foundation? JES Foundation Repair delivers custom, long-term waterproofing solutions tailored to your needs and budget.
Contact us today for a free inspection and get honest answers so you feel confident working with us.
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.
BasementGutter™ Grated Drain Pipes are designed to be installed inside the home, where your home’s insulation protects them from the worst of the chill. Exterior drains will freeze in winter, although this can be mitigated through certain measures, such as salting the drains. Interior basement drains should remain free of ice, even if the basement isn’t properly insulated.
One of the reasons why JES highly recommends installing interior drains is for this very reason.
Interior Drains: A Freeze-Free Solution
Interior drains won’t freeze, which is essential for keeping the basement free of water in cold weather.
Our winters may see snowfall, but ice rarely penetrates the earth more than a few feet in our area.
Even still, the peace of mind our drainage solutions provide is valuable. Plus, moisture can still seep into your basement during winter, and once spring hits and the ice melts there will be even more water to deal with.
JES recommends a basement sump pump to ensure all water is efficiently discharged from your basement drainage network!
The Importance of Keeping Drains Ice-Free
As water freezes, it expands. Drains will grow full blocks of ice that can damage the drainage network and block discharge lines – not only with ice, but trapped debris as well. This can cause an overflow of water, which may push water back into your home or cause exterior gutters to overflow. Triggering flooding, inside and out, and further issues with ice.
Basements can be susceptible to water intrusion during any season. However, periods of heavy rain or melting snow, such as in spring or after severe weather events, can heighten the risk. It’s also worth monitoring during prolonged rainy periods or rapid snowmelt.
Groundworks Editorial Team
