Basement Waterproofing in Virginia and Maryland

Basement Waterproofing in Virginia and Maryland

How Does Water Enter Basements in Virginia and Maryland?

Basement waterproofing is a common need in Virginia and Maryland because they are located along the East Coast and are susceptible to tropical storms. These storms produce heavy rain and cause water to settle around and beneath your home’s foundation, creating the following conditions:

• Hydrostatic pressure – Water pressure against the walls causes cracking and bowing in the walls and eventually allows water to seep into the basement.
• Soil contraction and expansion – Contraction and expansion of the soil beneath the foundation creates voids beneath the concrete and may cause it to crack or become uneven, allowing water to seep into the basement floor.
• Freezing and thawing cycles – Cycles of freezing and thawing may damage the walls and floor of the foundation soil and cause water seepage.
• Leaking crawl space and windows – Excess rain may enter the area through the crawl space and windows that are not sealed properly or window wells that do not drain properly.
• Damaged plumbing – Pipes may be leaking into the basement, or drains may be blocked or backing up into the basement during heavy rains.
• Inadequate waterproofing – Homes with interior waterproofing systems may have blocked or damaged drain tiles or inadequate sump pump capacity for heavy rainfalls.

What Problems Are Caused by a Wet Basement?

Unless the basement is finished with drywall, flooring, and furnishings, many homeowners tend to tolerate a little bit of water in their basements after heavy rain. Ignoring a wet basement, however, can lead to unexpected consequences over time, including the following:

• Mold and mildew – Mold and mildew grow well in the dark, moist environment of a wet basement.
• Dry rot – Dry rot, which causes wood deterioration, also thrives in a moist environment and compromises the structural integrity of your entire home.
• Insect infestations – Insects such as earwigs, centipedes, silverfish, and termites thrive in wet basements, as do the spiders that eat them. 
  
• Poor air quality – A moist basement not only affects the air quality in the basement but the entire home, leading to potentially serious problems with allergies and asthma.
• Cracks in walls and floors – Without adequate waterproofing, the concrete in walls and floors of the basement will eventually develop cracks that allow additional water to seep into the basement.
• Bowed and leaning walls – After a period of time, hydrostatic pressure will cause basement walls to lean or bow.
• Foundation failure – Eventually, problems caused by excess water in the basement may lead to serious foundation failure and permanent damage to the overall structure of your home.

How Can Wet Basement Problems Be Solved?

Basement Masters Waterproofing offers a number of solutions to repair current problems and prevent future problems caused by a wet basement. Depending on the nature of the problem, the following are some of the services we offer. For further information on each of these services, simply click the link.

Wall Crack Repair

At Basement Masters Waterproofing, we fill wall cracks with epoxy injections that not only prevent water seepage but make the wall stronger. In some case, we do carbon fiber repair which corrects problems with bowing or leaning walls.

Interior Drainage Systems

Interior drainage systems involve digging a small trench on the inside perimeter of the basement walls and installing a drainage pipe to route the water to a sump pump well at the lowest end of the basement. As the well fills, the sump pump removes the water a safe distance away from the house. In case of power outages, we also install battery-operated, backup sump pumps.

Exterior Drainage Systems

Exterior drainage systems keep water from entering your basement in the first place. Exterior drainage components include everything from gutters and downspouts to safely remove water from your roof to catch basins, drainage ditches, and channel drains to route water away from your yard and home’s foundation.

Crawl Space Repair

We do crawl space encapsulation with “System Seal” products that keep water out of your crawl space. Because it is estimated that 40-50% of all indoor air originates in the basement and crawl space of your home, this, along with installing dehumidifiers, improves overall air quality and reduces energy costs.

Foundation and Repair

In addition to repairing foundation cracks with epoxy injections, we install wall anchors to support leaning and bowing walls and carbon fiber strips to seal cracks and provide additional wall strength. Basement Masters Waterproofing also offers footing excavation repair with push piers to provide extra foundation support for the weight of the structure.

Contact Basement Masters Waterproofing for Basement Waterproofing Solutions

Basement Masters Waterproofing has years of experience in doing basement waterproofing and foundation repair services in Virginia and Maryland. We will work within your budget and want you to know that we understand your foundation and waterproofing issues are as individual as your home is. We can give you an estimate on your repairs, and you can be assured we will get the job done right. It is no accident that Basement Masters Waterproofing has won Angie’s List Super Service Award five years in a row! Contact us today!