A wet basement is one of the worst things that can happen to a homeowner. The smallest trickle or puddle could be a sign of a much bigger problem. The presence of moisture in your basement can lead to a number of costly and time-consuming repairs. Water in your basement can cause structural damage and toxic mold. What can we do to keep our basements dry and prevent moisture from entering?
Dry Master of New Jersey has compiled the best basement waterproofing nj methods to help your home!
Table of Contents
What Causes Basement Moisture?
To understand how basement waterproofing nj can keep your basements dry, we must first understand what causes moisture to occur in basements. Water has a knack of finding its way into homes, unfortunately for homeowners. Basements are particularly susceptible to moisture due to their unique construction and nature. Below are some of the primary causes of basement moisture:
Systemic Soil And Drainage Problems
Water can enter your basement if rain and groundwater cannot drain away properly. Wet basements are often caused by improper soil and poor drainage systems. The water will accumulate around the foundation if it is not directed away from the home.
Unmaintained Gutters
Rainwater is directed away from your foundation by gutters. Water will drain around your foundation rather than away from it if they are improperly installed or clogged.
Improper Slope
It is important that the ground around your foundation slopes away from your home, not towards it. Water will accumulate around your foundation if the slope is incorrect.
Hydrostatic Pressure
When water accumulates around your foundation, hydrostatic pressure occurs. The water will attempt to escape as gravity pushes down on it, in order to relieve that pressure. Water will seep through any cracks in your basement walls and floors. Cracks can form when the pressure gets so strong.
Basement Cracks
Water can easily flow through cracks in your basement walls, floors, and around windows and doors. The path of least resistance is always followed by water, and these cracks make it easy for water to enter.
Condensation
The basement is notorious for being a damp place. There is a risk of mildew, mold, and potential damage to your home and property when condensation occurs.
The Best Basement Waterproofing NJ Methods
Interior Sealants
Seepage most commonly occurs through cracks and pipe penetrations in poured concrete foundations. It is possible to seal these openings from the inside. In order to stop seepage, epoxy adhesives or urethanes can be pressure injected into the openings, penetrating the foundation through to the exterior.
The purpose of interior sealers is to prevent high atmospheric humidity from absorbing into the porous masonry and causing spalling. The purpose of basement sealants is to maintain a low atmospheric humidity level. By waterproofing your basement, you will prevent moisture from absorbing into the walls and floors, and you will also prevent moisture from leaking into other areas of your home.
Another effective method to prevent water damage in your basement is the installation of a sump pump in a finished basement. A sump pump works by collecting and expelling any water that accumulates in the sump basin, ensuring that your basement remains dry even during heavy rainfall. This method is especially beneficial for finished basements where water intrusion could cause significant damage to living spaces and belongings.
Interior Water Drainage
By moving water from the house foundation’s footers and out below the basement floor, a drainage system can prevent water buildup in the basement. Water that has penetrated a basement is typically drained by creating a channel around the perimeter alongside the foundation footers.
Interior Basement Waterproofing NJ
When condensation is the main source of wetness in the basement, interior basement waterproofing NJ with coatings can be effective. Minor dampness can also be treated with this method. You can save your basement by installing a backwater valve. Interior waterproofing requires the installation of a drainage system. There are several approaches and materials that can be used. French drains with sump pumps, rubber walls, water weeping tiles, and drainage membranes are proper solutions. The system allows water to escape effortlessly without damaging the walls.
Foundation Crack Injections
A foundation crack injection is used when poured concrete foundations crack due to settlement or concrete expansion and contraction. Injections of epoxy crack sealers are typically used for structural purposes, while injections of hydrophobic or hydrophilic polyurethane seal crack to prevent moisture penetration. With injection sealing, the crack cavity can be sealed from the inside with minimal disruption. Along the crack’s run, we drill holes every 6 – 8 inches. In order to ensure the most effective distribution of sealant, each access hole is 3/8″ in diameter, perpendicular to the crack run, and angled 45 degrees to ensure that the holes cross at the approximate center of the wall to be treated.
Which Method is Right for You?
Basement waterproofing NJ methods may differ from neighbor to neighbor. Basement maintenance involves so many factors. The best policy is always prevention rather than repair, regardless of the situation. Basement waterproofing nj can be achieved by taking necessary precautions before water is present. Damage caused by water can cause a lot of headaches and expensive repairs. So, you can call Xpert Foundation Repair for this problem