Wet Basement Signs and Repair Solutions in Virginia
Moisture in the basement or crawl space of your home can lead to many problems for homeowners in the Virginia area. Mold and mildew growth, wood rot, metal rust, and high humidity are all issues that can result from basement leaks and seepage. These problems are things that you may have already expected to see in your wet basement.
However, wet basements can also lead to structural damage and deterioration that may require professional foundation repair.
Sometimes, damp or wet basements are the result of foundation failure. If you see leaks in your basement, it could be a sign that your foundation has started to shift, settle, and form foundation cracks. These cracks can allow water to leak into the basement and cause several of the issues commonly associated with a wet basement.
Settling foundations can also cause the yard around your foundation to sink in, leaving dips and sunken areas for water to collect in. This water can then seep into the foundation and leak through cracks into the basement.
Basement water problems can also cause foundation problems. This might happen when water that is pooling around your foundation at the surface of the ground or water underground is collecting around your foundation starts to seep into the concrete.
As the water soaks through the foundation, it weakens the concrete and can lead to foundation crumbling, chipping, and flaking, as well as foundation movement.
Regardless of the way that the foundation and basement water problems in your home started, it is important to have them repaired right away.
Foundation Repair and Basement Waterproofing for Your Wet Basement
Generally, there are a few different steps you need to go through to make sure that your wet basement is taken care of and that it will not reappear again:
1. Find the Problem
Determine if the problem is being caused by or is causing a foundation problem and work out a solution to take care of the underlying cause.
2. Foundation Repair Needed?
If the problem requires foundation repair, make sure this is taken care of first. The foundation may require underpinning with steel push piers or it may need to be pulled back into place with wall anchors.
Foundation cracks can be fixed with carbon fiber repair methods and our other wall crack repair options.
3. Waterproofing Methods
Once any foundation problems have been fixed, waterproofing techniques can be used to protect the foundation from moisture.
Exterior waterproofing keeps out groundwater and surface water, while interior waterproofing and sump pump installation may be used to flush water out of a flooded or wet basement.
4. Encapsulate Your Crawl Space
If you have a crawl space in your home, you may want to consider investing in crawl space encapsulation with a vapor barrier to keep out any moisture in the form of water vapor.
The team at Basement Masters Waterproofing will ensure each of these steps is taken for the care of your home. Contact us today for more information about our foundation repair and basement waterproofing services for your Virginia home.
