This summer will be like none other in our lifetime.
It will be post-COVID-19/Coronavirus. The quarantine may be over and we may be returning to our routines, with some adjustments, and life moves on.
While life may have its challenges, there are some things that never change, pandemic or not. Your home foundation needs to be checked. This summer may bring some heavy rains, as we often have in the DMV/Maryland/Virginia/District area. ***
So, let’s turn our attention to your home foundation. Basement waterproofing must be done to protect your home. As we have said before, water problems most often can be corrected from the exterior NOT the interior. Many times we see basement waterproofing contractors install interior sump pump drainage systems. That will not waterproof your basement. It only manages the amount of water. It will not stop it.
If you hire a licensed and experienced basement waterproofing contractor, they will do the waterproofing from the outside.
Here is what should be done:
- Inspect the home exterior for water sources such as negative drainage and missing downspouts.
- Check to see if basement sump pumps are being used. (These only manage water. They do not waterproof on the foundation.)
- Exterior drainage improvements are done in conjunction with the interior to minimize pump cycles.
- Clean all gutter downpours.
- Proper grading of dirt around the foundation
- Add downspout extension pipes
- Large trees with roots close to the foundation will cause leaks as they push in the wall slightly
Much of the damage to your foundation walls cannot be seen. It is behind drywall or paneling that needs to be corrected. Water from rain and melting snow enter the ground around your foundation and can create structural damage and health issues. The re-grading around the outside of your home may need to be done, installing an interior drainage system, or doing a full excavation of your home’s foundation.
Call our home foundation waterproofing team at M Taylor Enterprise (301) 649-3406 or email matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We serve the counties of Prince George and Silver Spring, MD area.
*** For more information on the DMV Weather for 2020, click here.
