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6 Innovative Seepage Repair Techniques for Your Basement

Seepage Repair

The National Foundation Repair Association, Inc. (NFRA) says that over 78% of new homes are affected by basement water problems within the first eight years. In fact, the Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) says that over 94% of projects their members carry out involve seepage repair.

Early Repairs

As a homeowner, you need to appreciate the need for early assessment and repair to your basement.  Delayed solutions risk your home’s strength while also reducing your home’s value. The National Association of Realtors (NAR®) says over 97% of home buyers want to know if there are any moisture problems in the basement.

These problems also pose health risks to your family due to toxic mold growth below the floor. These spores end up in the indoor air leading to respiratory health issues among other problems. In essence, you should have a contractor check if there are any issues in your basement before taking any necessary seepage repair.

Effective Solutions

Every basement or crawl space is unique and only a professional evaluation can determine the solution to be used to remedy the moisture problem. Some common techniques include:

  1. Internal drain tile: This is a perimeter perforated pipe that collects water and drains it either into a sump pump pit or away from the foundation walls. It is generally laid in a trench next to footers and is then covered with gravel before being finished to look like the rest of the floor. This drain ensures no ground and surface water seeps into the basement.
  2. Sealing cracks: Non-structural cracks are a major culprit in moisture problems in crawl spaces and basements. A contractor can identify these cracks and seal them using polyurethane or sodium bentonite to keep away moisture.
  3. Waterproofing membrane: External water is the greatest problem when it comes to controlling basement wetness. A membrane fitted on the external side of the walls offers the perfect waterproofing solution. This membrane is normally made using a coating of asphalt-modified polyurethane that is applied on the foundation walls.
  4. Improving surface drainage: A contractor will identify problems in drainage and extend gutter discharge pipes and also repair window wells to avoid draining of water next to foundation walls.
  5. Correcting negative grading: If the landscape is sloping towards the walls, this will lead to water leaking through. Proper grading is one of the easiest seepage repair techniques and one that is also inexpensive.
  6. Crawl space insulation: If your crawl space has a moisture problem, it is important to insulate it all using a hard plastic material on the floor and walls. This will keep away all moisture and reduce chances of condensation.

There you have it; just call an experienced foundations contractor in order to safeguard your treasured investment and improve the indoor air quality (IAQ).