There could be many reasons you are experiencing water in your basement, but if water is making its way into your home you must act quickly to protect your investment.
Your home’s value can be significantly decreased by water damage, particularly when that damage involves the foundation. And if water continues to seep into basement areas, it could result in the growth of mold, which can have significant impacts to your family’s health.
Not only that, but mold can also cost anywhere from $75-$125 per hour to remediate. And mold that is left untreated for too long can cost up to $12,000 or more to remove.
Typical causes of basement leaks include:
- Standing water
- Lateral pressure through cracks or pipe penetrations
- Hydrostatic pressure caused by a drain tile clog or malfunctioning sump pump
- Weak masonry expansion joints
- Site conditions such as improper grading
- Leaky window wells/poorly maintained downspouts and gutters
There are many other issues that can lead to leaks in your basement, all of which require immediate action.
That leads to the question: What is the best way to waterproof a basement?
Three Ways to Waterproof: Why Our Method is the Best Way to Waterproof a Basement
Picture this: it’s the middle of the night and rain has been pouring down for hours. Hearing the storm, you venture down to your basement to check things out and you see it instantly: water coming through your foundation and pooling on your basement floor. You have a basement leak, and you know you need to waterproof right away to protect your family, your home, and your long-term investment.
But there are so many waterproofing options out there that you can’t be sure which is right for you. In this article, we’ll explore the three main waterproofing techniques so you may compare and contrast.
1. The DIY Method
Assuming you can determine the exact reason water is getting into your basement, there are several solutions offered at various sites across the internet, from slapping on some masonry waterproofer to basement walls to installing drainage channels beneath the floors.
The problem is, it typically takes in-depth, specialized knowledge to not only determine the root cause of the leaks, but to also correct them in a way that fixes the problem without causing additional damage.
2. The French Drain or Perforated Pipe Method
French drains or perforated piping have been in use since the mid-1800s as a solution for areas with poor drainage.
Typically, installation involves removing obstructions from your home’s perimeter, including steps, porches, and gardens. A trench will be dug around the perimeter and lined with gravel and filter fabric to prevent the drain from clogging. The drain, or perforated pipe, will be placed in the trench and soil backfilled into the hole.
While this technique can help alleviate some issues, there’s usually a better and more advanced way to waterproof your basement for good.
3. The Atlas Method
At Atlas, we understand that both indoor and outdoor factors must be taken into consideration when creating a long-lasting solution to a wet basement.
The interior should be inspected thoroughly to see where waterproofing is required. We provide a comprehensive property inspection that may include water testing, drywall removal, or a test excavation to evaluate the condition of the foundation and to understand the cause of the leakage.
This in-depth evaluation enables Atlas to design the correct repair for the specific condition of the foundation.
Atlas has investigated various materials for repair of foundations and waterproofing and has selected products that offer engineered alternatives to conventional materials such as French drain systems.
One example is the Hydraway 2000 Drain Tile System.
Hydraway 2000 is 90% omni-directional and allows in 70% more water for faster drainage into the sump basin. This helps minimize the accumulation of water and the excessive hydrostatic pressure created in a conventional rock and pipe system.
Additionally, Hydraway 2000 has a geotextile fabric that is bonded to a polyethylene lattice that will never clog, removing the fear that you’ll have to re-perform the task of waterproofing your basement later down the line.
Basement Waterproofing That Stands the Test of Time
With DIY solutions and outdated techniques like French drains and perforated pipes, you have the risk of either causing more damage or paying money for a solution that will only work in the short term.
At Atlas, we understand how inconvenient — and costly — a basement drainage issue can be. That’s why we have created a cost-effective method of correcting the issue at the source — once and for all.
Our team of professionals is deeply familiar with the typical problems arising in our local area — from clay soils to high water tables — as well as those that are common to homes around the country. These can include improper drainage, leaky downspouts and window wells, and a host of other water-introducing problems. And our drain tile work comes with a lifetime warranty, guaranteeing that the Atlas basement waterproofing solution will be the only solution you need to keep your basement dry for years to come.
Need help waterproofing your basement? Call Atlas Restoration at 847-415-9600 for a free consultation.
