Basement Waterproofing

Request a Quote

Waterproofing in Media, Pennsylvania

If you haven't ever completed basement waterproofing or interior home waterproofing, or specifically engaged in active basement waterproofing or PA basement waterproofing, then you might be missing some major benefits. Most people don't realize just how important it can be to keep your basement dry. It makes perfect sense, to someone who hasn't ever done or watched basement waterproofing near you work themselves, that somehow protecting the basement from water on the exterior is the best way to prevent water damage and, in the most cases, prevent mold damage. Of course, modern techniques have also developed extensively for successfully waterproofing a basement on the exterior as well. When selecting your home waterproofing company, it's crucial to know what to look for, including the availability of waterproofing materials near me or specific systems like basement systems USA.


Foundation wall waterproofing systems are, of course, an absolute necessity if the entire foundation of the house is being waterproofed. Foundation wall waterproofing systems do two primary jobs. They keep water away from the foundation and they keep the area under the foundation dry. A special waterproofing compound is applied directly to the foundation wall. Waterproofing compounds are generally non-toxic and add little extra cost to the total cost of basement waterproofing systems.


Other benefits of waterproofing the walls include structural protection of the structure, the reduction of noise and heating costs, and the prevention of mold and mildew. All of these benefits are indirect benefits however. Foundation wall waterproofing does a lot more than just stop water from going into the basement, it actually stops it from coming in at all. This means there is a lower risk of mold and mildew growing due to moisture penetrating the walls. In addition, if the waterproofing is applied correctly, the area under the foundation where water can sneak in has increased substantially, which results in more efficient ventilation of the home and a decrease in moisture absorption.

Lead Gen Contact Form

Prevent Mold From Infesting Your Basement

A very crucial type of basement waterproofing system is the exterior wall drain. This drain provides the water that can penetrate the foundation with an alternative exit. If you have a sewer drain, you might be able to pour a trench into the floor and install a PVC pipe or other drain solution. You might also be able to install an interior drainage system down to a certain point, though this will depend on the situation. It will also depend on how much current you have in the basement; if there is very little, you may not need an outlet pipe at all. Even if there is a lot of current, the soil at the bottom of the trench will not be saturated and a PVC pipe or another drain option will work just fine.


Basement waterproofing is also a great preventative measure for the problems that often come with leaks. Leaks are almost always the result of poor waterproofing. The first thing you should do when you discover a leak is repaired the source of the water. You can use a sump pump or excavator to remove excess water, but in many cases a wet basement is unavoidable. When you discover the location of the leak, it's time to find a method to fix it, whether that is sealing it or excavating and filling the basement cracks can grow into large and costly cracks.

Excavation is a technique used in waterproofing that can be used to repair cracks and leaks. A rotary plow can be inserted into the depressions to force compacted soil off the face of the depression, while a water sealant is added to the soil. Once the soil is saturated, the waterproofing compound is added and then a rotary plow is inserted to rinse away the compound. Cracks in the membrane are then repaired and the whole area is sealed.


Basement waterproofing can be a difficult and lengthy process. While the process may sound complicated, it really doesn't have to be. Basement waterproofing products include exterior membranes, interior compressive drain membrane, and drainage blocks. Exterior and interior compressive drain membrane are a sheeting made from expandable plastic that expands to fill the depression. It seals against soil pressure and is relatively inexpensive, although it can become saturated and tear from repeated use. Residue left behind in interior areas can form a toxic substance when allowed to chemically react with nearby materials.


A superior basement waterproofing product, often called a damp proofing membrane, covers the interior surface of depressions, while preventing water escape through cracks and depressions. For those searching for basement waterproofing near Pennsylvania, it's essential to use the right products for effective results. The membrane acts as an insulator between basement and exterior floor and ceiling materials. Basement waterproofing paint and basement waterproofing sealer are crucial components in this process. Basement waterproofing is the prevention of water entry through tiny cracks, depressions, and small gaps. Many different methods can be used to stop leaks and cracks, but basement waterproofing is the only preventative measure against deteriorating structures and rising home insurance rates.

Lets face it most basement leaks are the worst nightmares of any homeowner. The dark and damp reality of a flooded basement from the outside water seeping in, doesn't need to be your reality any longer. Basements leak for a whole host of reasons including building constraints, building design errors, age of building and more. If you know where and how you are prone to basement leaks then it makes it a lot easier to remedy the problem. Here are some of the most common basement leak problems and some of the effective remedial methods to stop leaks.


Foundation cracks and punctures

This is by far one of the most common causes of basement leaks. It can result from an unbalanced or deteriorating structural foundation or poor waterproofing. In order to find and fix the source of any leak or crack an experienced engineer should be sought out. A competent engineer should be able to assess the problem and recommend the most effective and cost effective solution. For example, if a crack is found in your basement's waterproofing system, then using an EIR (Ellis Inuit Standard) system the engineers can advise you if your basement is suitable for using with this type of waterproofing

Foundation cracks and punctures

Most cracks and punctures to basement waterproofing systems occur as a result of poor installation. Poorly installed foundations cause the surface of the walls to swell as the groundwater moves in. The walls will then crack and become even more vulnerable to further damage from water and dampness. To prevent this, using high-quality basement waterproofing products is essential. Additionally, addressing any issues with basement foundation repair promptly can help maintain the integrity of your walls. It is important to not allow the water to get to the wall joints as this can lead to complete failure of the wall. Water penetrates the walls in tiny cracks and is often difficult to detect.


Vertical water flows

There are two types of basement waterproofing options - passive and active. Passive systems are designed to prevent water from moving up and down through the walls and into the basement. This is achieved by means of various materials such as soil filled material and impermeable sheet materials. These methods can provide some good results but it is important to make sure that these methods are maintained on a regular basis in order to stop the problem of leaking or subsidence of the building.

Moisture is another major cause of basement waterproofing problems. Unfortunately basements are prone to leaks due to the fact that there is often no ventilation to the outside.


Moisture collection

As a result, excess moisture collects in the basement causing dampness, mold and mildew. For basements, which are connected to the house, this can cause serious damage to both the interior and exterior structures. In order to prevent such leaks a proper ventilation system should be installed before embarking on a basement waterproofing project. Basement remodeling and construction projects can also result in leaks. Sometimes materials used during basement waterproofing do not hold well when wet and can therefore leak. If you live in an old house, this is not a big problem. However, most houses with basements are newer and as a result the basement waterproofing materials used are not as effective. Over time such materials will deteriorate and the seal will begin to deteriorate. If you want to avoid wet basement repairs you need to keep your basement waterproofing materials sealed properly at all times.


Footer drain

One method of basement waterproofing, which is commonly used is the installation of a footer drain. A footer drain system is a collection system consisting of a series of drain holes which discharge to the ground. It is important that the footers are placed correctly to ensure proper drainage. Most people choose to have their footings placed so that the drainage system is able to work smoothly. If your footings are positioned incorrectly for example, you might find that water will get inside and freeze. If this happens, you will not be able to stop the water coming in until the ground freezes again.


Septic

Sewer and drain pipes may also leak. These pipes are usually laid within concrete walls and floors and are connected to septic tanks below ground level. In most cases, the pipes used for basement waterproofing are septic ones. If your pipes are leaking, you will need to have them repaired or replaced before you start basement waterproofing. Water seepage can cause health problems for anyone who comes in direct contact with it such as children and pets.


In conclusion, basement waterproofing is an essential process to safeguard your home from leaks, cracks, and structural damage caused by water infiltration. Whether you’re dealing with foundation cracks, vertical water flows, or moisture collection, addressing these issues early can save you from costly repairs and health hazards like mold. With various methods available, including exterior wall drains, footer drains, and damp proofing membranes, homeowners can take preventative measures to ensure a dry and safe basement environment.


Contact us to learn more about our waterproofing solutions or to schedule a consultation with our experts. For additional tips and information on home maintenance, be sure to check out our latest posts on our blog.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is basement waterproofing and why is it important?

    Basement waterproofing is the process of preventing water from entering your basement. It’s important because water damage can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and a decrease in home value.

  • How do you waterproof a basement?

    Waterproofing a basement can involve interior or exterior solutions, including sealing basement walls, installing sump pumps, and adding drainage systems like interior French drains.

  • How long does basement waterproofing last?

    Professional basement waterproofing can last 10–20 years or more, depending on the method used and the condition of your foundation.

  • Can I waterproof my basement myself?

    DIY waterproofing is possible for minor issues like cracks, but professional waterproofing ensures long-term protection and addresses underlying causes.

  • How much does basement waterproofing cost?

    The cost varies based on the size of the basement and the method used, but typically ranges from $1,500 to $10,000.
Share by: