Does Basement Waterproofing Work?
A basement plagued by water seepage might manifest any one of a number of symptoms: strange smells, humidity, efflorescence (crystalline salt buildup), or mold growth. In the worst cases, water damage can bow basement walls and crack concrete floors. This damage can be hazardous to one’s health and property values, which leads many homeowners to consider basement waterproofing. While most homeowners find the process too complicated to pursue on their own, a skilled contractor can take steps to prevent any water seepage, keeping a basement dry and safe for years to come. So, how does basement waterproofing work?
Interior Waterproofing
Interior basement waterproofing works by addressing water seepage where it manifests itself indoors. After thoroughly examining any leak-prone internal areas, workers create a trench in the basement floor that runs parallel to the affected area. They place a drainage system in this trench, directing water away from the basement interior, and seal the trench with concrete to restore the look of the original foundation floor. Oftentimes, workers will also use sealants to address wall, ceiling, or floor cracks that might be potential entry points for water, providing full coverage during basement waterproofing.
Exterior Waterproofing
Exterior basement waterproofing works by fixing a water seepage problem at its source: the saturated ground surrounding a house. Basements in need of waterproofing often sit below the water table. When the ground becomes saturated, the water in the soil exerts hydrostatic pressure on foundations and basement walls, pushing them out of alignment. This allows water to permeate interior spaces. Exterior basement waterproofing techniques alleviate this pressure by redirecting water into a gravel-covered footing drain, which carries it away from the house.
While both methods of basement waterproofing work well, they fix the problem in different ways. Interior basement waterproofing remains a popular option due to its comparatively low price point, while exterior basement waterproofing works for homeowners who prefer to avoid indoor construction work. In either case, Engineered Solutions of Georgia can help. Contact us today to learn more about the basement waterproofing work we conduct for Georgia homeowners.
