In light of the recent storm and the abundance of damage caused by Hurricane Florence to the Carolina coastline, you might be thinking a bit more about the condition of...

In light of the recent storm and the abundance of damage caused by Hurricane Florence to the Carolina coastline, you might be thinking a bit more about the condition of your basement. As one sees the damage caused by the high winds and excessive rain, it might cause one to be concerned about how secure home actually is. Depending on where your home is built – above, at, or below ground level – then it could be imperative to ensure that your basement is properly waterproofed.

If you have noticed a water buildup in your basement, or perhaps excess moisture on walls or floors, then you may be questioning if your basement is properly waterproofed.

Waterproofing is usually required for Charlotte homes built at or below ground level, but if your home is older, there is a chance that basement waterproofing might need to implemented. It can be achieved by a variety of methods. These actions include:

• Interior wall and floor sealers
• Interior water drainage
• Exterior excavating waterproofing
• Foundation crack injections

Each of these approaches have their strengths, but the most commonly used today are either interior or exterior drainage. With interior basement waterproofing a drainage system is built into your basement to control any water and direct it into a sump pump (this is approach is typically viewed more as water control); exterior waterproofing is accomplished by preventing water to enter the home.

 

UNDERSTANDING BASEMENT WATERPROOFING SOLUTIONS

 

Foundation Crack Injections

This approach is more a repair made to a basement that has cracks where seepage is occurring from the walls, and is not recommended for brick, stone, or cinder block.  It is accomplished by injecting an epoxy or polyurethane in to a crack to prevent water from entering the basement. While effective, this approach is often only temporary.

Exterior Excavating Waterproofing

This is accomplished by digging down 6 to 8 feet below the foundation wall and installing drainage tiles, along with a membrane to exterior walls to ensure that water can no longer enter the basement. This method of basement waterproofing requires little to no maintenance once the project is complete.

Waterproofing with Interior Wall and Floor Sealers

Although this not an approach recommended by companies that specialize in structural repair, some homeowners have been known to try waterproofing via sealants. Like foundation crack injections, this approach is temporary and will ultimately need to be upgraded with a permanent basement waterproofing solution.

Interior Water Drainage

This process involves installing a drain tile near the footing, beneath the floor. It is often paired with a wall vapor barrier which will channel excess moisture to the drain tile. This water drainage system uses either a French drain, a PVC pipe or a sump pump to remove underground water from the footer and below the floor and keeps it out of the house.

Each of these basement waterproofing approaches have merit, but if you are uncertain as to what approach should be used for your Charlotte, NC home, then it is best to talk to one of the structural repair specialists at Sherril Structural Repair. We can inspect your home’s foundation and determine how to stop or prevent a basement leakage or moisture problem. Give us a call today at 1-980-250-2711.