The only real way to solve and prevent flooding in the basement is through proper basement waterproofing. This consists of a number of measures and methods that work together to keep your basement dry at all times. Let’s check out the steps needed to be taken to guarantee that your basement is flood-free and unbothered by leaks.

Inside the basement

To keep things in order in the basement, you need to start within the basement area itself. Firstly, you have your standard waterproofing seals and treatments for the walls. While these coatings will deter moisture from seeping inside, they are hardly enough for a thorough waterproofing solution. Water pressure from the outside will eventually breach them, and allow dampness to make its way in.

Secondly, over the years, cracks might develop in the basement walls. The repairs required to remedy these will depend on the severity. You can always attempt to patch them up, but it might be safer to have the affected wall inspected to be sure.

Having proper drainage also helps a lot. This is great for moving the water out in case there are any leaks that develop. If your basement for some reason doesn’t already have a drainage system, you definitely should look into getting one installed.

You should also consider having sump pumps added to augment your home’s waterproofing measures. With all that in place, you’ll worry less about flooding in the basement. This way you can prevent mold developing in nooks and crannies.

Outside the basement (or outside your home)

Ensuring that the interior is waterproof, requires measures on the outside too. The most important is to make sure that the outside walls are kept as dry as possible. The major issue is preventing ground water from flowing back against the house structure. This is achieved by proper grading of the soil around the house. In this way ground water is directed away from the walls towards required drainage systems.

Rain is another issue that could cause waterproofing problems. If gutters become clogged, rainwater can start making its way under the eaves and into the walls, eventually ending up in the basement. Downspouts must also be clear and the water issuing from them must be directed away from the walls.

Tasks like periodic gutter maintenance and clearing blocked downspouts are tasks the houseowner can reasonably easily manage. However, other aspects such as soil grading, and drainage design, might be best left to professionals. That’s because many of these tasks involve technical knowledge and heavier machinery, that most people don’t have access to.

Waterproofing and sealing the basement foundations is also something that’s usually done during construction, so it’s usually done by pros.

Look to the professionals for guidance.

Every home has different specifications, and thus the waterproofing strategy for each one can vary. The important thing is to consider all the variables involved and come up with a comprehensive basement waterproofing plan. You can always skimp and go with a temporary fix, but this can lead to more issues later on.

If you don’t want to leave anything to chance, call in waterproofing professionals for a comprehensive assessment of where the problem lies, and how it can be solved most economically. We have the skills, tools, experience, and know-how to ensure that your basement will be dried out and remain so for many years. It’s a worry-free solution that’s well worth the money, so call us today!

The foundations of a house are critical pieces. After all, they’re the basic structures that support the whole home, including everything in it. They bear all the weight and transfer that load to the ground. Everything is built upon those foundations, so it’s important to preserve them so that they remain secure for the longest amount of time possible.

One aspect that goes a long way towards achieving that goal is waterproofing the foundation area. Keeping the foundations dry preserves the structural integrity of the other supporting structures. It also ensures your basement will not be damp and will aid in keeping the whole house healthy and comfortable to live in.
How foundation waterproofing is done
Keeping the foundations dry involves a number of different steps. In order to ensure that these are carried out properly, you need to take into account the following items:

• Local climate
• Type of soil in your yard
• Water table conditions
• Geographic location
• Foundation depth
• Surrounding topography

Once those features and aspects have been fully assessed, a proper approach to waterproofing can be formulated. A basic three-pronged approach is the minimum necessary to ensure dry and secure foundations that will remain so for many years to come.

1) Correct grading of the ground around the building
Proper positive grading of the surrounding soil is necessary to direct surface water away from the walls and foundations of the home.
Firstly, negative grading i.e. where the ground slopes towards the building structure instead of away from it, must be remedied.
Fixing negative grading requires either adding or removing soil from around the foundation of your home. You may have to do a bit of both to achieve a continuous declining grade away from your home. The ideal suggested drop required is 1 inch per foot.

2) Treating and repairing structure cracks and fissures
This ensures that water and moisture won’t be able to enter the structure through the external walls at ground level and below.

3) Proper Drainage
Rainwater needs to be routed away from downspouts enabling it to flow safely away from the home. If necessary, sump pumps may also be needed to remove water that is already in the basement area, routing it far away from the home to available drains.

The ideal time to carry out these measures
Many of these measures are ideally done during construction of the house. That’s why getting things right in the first place is so important. However, there are times when problems arise and need to be addressed after the building is complete. It is quite common for such issues to arise even many years after construction.

When this happens, there’s no choice but to timeously fix the problem. If left unattended it can become more costly and time-consuming to correct. Leaks can also impact many other parts of the house, so failing to properly sort them out can be disastrous in the long run.

Planning waterproofing projects
Planning it all out ahead of time can give you a sufficient safety margin for completing the entire project, allowing you to compensate for any setbacks that could arise during the process.

For this reason, you need to make sure you earmark a good chunk of time for the required work. Getting it right takes time, and factors such as climate and weather conditions can affect the anticipated timeline. You might also have a harder time booking contractors during busier parts of the year.

Wear and tear over time
Eventually, wear and tear and exposure to the elements will tend to affect it and compromise even the best built home. That’s why it’s important to get proper waterproofing done when the need arises.

To achieve this, you should enlist the help of only the most experienced and reliable foundation and basement waterproofing professionals in your area.

Let us show you how quickly and economically it can be done
Contact us and book a no-obligation assessment and quote for the work you need done. The sooner you can get your waterproofing job done, the sooner you’ll have peace of mind.

Different requirements for various areas of the home

Keep in mind that specialized waterproofing is necessary in various areas of your home, and these should be approached accordingly. The requirements for waterproofing the basement, for example, are not going to be the same as those for waterproofing the kitchen or the bathroom. And simply applying waterproof paint onto any of the walls won’t cut it at all!

So, let’s have a look at those areas of the home where waterproofing is particularly critical. The details summarized below should help you to know where to focus on some of these areas.

The Basement

When you think of waterproofing, the first place you think of is probably the basement. By nature, basements are already at a disadvantage because of their location, being underground. They are constantly subject to the elements, including rain, water discharging from the roof downspouts, and pressure from rising ground water. That’s why keeping the basement structure securely waterproofed is always a critical part of any house construction.

Basement waterproofing doesn’t just involve sealants and pumps in the basement. Proper downspout positioning, gutter cleaning, and yard drainage also contribute to the continued leak-free state of your basement.

Bathrooms

Bathroom activities such as flushing toilets, bathing and showering constantly involve the inflow and outflow of a lot of water. All of one’s personal grooming morning and evening is also concentrated in this space. So, it’s not easy to keep it perfectly dry at all times. With all the plumbing and drainage required to keep all that water moving, unnoticed leaks are possible. These can result in wider problems should the water find its way into areas such as crawl spaces where electrical wiring may be present. Failure to adequately waterproof all these areas can lead to additional problems such as the growth of mold and damp.

The Kitchen

The kitchen is where we cook meals, store our food and often sit down to eat. Because of this, it is important to keep the kitchen area free from leaks or mold growth. This means waterproofing the different structures, such as sinks, and around countertops and cabinets. Washing machines and dishwashers also require proper attention to seals and drainage. The areas under the sinks are particularly subject to dampness caused by backsplashes and dripping faucets. All of these areas involve the need for proper sealing and constant maintenance.

Windows and exterior doors

Windows and balcony doors are constantly exposed to the elements and are thus susceptible to water seepage. Without proper waterproofing, leaks could develop affects the adjacent rooms, and even structures beneath the balcony.

Prioritizing waterproofing

The above are only some of the more critical areas in a home where waterproofing has to be prioritized. Keeping these secure from water and moisture will ensure that your beloved home remains dry and comfortable throughout the year.

If you have problems, call the experts for advice

For maximum protection, you need reliable waterproofing professionals to handle the task. Don’t leave your home’s structure to inexperienced hands. Our professional and highly experienced experts know how to handle any job and are equipped to give your home the waterproofing it requires.

Contact us today for a free no-obligation assessment. We’ll answer any questions you may have, so that you’ll be assured of the dry and comfortable home you deserve.

There are many assumptions and misconceptions when it comes to the structures that make up a home, and the basement is no exception. We aim to show you that proper waterproofing is essential if you want to keep your basement functional and flood-free for the long term. It’ll certainly contribute to the convenience, utility, and overall satisfaction with your home. So, let’s jump right in!

Concrete is not waterproof

It’s easy to imagine that the secure concrete structure that forms the walls of your basement is completely impervious to water. The fact, though, is that this is not necessarily the case. While concrete is a dense solid mass, and water-resistant, it is still porous to some extent, and could eventually allow water to seep through. The cement-to-water ratio and the way it was mixed and compacted, can also affect how porous and water-resistant the construction actually is.

That’s why waterproofing measures are still needed to make sure that the basement remains dry. Keeping water away from the basement walls and securing the interior are also important measures to ensure that the basement remains damp free.

Cracks need to be sealed on both sides

Over time, ground movement may cause cracks to develop in your basement’s walls. It may then be possible to DIY patch these cracks using an appropriate surface sealant. Alternatively, depending on the severity, repairs may need to be made using epoxy or hydro cement. While this can do the trick, surface seals will deteriorate over time, and will have to be redone periodically. The correct solution is to dig down outside the house and apply the sealant on both sides of the wall. The reason is that water pressure from the exterior is likely to cause moisture to percolate through any cracks and break any seal that is applied only to the inside of the basement walls.

Of course, a DIY job of this size could take weeks of work to do on one’s own. There’s no doubt that hiring a professional basement waterproofing contractor would get the job done quickly and efficiently and be well worth the money.

Why it’s best left to the professionals

While DIY repairs may be possible, the fact is that it can be quite tricky to make changes to a home’s basement structure. Not only does it involve a lot of time and effort, it will also require proper equipment and technical know-how.

Hiring pros on the other hand, gives you access to expert advice, experience, tools, and skills. That combination translates to a basement you can count on to be guaranteed dry at all times. A good contractor will advise you before undertaking the job as to exactly what needs to be done. They will also keep you updated on the progress of the work, including any changes or extras that may become necessary.

Gutters are involved, too

We’ve mentioned keeping water away from the foundations and the basement walls. A lot of this has to do with how your gutters and downspouts are positioned. Inspect where the water exits to see if there’s anything amiss and if the water is properly directed away from your foundations. You should also make sure that the roof and gutters are regularly cleaned and free of debris. It is important that rainwater is efficiently and adequately channeled away from your home structure.

Always choose an experienced and reliable contractor

Aiming for the cheapest, quickest, most convenient solution is often not the best option when it comes to basement waterproofing. Don’t compromise on one of the most integral parts of your home. Always go for the solution that will give you long-term assurance and protection. Once you take care of that basement issue for good, that’s one less major worry for years to come.

A leaky basement is a problem that needs to be addressed as soon as you can. The first reaction is often to try to plug up cracks as you see them, drying any puddles as you go. However, this can lead to more issues down the road.

For one thing, there may be other leaks that you cannot easily see. Ignoring them could lead to structural issues—apart from any inconveniences caused by the leaks themselves. Eventually, it will become clear that DIY plugging of holes and leaks is really futile.

So, what are some of the more dependable and permanent solutions for your leaky basement issue?

Install suitable drainage systems

If there’s a lot of water in the basement, you might want to consider installing a drain and sump pump system. This does naturally involve some outlay but having a functional pump will do wonders when it comes to solving bad basement leaks. Leading the water out and away from your basement is always your best bet. A good system will ensure that this is done, and get the water efficiently pumped right out of the basement area. The drainage flow will exit and discharge a safe distance from your home to prevent further leaks occurring.

Invest in a dehumidifier

Humidity in the basement encourages mildew and mold growth. The simplest way to take care of moisture and humidity is by using a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers work by condensing moisture in the air into water, which is collected and can then be poured out or drained away. Apart from keeping people safe, this also helps protect the furniture and other contents of your basement.

Blocked and corroded gutters

Blocked and corroded gutters and downspouts could allow rainwater to overflow and make its way down into the building structure. From there it would be able to percolate down through the walls, eventually reaching the basement. Regular cleaning and maintenance of these items is therefore extremely important.

In addition, water flowing out of the downspouts should be drained away from the walls so as to prevent it seeping back into the building structure. For this reason, it is important to make sure that the soil surrounding the house is properly graded so that it slopes away from, and not towards the building. Keeping water away from your foundations and basement walls is a major factor in ensuring that the structure remains waterproof.

To summarize:

• Make sure that the bases of the downspouts are angled properly and extended several feet away from the walls.
• Inspect and clean gutters periodically to make sure they are free from leaves and debris.
• Make sure downspouts are clear and well maintained.
• Grade soil or landscaping away from the house.
• Ensure that yard water has easy access to external drains.

Ensuring that you get these things done will take care of a good chunk of your leaky basement problems. As long as water is correctly channeled away from your home, there is much less risk of seepage and flooding.

Get advice from your professional contractor

Invest in your basement’s complete protection now to enjoy peace of mind. Don’t think twice about contacting us for help and advice. We provide free estimates to solve all of your basement waterproofing issues and are waiting to help you.

Having a basement is great. It’s an area that can be used for a wide variety of purposes and can practically be turned into anything you want it to be. That’s as long as there’s enough room, and it’s comfortable and livable down there. Because of the basement’s location and construction, however, there can be some issues if it’s not sealed tight. That’s why basement waterproofing is a must.

If there are already leaks in your basement, a stopgap solution simply won’t do. You need to call in experienced professionals to assess the issues. That way you can be sure that you will get your basement properly and permanently waterproofed.

Here are some of the advantages of having a completely leak-free basement:

No flooding
Flooding is a no-no for a space as crucial as the basement. Water can damage the items you have stored down there and will affect anyone who’s using the basement for lodging or even as a recreational area. Basically, having unwanted water entering this area is something to be avoided at all costs. Prevent water from compromising your basement space by availing yourself of proper waterproofing solutions.

More efficient cooling and heating
If there’s a leak anywhere, the HVAC system will be working overtime to keep your rooms at the desired temperatures. Humidity affects the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. As the system works harder, it’s possible you’ll be greeted by a hike in your utility bills. A perfectly sealed basement prevents all this from happening.

Healthy home
Water seeping in means there will be an increase in the humidity in your basement. Where there’s humidity, you’ll have mold and other unwanted growth. Mold spores can affect the health and well-being of your family and it won’t stop in the basement. That unpleasant moldy smell will eventually greet you right as you walk in your front door, if it’s left unattended long enough. The resultant issue for people with respiratory issues is a well-known health hazard and you certainly don’t want to allow into your home.

Even if it doesn’t affect anyone’s health directly, it will definitely affect the comfort level throughout your home. Keeping leaks away means you keep your basement and home, clean, sanitary, and suitable for healthy and happy habitation.

Structural integrity
The basement is really a feat of architecture and engineering. It’s constructed underground, so it’s subject to forces both outside and underneath it while also supporting the structures up above. Having leaks in the basement compromises the integrity of your basement structure.

Letting this happen long-term can lead to issues with your basement and your home as a whole. Keep your home safe and secure by making sure that the basement is efficiently waterproofed.

Let the Pros answer your questions
Whether your basement is used simply for storage or if it’s someone’s living space, basement waterproofing is essential. A waterproofed basement means a cleaner, healthier, more livable and comfortable home. To guarantee a complete waterproofing solution you need to work with experienced and established basement waterproofing professionals.

Our decades of basement waterproofing experience enable us to quickly identify any issues and leak sources and determine exactly what needs to be done. We are a family owned and operated company and are the acknowledged basement waterproofing experts in the greater Baltimore region. With the know-how, tools, equipment and technical skill at our disposal, your repairs will be speedily implemented.

In this way, you will have total peace of mind and can rest assured knowing that there won’t be any problems from your basement for many years to come. Call us now and you’ll be on your way to a worry-free basement!

Water penetrating into the basement is unacceptable as it can lead to structural failure over time. Apart from that, unwanted damp can subject residents to hazards such as mold growth and excessive moisture in the living space. To mitigate all of these issues, proper basement waterproofing is vital in every home.

Naturally, the ideal time to ensure proper basement waterproofing would have been when the house was still being built. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. As a result, over the years, many basements become subject to leaks and water seepage. At that point, effective steps must quickly be taken to redress the problem. Firstly, one has to trace the source of the leaks, and then seal them. After that, measures need to be put in place to ensure that future seepage does not recur.

Seeking the source
There are a wide variety of factors that cause water to enter the basement area over time. In order to come up with the appropriate basement waterproofing solution, determining the causes of seepage is important. Amongst these are the following:

• gutters or downspouts that funnel rainwater straight into the vicinity of the basement walls
• water buildup against the foundations and walls due to poor landscaping
• Poorly compacted soil around the home
• Concrete construction that had not been given adequate time to cure
• Air pockets and capillary cracks in the concrete
• Damaged roof tiles
• Clogged gutters and downpipes
• Excessive water pressure against external walls

Experienced basement waterproofing contractors will be able to help you solve your problem, based on their experience with many similar waterproofing cases. They will rapidly identify the source of the leaks and advise you as to the most efficient way of plugging them. Information and experience will always be shared by professionals in the field. With family-owned businesses, especially, this knowledge is passed down from one generation to the next, all to your benefit. You will be getting the combined experience of decades of knowledge solving similar basement waterproofing problems.

Fixing the problem(s)
Among the numerous options in terms of basement waterproofing solutions are:

• application of sealants on cracks and other key points
• installation of sump pumps
• addition of drains
• repair of damage to basement and foundational structures
• repair of cracks along walls

As each case differs, the exact solution will depend on the particular requirements of your home. You will be able to discuss every step with the contractor, so that you are always on top of the situation. This also helps pinpoint any additional fixes that may need to be made in the future.

Worry-free services
When you turn to experienced waterproofing professionals, you won’t have to worry about the skills and equipment necessary to waterproof your basement. In addition, getting help from a contractor also has other advantages. Below are a few of them.

Many contractors offer commitment-free quotes and inspections so you can test the waters before you pay. On top of that, once the service has been done, they will give you a warranty for even more assurance. You will also be offered a variety of financing options, to ease the hit on your budget. Peace of mind is what you are after, and these things all help make the investment worth your while.

Contact us and we’ll show you how your waterproofing problem can be solved
Proper basement waterproofing is the key to preserving the structural integrity of your home. It also ensures worry-free use of your underground living space for many years. Moreover, a waterproof basement helps guarantee the safety and well-being of all occupants. If you see any leaks in your basement, don’t delay—contact Anchor Waterproofing, Maryland’s premier, family-owned, basement waterproofing company today!

One could say that the most important part of your home, in terms of structure, is the foundation. A house’s foundation secures and tethers the entire structure to the ground, so that loads are transferred from the building to the ground. Foundations also serve as the ‘anchor’ of the house affording protection against extreme natural events such as gales, earthquakes and floodwater.

With roles as crucial as those, you can’t leave any problem issues to your foundations unattended. Leaking foundations, and flooded basements, for example, need to be addressed at the soonest possible time, to prevent further structural issues.

How leaks develop

Often leaks will arise because of cracks in the foundation walls. Damage to the exterior walls can also cause water to leak through to the foundations. These cracks develop because of soil pressure, soil shrinkage, hydrostatic pressure, and significant changes in temperature, among other things. There’s also the possibility of soil upheaval, and foundation settlement. Plumbing leaks that go unaddressed can also contribute to the deterioration of the foundation.

Cracks aren’t always going to be problematic. Foundations can typically have small cracks, but there are cracks that are truly cause for concern. Regular inspections will help differentiate minor cracks from serious problems and allow for early detection of other important issues.

Fixing the leaks

Some minor cracks can be solved by simple cement and seal combinations. For more complicated cases, you can arguably still do a DIY repair with enough research and some tools. But do you really want to leave the fate of your home’s entire structure to your own inexperienced hands? If not done properly, more breaks could develop, resulting in a bigger problem to deal with.

Better resolve the issue properly the first time around. The answer is to hire a professional company to do the work for you. Experience contractors are trained to get your foundation fixed completely. They have the equipment and know-how to do whatever is needed to restore the structural integrity of your home’s base.

Contractors in your area are your best bet, because most building codes are applied at the local level. Local companies will know what’s required, including technical details like permit applications. Compliance with the building code is important for administrative purposes as well as to ensure the safety of occupants.

Your local contractor will also have a better understanding of the soil properties in your location. Soil is one of the primary concerns where foundation construction is concerned, after all. This helps them deal with soil-related factors and come up with the proper solutions. When these issues are given proper consideration, your home will have a more secure and resilient foundation.

In order to keep your home in tip-top shape, you need to ensure that the foundation is always structurally sound. Should you spot any foundation leaks, act right away.

We’ll get your problem solved

Call Anchor Waterproofing the leading basement Waterproofing company in Maryland for a free estimate and book a consultation and inspection as soon as possible.

We’re a family owned and operated company, licensed since 1997 and with a total of 30 years’ experience. Our technicians are trained and experienced professionals and will complete the job as contracted.
So, don’t wait. Get that leaking foundation fixed today!