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basement waterproofing, Foundation Repair

Basement Waterproofing Issues: The Main Causes of Water Seepage

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The rains have begun! 

Spring has just arrived but we have already had our share of rain in Montgomery County, Maryland. Rain can cause a lot of damage to your home, especially if you have a basement. *** 

Water seepage is the most common problem for homes with a basement. Water seepage can severely damage your home, lead to mold, and, finally but most importantly, can cause serious health issues for you and your family.    

So, if you are seeing cracks in your basement walls or foundation, you are having water seepage into your basement. Here are the signs:

  1. Water in the soil: When rainwater enters the ground, the soil expands and creates hydrostatic pressure. This forces the water to leak into the basement and other locations in your home. This water comes from heavy rain and mixes with the water that is already around your home. As we have discussed in previous blogs, there needs to be proper drainage and grading around your home.
  2. Seepage: Mold develops if the water around the foundation remains for a long time. Mold can be harmful as it will infect the air quality of your home.
  3. Foundation leaks: The home’s concrete walls may develop cracks from the shifting soils. Water will then seep through the basement foundation walls. 
  4. Water damage: Water leaks from a furnace or pools of water on your floors can do extensive interior structural damage.
  5. Structural damage: Water can also do extensive damage to your basement. It can even get into the studs. 
  6. Window leaks: Water pools in the window wells of your basement windows. If it isn’t drained, the water cannot go anywhere. It will eventually run into your home. So, check your window wells, yearly, to make sure there is proper drainage and water cannot gather there. There should be no cracks in the glass and the seals.
  7. Floor cracks: Water can also seep through the basement floor. Excessive water can then stain hardwood floors or ruin the carpet. 
  8. Gaps in floor and footing: Water can also seep into the gap between the footing, the wall, and the concrete floor. Even though they are sealed, basements still shift over time. All that shifting creates openings where seepage can occur. 
  9. Poor drainage: Check to see that the downspouts are running away from the house. Also, verify that your foundation has proper grading. These will keep water out of the soil around your home and reduce the water pressure. 

This spring is a good time to have your foundation checked for seepage. Don’t let the Maryland rains destroy your biggest investment!

M Taylor Enterprise can inspect your home foundation to see if you have any basement waterproofing issues. Call our home foundation and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations then do any needed repairs done quickly and efficiently. We serve the Montgomery County, parts of Prince Georges and Howard Counties.

 *** Visit the Current Results website for more information on the Maryland Rain Tables.

basement waterproofing

Basement Waterproofing: Which of the Top 3 Methods Do I Need?

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You have seen all the signs and now you are ready to call the basement waterproofing contractor and get it done! It’s a great Christmas gift that will give back every day you live tadalafil in the home. 

However, not all basements are the same. So, your contractor will have to choose one of the three methods. They may be exterior or interior. 

  1. Downspout and window well improvement: Window wells are quite important. Without them, your basement windows would decay quickly and the basement would be even darker. Wells can also get clogged with leaves, branches, and other debris. When this happens, rainwater leaks into the basement, causing water damage and flooding. If they are maintained properly, window wells can prevent windows from rusting and rotting. The water drainage issues can be resolved by either adding a window enclosure or by repairing the grading around the foundation so that water flows away from the house.
  2. A full excavation around the perimeter of the house then waterproof from the outside. Waterproofing around the exterior involves excavating the perimeter of the house then installing a waterproof membrane around the foundation. This will seal out the moisture so the concrete doesn’t absorb it, crack it and leak. A French drain can then be installed. Drain tiles are then inserted in the trench around the home. That is covered with gravel and soil. Water is carried away from the foundation and never even has a chance to enter the basement. 
  3. Installation of an interior drainage system with a sump pump. Interior waterproofing is crucial as it sends any water that leaks into the basement out and away from the home foundation. Homes have an interior drainage system made up of pipes and drains that catch leaks. Excess water flows to a “sump pit”. This basin stores water in your basement. The sump pump, inside the sump pit, pumps water out of the basement and away from the home foundation. Sump pumps are triggered when it reaches a certain level of water. They typically have a battery backup so it works even when the power it off. 

Winter will be here soon, but it isn’t too late to have any of these basement waterproofing improvements made to your home. Call your local basement waterproofing contractor for an inspection, analysis, and estimate. 

M Taylor Enterprise basement waterproofing contractors can do a consultation in Montgomery County, MD, and Prince Georges County, MD area. If your basement has water damage or is leaking, call our home foundation and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations then do any needed repairs done quickly and efficiently. 

basement flooding, Foundation Repair

Call Your Basement Waterproofing Contractor!

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Summer storms and the importance of proper yard grading and window wells

Your home is like the human body in that one part depends on another. If one organ or body part is working incorrectly, then it will affect other body parts.

If there is improper grading on your home, it will affect the basement and foundation as there will be leaks and other structural issues.

Now, with summer storms coming in Maryland and the likelihood of flooding occurring to homes with basements, it is essential to make sure your yard is properly graded and window wells are installed correctly.

Your home should have been placed on the highest slope in your yard. This means, of course, that the water should run down and away from your home. Thus, no water will collect around the foundation.

Since your home was built, the soil may have settled creating an area with improper grading around your home. This grading issue needs to be addressed so there is no pooling or flooding in your basement.

Additionally, the basement window wells can become victims of oversight. The wells collect leaves, dirt, and other debris which will clog them and deter them from draining water.

So, when the summer rains hit, it collects in the clogged basement window wells, water runs down the foundation walls. They cannot hold the water back and begin to flood into the basement. This leaves deep stains in the walls and puddles on the floor.

To avoid flood damage to your home and property, you need to contact a licensed basement waterproofing contractor to do proper grading on your yard. Once they have analyzed the flooding issue, they will do the following:

  1. Replace the window wells. With new taller models and covers
  2. Grading will also have to be done to the yard to send water away from the foundation.
  3. Grading should then be sloped away from the foundation walls at  5% slope minimum out up to 10% if possible. A clay-based soil works best for this.
  4. A French drain or swale may then be installed for the water to flow into and away from the home.

Your basement waterproofing contractor can do this work quickly and efficiently to protect your home and property. Summer is here, don’t delay!

M Taylor Enterprise has experienced basement waterproof contractors on staff. Contact us at (301) 649-3406 or email matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We serve Silver Spring, MD and the counties of Montgomery, Howard and Prince George, MD.