Topic: waterproofing basement walls
Waterproof basement walls inside or outside?
Waterproofing basement walls can only be done via exterior basement waterproofing, but you may not need that to solve your basement leaks.
The definition of waterproof in Wikipedia states “Waterproof or water-resistant describes objects relatively unaffected by water or resisting the ingress of water under specified conditions.” And adds, “In construction, a building or structure is waterproofed with the use of membranes and coatings to protect contents underneath or within as well as protecting structural integrity.”
If you have wet basement walls you can dry up your space with an interior basement waterproofing system but will still potentially have dampness or actual water in your foundation which can cause damage over time. Most people go with the interior based on the cost of basement waterproofing being much higher on the outside than from the inside.
There are membranes designed to waterproof basement walls that are manufactured on large rolls. These membranes are 8’ high and when installed properly create a liner around your basement like the reverse of a swimming pool. Other systems such as compressed fiberglass actually draw water through them against your foundation potentially causing damp areas.
For more information visit Pioneer Basement Solutions here or call 1-877-321-4889. Serving Northeast Ohio since 1979.
Spring thaws cause the worst basement water leaks
Over the winter snow accumulates on the ground and melts into the soil saturating it and inevitably cause the year’s worst basement water leaks. If you have basement water leaks and you are interviewing basement waterproofing contractors you will want to know about a few things to ensure you are getting a fair and honest assessment of your foundation problems.
There are two types of water that cause basement water leaks and they are surface water and ground water. Different basement systems solve each of these basement problems. Some basement systems are designed for waterproofing basement walls and others are more designed for the floor areas.
With exterior basement waterproofing most of the work is aimed at waterproofing basement walls from the outside giving you a dry foundation. The exterior basement waterproofing method is best for those with surface water problems resulting in wet basement walls, especially high to mid wall.
With interior basement waterproofing the work is designed to grab ground water build up before it gets to the basement floor areas keeping ground water under control and out of your basement. The basement systems designed for interior basement waterproofing solve the basement water leaks that come in where the walls meet the floor area. This is the most common problem and solution.
Installing basement drains outside will most likely not solve problems with water under the floor just as installing basement drains inside will most likely not solve wet basement walls up high to mid wall.
For more info about what basement systems will solve your basement water leaks visit Northeast Ohio’s #1 award winning customer service basement waterproofing contractor here: Pioneer Basement Solutions
Waterproofing basement walls in Ohio
If you have wet basement walls you have likely looked at a can of waterproofing paint for waterproofing basement walls. There are a few ways to waterproof basement walls and defining the term “waterproof” is good place to start.
Building codes require “damp proofing” not “waterproofing” for basement foundations. Damp proofing involves a coating on the foundation below the soil line with footer drains to carry water away from the foundation. Any new home warranty will clearly state that dampness is normal and not covered under the warranty, only actual water seepage is covered.
So, if you want waterproofing basement walls you will need to install actual waterproof materials to the outside of the basement wall via exterior basement waterproofing methods. This involves fully excavating your foundation to the bottom and installing a waterproof membrane, like a swimming pool liner in reverse, to your basement foundation.
If that is not in the budget or not feasible, such as you have a patio or something outside the foundation you do not want to remove, you may need to consider interior basement waterproofing which is more like water control. Installing interior basement waterproofing will give you a dry basement because it stops water from building up in your basement walls and around your foundation. Waterproofing paint acts like a dam that allows water to build up in your foundation. This will cause damage over time due to the soaking and rotting from the inside out that can occur.
Many basement waterproofing companies offer a panelled system for waterproofing basement walls that will tie to the interior basement waterproofing underneath you basement floor. This gives you a maintenance free dry basement wall surface and it protects your foundation from water build up that is caused by waterproofing paint.
For more information about waterproofing basement walls in northeast Ohio visit: waterproof basements
Which basement systems will stop your basement water leaks?
With so many basement waterproofing companies out there and many giving different opinions on what basement systems will solve your problem, it can be very tough to decide which basement solution and which basement waterproofing contractor to choose.
First take a look at where the leak in basement is coming from to determine if you need to consider waterproofing basement walls or waterproofing basement floor. If the water is coming out of the seam where the wall meets the floor and your basement walls are dry, an interior basement waterproofing system may be the way to go. Water under your basement floor will not usually be solved by exterior basement waterproofing systems.
If your basement water leaks are through the walls, especially mid to upper basement walls, you may be a good candidate for exterior basement waterproofing. But first take a look at your roof drains and other surface issues to be sure everything is working properly there. Roof water dumping right at the foundation will wreak havoc on your foundation resulting in serious basement water leaks under heavy or moderate rains.
To best understand which of the available basement systems is best for your specific issues, consult a basement waterproofing contractor that offers and installs all basement solutions. Most basement waterproofing contractors actually only install one basement solution even though they may review all basement systems in an effort to steer you to the one they want to sell you. Ask for references from customers who have had different solutions installed.
For more info visit: basement systems
Improve Home Value
How much a renovation can improve your home value depends on the rennovation and it depends on the area you live in.
In Ohio, especially around the Akron and Canton area, you see many older homes that are very nice but have bowed basement walls, wet basement mold or a leak in basement that makes it wet, humid and unattractive.
It is especially unattractive if you are planning to sell it. The market is not extremely strong now and you do not want to have a wet basement that could result in a large number of people not even considering your home a viable purchase.
Some things, like a newer kitchen, are nice. However an older kitchen is not a problem. But in the case of a leaky basement, a home buyer often does not want to even consider buying a home where they are purchasing a problem. Would you want a new home that immediately had headaches to deal with? Of course not.
So while you have may home updates to choose from, you should always start with those things that will stop people from buying your home like getting foundation reinforcement or waterproofing basement walls to make the house appeal to more people when it comes time to sell it.
How to Fix Bowed Basement Walls
Fixing Bowed Basement Walls depends on the quality of the foundation and how bad the bowed walls are. Often times these basement foundation problems can be dealt with by reinforcing the walls with special products designs just for this issue.
And the good thing is that fixing your bowed basement walls is probably cheaper than you think. Homeowners get worried that the foundation is going to have to be dug up and it is going to cost a lot. But you really need to have a basement waterproofing contractor take a look at the bowed basement walls and let you know if a cheaper option is available.
Foundation reinforcement and homeowners foundation repair services are not available from all waterproofing companies so make sure you ask them if they do foundation repair and reinforcement as well as waterproofing basement walls.
If you need an Ohio basement waterproofing company that does just this kind of thing be sure to call use for a free estimate if you are in the Canton or Akron area of Ohio.
An Ohio Basement Waterproofing Company
If you are reading this right around the time it is being posted, you know that Ohio has had a really wet Spring. This cool, wet weather is making more and more people realize they need to get their Ohio basement waterproofed as soon as possible.
Basement water leaks are a serious issue and they can result in later issues if they go unchecked. Foundation Reinforcement may be needed if you do not get your wet basement issues under control.
You do not want to do a DIY basement waterprrofing solution. It is just not worth messing around with especially if you end up needing it again in a few months. A basement waterproofing contractor in Ohio can come out and give you an estimate for waterproofing basement walls. If you need waterproofing Canton or waterprrofing Akron companies you should definitely give Pioneer Basement Solutions a call. We have been an Ohio basement waterproofing company for a long time and have the experience and great reputation you are looking for.
After Basement Waterproofing
Once you take care of a leak in basement and waterproofing basement walls, what do you do with your new basement?
Here are some common uses that people use clean, dry basement space for:
- Rec room – Add a pool table to a dry basement and you get hours of fun.
- Teen Room – Does your kid need more privacy? Are they getting to that age? Why not renovate the basement and give them a greater sense of autonomy?
- Storage – just having a dry basement where you can store things and not worry about wet basement mold will really be great.
- Family room – does that giant flat screen and sound system take up too much space in your living room? Chances are a dry basement can become a family theater.
- Office – with more and more people working from home or opening home based businesses, a big home office is a great thing to add.
These are just some of the reasons that people are waterproofing basements and getting foundation reinforcement beyond the obvious reason of having a nicer house.
Basement Foundation Concerns – Get it checked out
With the increase in flu’s and flu like symptoms, most homeowners who are at a loss to explain their illness might be surprised to know that a leak in basement from sewage backing up from the street sewer’s or a foundation leak could be bringing in unpleasant bacteria that needs to be professionally handled.
No homeowner should put up with a wet basement mold and getting basement waterproofing companies to give him a price might be the least expensive way of lowering medical bills caused by illnesses from basement water leaks. The cost to finish a basement should include waterproofing. It is spending money foolishly to do basement remodeling in Ohio or anywhere without waterproofing basements.
Price is important but so is your health. And health costs can be even higher than waterproofing basement walls. The facts are that most basements that have wet basement mold or a leak are creating a health hazard for the occupants of the house and that can be expensive. A wise person would never buy a house before checking to see that the foundation is sound, and no house foundation is sound if the basement leaks. Also, if your home’s foundation has sprung a leak, putting off repairs could cause even greater damage to your health as well as to your home.
5 Basement Waterproofing Advantages
Having your basement waterproofed will be a great benefit to you and your family. Here are 5 such benefits that come with professional waterproofing.
Securing Structural Integrity
When water gets on the concrete and is allowed to sit there it weakens the structure. Waterproofing allows for foundation reinforcement and increases its life expectancy.
Keeps Your Home Healthy
Don’t let wet basement mold and mildew to grow. Waterproofing will aid in keeping the mold and allergens out of the air you breathe.
Increased Space
Waterproofing basements won’t make your actual room bigger but they will give you more usable space. If you had a leak think of all the space and possibly possessions you could lose.
Reduce Heating Costs
Waterproofing basement walls is a great way to cut your heating bill. It will keep the heat in your home and keep it warm all winter for less than you have been paying in past winters.
Increased Property Value
People are always looking for great ways to raise the value of their home. Whether you’re looking to sell fairly soon or just planning for your future, the more money you put into your home to look nice the more money you’ll make upon selling.

