Basement Waterproofing Systems
Basement leaks are pervasive issues in homes. Any foundation type can leak, whether it be poured concrete, cinder block, or stone, they just leak differently. At Schmitt Waterproofing, we have appropriately trained our staff to diagnose the real cause of the basement leak and ensure that we address the issue with the most cost-effective solution.
Basement Leaks & Flooding Basement
The most common sources of water that we see causing basement leaks are as follows: Clogged gutters, which allow water to overflow the gutter; improperly installed or missing downspout extensions, which allow water to dump right next to the home; improper grading which allows surface runoff to push towards the home; and excessive amounts of rain. When excessive amounts of water can flow next to a home’s foundation the water searches for a path of least resistance, and if there is an opening in the foundation the water will push inside.
Basement Waterproofing Systems
Suppose you are experiencing water intrusion along the bottom of your foundation wall where the wall and slab meet. In that case, the most effective solution is to install an interior sub-floor drainage system. The goal is to keep water from entering your basement. In some cases, the original foundation drain system has started to fail, most commonly due to the accumulation of silt, causing it to clog. When your original sub-floor drainage system fails, it allows hydrostatic pressure to build upon the foundation wall. During heavy rains, the water pushes into your basement through cracks in the floor or where the foundation wall and slab meet. If your original system fails, it will not only capture water beneath your floor but also releases water inside a cinderblock foundation wall. This water intrusion can happen well before it builds up high enough to enter the home. Our internal systems use state-of-the-art drainage below the floor to direct the water into a sump basin with a dual pump system. The pump systems incorporate a secondary pump with a battery backup to ensure you stay dry even in a power outage.
Basement leaks, Flooding basement examples
Frequently Asked Questions
Basement waterproofing is the process of preventing water from over saturated soils outside the homes foundation walls from being able to pass through the foundation into the home. Depending on your foundation type and the way in which water is entering your foundation there can be a few different methods of repair. Our repair methods include interior systems to protect all or part of the foundation, polyurethane crack injections, and finger space drains.
Our basement waterproofing systems generally range from $5,000 – $10,000. Pricing can vary greatly depending on the size of the system. Our basement waterproofing systems carry a life of the structure warranty to ensure peace of mind for our clients.
When hydrostatic pressure is allowing water to push up into your basement you must install sufficient drainage down at the footing to ensure this water cannot push up into your home. Unfortunately, this is an invasive and costly process. If your basement is unfinished the process starts with the removal of the concrete slab abutting the foundation wall throughout the area of repair, once the concrete is removed a drainage system is installed with a sump pump system that is plumbed outside away from the home and then the concrete poured back. In finished basements the removal of Sheetrock, framing, and flooring is required to complete the work as well.