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Basement Waterproofing in Pennsylvania and New York

Why Do Basements Leak?

Although no one wants it to happen, water in the soil leaking into basements is a problem that has troubled home owners for over a 100 years. While basement leaks will continue to be a problem to newer and older foundations alike, Waterproofing Specialties, the authorized Basement Systems dealer in northwestern PA and southwestern NY, has a patented, warranted, award-winning basement waterproofing solution.

To learn more about how we dry wet basements, call or contact us online for a Free basement waterproofing quote and inspection.

There are four basic reasons that cause basement water, moisture and dampness problems.

#1. Surface Water entering through wall

After a hard rain, excess surface water will penetrate the ground around the exterior of a basement. When the basement was originally built it was, in most cases, damp-proofed by applying a cement coating over the walls, and then a layer of the black asphalt. These products will slow down water penetration they won’t stop it. Over the years the walls may develop some cracks and the asphalt coating will dissolve off the wall. A cement block is very porous (almost like a hard sponge) so it will absorb the moisture from the ground. The interior wall will develop stains from the water. Cement block are hollow allowing the moisture to drop down inside the block-wall. Moisture or puddles will appear at the bottom of the wall where the floor and wall meet.

#2 Footing Drains - French Drains / Drain Tile

French drains as they are often called are perforated pipe that are installed around the perimeter of the basement or the exterior of the footer, when the house was built. They are covered with gravel then backfilled with soil to ground level. Over the years, as the surface water along the basement walls pass through the soil it washes the sediment to the bottom of the wall and the pipe and gravel will become plugged with mud. As the drainage system fails, water will build up around the exterior perimeter of the walls. Pressure is created from the water that no longer has a place to drain. It’s only a matter of time and the water will appear at the seam where the floor and wall meet and occasionally through floor cracks. If the basement is built of hollow concrete blocks, water can rise upward in the blocks, and show up in areas above the level of the floor.

#3 Vapor Transmission

Because basement walls are made from porous concrete or concrete blocks, water vapor will transmit through the foundation, from the cooler damper soils, into the warmer, drier, environment of the basement. This is the reason that vapor barriers are required when installing wall or floor coverings.

#4 Humidity

In the warmer months, warm humid air will migrate into the basement. As it enters the cooler basement environment the air will compress and humidity levels will go up. If the humidity outside is 80% the humidity in the basement could be 90% or higher. When it comes in contact with the cool walls, water pipes or the floor it can condense on these areas. At times it can even form puddles. Areas behind finished walls and under carpeting create a micro environment and the humidity levels can be even higher. Mold can grow on organic surfaces such as drywall, paneling, the back of carpeting or painted surfaces when humidity levels are above 50%.

The older a home gets the more susceptible it is to having a problem. We classify basement water problems in three stages.

Stage 1: As the water penetrates the masonry walls and floor, signs of water appear. Signs usually include dampness, discoloration, dark spots, peeling paint, and mold.

Stage 2: As the problem continues, actual water begins to seep into the basement. The weakest point, or the easiest access point, is where the walls and floor meet. This is where you begin to see small streams or puddles forming on the floor, or running down the walls.

Stage 3: Finally, if no action is taken to solve the problem, many different types of damages can occur. Mold can begin to grow on stored items, furniture, wall and floor coverings. Water can cause appliances, tools, and support posts to rust. Wall and floor coverings deteriorate. Water seepage creates nuisance issues as the need to mop or wet vac becomes necessary. Rooms or areas of rooms become unusable. Property values are reduced as much as 15% or more! Any of the signs shown below can indicate a problem, or potential future problems.

The Basement Waterproofing Solution in PA and NY

We understand the nuances of basement waterproofing – that every home has a unique situation and needs a unique basement waterproofing solution. Because water can enter a home in different ways, Basement Systems has developed a variety of solutions, so that we can customize a solution depending on your specific problem.

Basements are imperfect concrete structures built in soils that vary from region to region. Water in the soil leaking into basements is a problem that has troubled homeowners for more than 100 years. This water enters the basement through the floors, walls, and joints between them. Over the years, general contractors and engineers have developed a wide variety of methods to keep basements dry with varying success.

In the 1980's however, a true basement waterproofing company began designing products and solutions to dry wet basements. The company is Basement Systems Inc., and Waterproofing Specialties Inc. is an authorized dealership in Pennsylvania and New York.

There are many possible solutions, some of which are more effective than others, including:

• Exterior Excavation
• Interior Subfloor
• Negative-side Sealant

WaterGuard Perimeter Drainage System is the best solution.

Among the best of these methods is to install interior subfloor drainage system along the perimeter of the floorwith a sump pump, such as Basement Systems' patented WaterGuard and TripleSafe systems. There are a few challenges to this method however. One is to keep the drain from being clogged by mud over the years. Many homeowners go years without a water problem and then develop one due to the existing sub-floor and sub-surface drains clogging with mud.

Another challenge for subfloor systems is to set up the system to accept water from the walls without leaving a large unsightly gap at the edge of the floor which can collect dirt and debris from the floor - another potential for clogging the drain.

Basement Systems' waterproofing products are designed to meet these challenges so that your basement will be protected. Contact us today for your FREE in-home waterproofing inspection and estimate!