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Basement Waterproofing |
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My basement is damp in the summer. I run a dehumidifier most of the time. I had all my foundation leaks and drainage repaired and the problem still exists. How can I stop the humidity other than dehumidify? Carol, Southfield, MI
Excessive humidity is commonly caused by excessive air changes of the building. As this cycle occurs, the warm moisture latent outdoor air is drawn into the cool basement increasing the relative humidity. The faster the air changes the harder it becomes to condition the space, as the same is true for heating and cooling. Insulating, sealing and proper venting of the building can resolve this problem. - Murray
What can I do to help minimize water from coming into my basement?
A) Check the grading. Make sure the dirt around your home slopes away from your foundation.
B) Check your gutters to make sure they are not filled with debris
C) Check downspouts to make sure they are extended away from the foundation.
Is a crawl space liner a good solution for waterproofing a crawl space?
No, letting water sit in a crawl with a liner over it is like having water in your basement and not doing anything about it. It is still bad for your foundation. - Murray
What are the factors I should look when hiring a waterproofing contractor?
1. Get more than 1 estimate.
2. Pricing with different companies is as different as night and day.
3. If you feel pressured, that’s not a good sign.
4. Are they licensed?
5. Proper insurance coverage Workman’s Comp, Liability & Auto.
6. Should provide a written estimate.
7. What organizations or certifications do they belong to or possess. For example look for a certified waterproofing and structural repair contractors through National Association & Waterproofing & Structural Repair Contractors and Basement Technologies. They are certified in concrete and structural repair through World of Concrete and Fortress Carbon Fiber Stabilization. I know Concrete and Waterproofing Solutions is also certified by Delta and Advance Coatings in exterior waterproofing and air gap technologies.
I'm thinking of selling my home and moving south, does waterproofing enhance the value of my home and the basement area?
Yes, a permanently dry basement will pay off in an immediate increase in the market value of your home and, after waterproofing it’s the cheapest area of your home to improve after the waterproofing is done. - Murray
I have white chalky stuff on my basement wall, what is it?
It is called efflorescence. Concrete is made of sand, stone and lime cement. When moisture leeching into the wall causes a breakdown of the bond between the cement and the aggregate it forms as efflorescence on the surface of the wall. Easy to clean. - Murray
What if my basement sits on a high water table what do I do?
In this situation the water is coming up directly under the floor and this basement is a good candidate for an interior system. - Murray
What is the difference between an interior sub-floor system and an exterior drainage system on a block wall?
An interior sub-floor system allows water to travel through the hollow blocks on a block wall, so in effect you are using your block wall as plumbing. Also, on any type of wall with a drain tile failure an inside sub-floor system can actually increase hydrostatic pressure on the wall by forcing the water to work its way around the footings to get into the system. - Murray
Murray now you got me tkinking, is it enough to install carbon fiber vertically on a bowed block wall or not?
As with other problems sometimes more extensive repairs may be required, like pinning the bottom blocks to keep them from sliding or anchoring the top blocks back to the deck of your house with some form of top wall support. This will have to determined at the time of inspection. - Murray
I have a crack in my poured concrete wall, what type of repair is best?
There are many from which to choose, it depends on a list of criteria, accessibility, size of crack, cause of crack, etc. As a general rule we prefer epoxy injection with carbon fiber stapling. This repair is done from the inside, returning the wall to its original design, waterproofed and structurally sound. This repair is generally cheaper than an excavation. - Murray
Why do some contractors drill holes in the bottom blocks when installing an interior sub-floor system?
I asked Stan Marko at Concrete and Waterproofing Soutions this question, he said the theory is that it will help the system function by letting the water drain from the block wall. The reality is that the water is leaking out of the wall already. That’s why you called a waterproofer in the first place!! By drilling holes in the block, you may initially evacuate the water faster, but you also allow silt and other impurities into the system and over time clogging the system. - Murray
I have a block wall and there is water coming out at the wall floor seam and the wall is stained in several areas. Did my drain tiles fail?
Probably not, about 90% of the time the water is entering the block and since it is hollow core the water just falls to the bottom and comes out at the floor level. - Murray
I’ve never had a problem with water in my basement, Then all of the sudden the wall floor seam started leaking during a heavy rain. What do I do? or better yet, who do I call?
First, call a plumber and have him check your storm trap, it is probably clogged. This would make the whole system back up at the same time. Second, if the plumber does not find anything, you can have your drain tiles tested by a competent waterproofer like Stan Marko at Concrete Waterproofing Solutions at. (866) 515-9196 - Murray
Could a leak in one spot in my basement mean my drain tile has failed?
No! Most times a localized leak does not represent a drain tile failure.
I have a leak in a corner of my basement, it is a block wall and has a stain on the wall. What can I do to try and stop the leak?
First check to make sure that if there is a downspout on that corner and that the water actually runs away from the house. If not, install the proper extension and make sure to check the grade and that a low spot has not developed at the corner. Also, be sure the gutter isn’t clogged and spilling over. - Murray
Sump Pump not pumping!
Q: I have a problem with the pipe coming out of the sump pump, the output pipe is not letting the water out, I had a plumber snake the pipe for $150 he put the snake down and he hit dirt, he said he is going to have to replace the piping for $2500? I can’t afford this, what should I do. Please help. Olga in Livonia.
A: For now you can have your sump pump hooked up to a 4 inch pipe with a flexible discharge hose going into it! This will allow a drain off till a plumber can put in an underground system for you. A new French drain can be installed for a lot less money. Buy the way you can no longer hook up your sump to the underground city system. I would call Concrete and Waterproofing Solutions 866-515-9196 to give you a price to fix your system. They do this kind of work and are very good to work with. Good Luck, Murray
Not all waterproofing needs are the same
With more than 10 years in the waterproofing business, Stan Marko, president of Concrete & Waterproofing Solutions, Inc., says his is not a "one repair fits all" company.
Marko offers the following bits of advice to homeowners with potential waterproofing needs:
1. Horizontal cracks in a block wall are a sign of lateral movement and reinforcement is needed.
2. A localized leak is not a sign of drain tile failure.
3. Urethane crack injections don't stop wall movement.
4. An inside drainage system won't stop moisture or staining on block walls.
5. 95% of block walls leak through the wall inside the hollow block.
Ask Murray...
For years, Metro Detroit has relied on Murray Gula and his firsthand knowledge of home improvement. Now Murray has brought together a team to help you with your home improvement problems. To find someone who can help, select a category from the list on the left, or click here to ask Murray a question!
