Waterproofing Contractors in HarrisonburgIs your basement wet? Are you concerned about mold? Long term damage?
Or are you ready to maximize the space in your home by finishing you basement? Basement Waterproofing Services Harrisonburg will get you on the right track! Fill out the form or call today to schedule a FREE Estimate and Consultation. Our experts will assess your current needs and provide a detailed plan with cost estimates. Don't risk your health or safety any longer. Call today and take the first step in getting a dry and usable basement in Harrisonburg. We serve all of Rockingham County and most surrounding areas A wet basement is a fairly common issue in Rockingham County, particularly with being in a valley and our rocky terrain. There’s a reason Harrisonburg is called Rocktown!
But with modern building materials and methods, a wet basement can be avoided or fixed, leaving you with a warm and dry area that can be very useful indeed. But let’s start with the basics. |
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What causes wet basements?
When water has nowhere to go it finds the path of least resistance and settles where gravity takes it. When basements are cut into the ground, they give a great place for water to settle in, and all it takes is a small chink in the armor to allow a great deal of water to settle. That’s the short answer. Let’s quickly review the 3 primary ways (bonus 4th way) that water get’s into your basement.
1. Condensation in Basement: When warm moist air, such as we have in Spring around here or from a clothes dryer, comes in contact with the relatively cold basement walls and floor condensation occurs. The colder basement lowers the temperature of the moist air below the dew point, similar to the condensation you would find on the outer surface of a cold drink on a warm summer day.
2. Water Runoff is a common source of water entry when we get those freak storms that pour water down seemingly out of nowhere. Similar to a flash flood, when such a large amount of water comes down, the soil is unable to absorb it fast enough and we get runoff. This large amount of flowing water can find even very small cracks in your foundation and seep into your basement. Just one inch of rain on a small home footprint (1000 square feet) can produce 600 gallons of water. That same inch of rain over 1 acre of land produces up to 28,000 gallons. That’s a lot of water!
3. Groundwater swell is caused by hydrostatic pressure on your basement walls. Water weighs roughly 60 pounds per cubic foot. When soil around your basement becomes saturated with water, a tremendous amount of hydrostatic pressure is exerted on your exterior basement walls. This is happening even when the soil is not visibly or appreciably saturated, it doesn’t have to be a mud pit around your home. This hydrostatic pressure forces water into even the very smallest of holes, sometimes even allowing water in as a vapor. These are tremendous forces at work.
4. Bonus- A plumbing leak. It always pays to check out the simplest answer first. And when you find water in your normally dry basement, it’s worthwhile to ensure that there’s not simply a leaking or burst pipe or even an open window or door
1. Condensation in Basement: When warm moist air, such as we have in Spring around here or from a clothes dryer, comes in contact with the relatively cold basement walls and floor condensation occurs. The colder basement lowers the temperature of the moist air below the dew point, similar to the condensation you would find on the outer surface of a cold drink on a warm summer day.
2. Water Runoff is a common source of water entry when we get those freak storms that pour water down seemingly out of nowhere. Similar to a flash flood, when such a large amount of water comes down, the soil is unable to absorb it fast enough and we get runoff. This large amount of flowing water can find even very small cracks in your foundation and seep into your basement. Just one inch of rain on a small home footprint (1000 square feet) can produce 600 gallons of water. That same inch of rain over 1 acre of land produces up to 28,000 gallons. That’s a lot of water!
3. Groundwater swell is caused by hydrostatic pressure on your basement walls. Water weighs roughly 60 pounds per cubic foot. When soil around your basement becomes saturated with water, a tremendous amount of hydrostatic pressure is exerted on your exterior basement walls. This is happening even when the soil is not visibly or appreciably saturated, it doesn’t have to be a mud pit around your home. This hydrostatic pressure forces water into even the very smallest of holes, sometimes even allowing water in as a vapor. These are tremendous forces at work.
4. Bonus- A plumbing leak. It always pays to check out the simplest answer first. And when you find water in your normally dry basement, it’s worthwhile to ensure that there’s not simply a leaking or burst pipe or even an open window or door
Signs of water in the basement
How do you tell if there is water or excess moistures in your basement? Here’s a few simple ways:
First, look for any obvious standing water. In large basements this may not be readily visible so be sure to look everywhere. Move any items in storage, look behind and under any mechanicals in your basement, and in any closets. Pay special attention to near any known openings in your foundation such as windows, doors, known cracks, pipe or wire entrances, etc.
Water condensation dripping from pipes can be a source of water as well.
Do you have a musty, damp smell in your basement? Or does it simply “fell” more humid and wet?
Do you see or smell mold? Mold loves moisture and will grow on any organic material. Look for mold growing in your basement. It can be a range of colors from black to white to green, brown, or yellow. Some varieties can be toxic, so don’t disturb it until checked by a professional.
Is there a chalky white, mineral like deposit on walls. This is called efflorescence and is a mineral residue left over from water.
How about bugs, rodents, or other pests? They tend to enjoy moisture, so if you see them, there’s a decent chance there’s excess moisture present.
First, look for any obvious standing water. In large basements this may not be readily visible so be sure to look everywhere. Move any items in storage, look behind and under any mechanicals in your basement, and in any closets. Pay special attention to near any known openings in your foundation such as windows, doors, known cracks, pipe or wire entrances, etc.
Water condensation dripping from pipes can be a source of water as well.
Do you have a musty, damp smell in your basement? Or does it simply “fell” more humid and wet?
Do you see or smell mold? Mold loves moisture and will grow on any organic material. Look for mold growing in your basement. It can be a range of colors from black to white to green, brown, or yellow. Some varieties can be toxic, so don’t disturb it until checked by a professional.
Is there a chalky white, mineral like deposit on walls. This is called efflorescence and is a mineral residue left over from water.
How about bugs, rodents, or other pests? They tend to enjoy moisture, so if you see them, there’s a decent chance there’s excess moisture present.
How to tell where the water is coming from in your basement
Hopefully during the thorough inspection, the source of the leak is readily apparent. Often though it is not. Or there may be more than one source of water as is often the case in older homes.
Damp basement walls can be tricky to determine if the water is coming through the walls or condensing from moisture already in the basement. There’s a simple way to test this. Securely tape a square of aluminum foil, at least 6 inches square, to the wall of the basement and leave it for a few days. When you check it, if there is moisture on the outside of the foil, that indicates condensation from moisture already in the basement. If the wall is damp underneath the foil, that indicates moisture seeping through the walls.
Tracking down the exact source of water entry into a basement can be a difficult and frustrating endeavor. When you call for a consultation with Basement Waterproofing Services Harrisonburg, our professionals have many methods and expertise available to help determine how much water is in your basement, where it’s coming from, and how to fix it. The consult and estimate are free, so call and schedule.
Damp basement walls can be tricky to determine if the water is coming through the walls or condensing from moisture already in the basement. There’s a simple way to test this. Securely tape a square of aluminum foil, at least 6 inches square, to the wall of the basement and leave it for a few days. When you check it, if there is moisture on the outside of the foil, that indicates condensation from moisture already in the basement. If the wall is damp underneath the foil, that indicates moisture seeping through the walls.
Tracking down the exact source of water entry into a basement can be a difficult and frustrating endeavor. When you call for a consultation with Basement Waterproofing Services Harrisonburg, our professionals have many methods and expertise available to help determine how much water is in your basement, where it’s coming from, and how to fix it. The consult and estimate are free, so call and schedule.
How to fix a wet basement
There are essentially only 2 types of basement waterproofing. Exterior and Interior.
Interior Basement Waterproofing: This method to fix a wet basement involves anything you do to, you guessed it, the interior of your basement. This may include repairs to cracks, applying special sealants, insulating pipes, interior drainage systems, and sump pumps. While interior basement waterproofing is generally easier and more affordable, it may not address the root issue of water entry. Depending on your situation though it may do enough to keep your basement dry and usable.
Exterior Basement Waterproofing: This method involves several options to fix your wet basement ranging from fairly simple to quite involved.
The simplest method may involve fixing gutter downspouts and/or the grading of surrounding soil so that water is not directed at your basement or foundation. Another option to help redirect water is to install a french drain to catch and redirect water before it contacts your basement.
The most involved, but also most comprehensive, will be excavating around your basement and applying a waterproof membrane before backfilling and grading the slope away from your basement.
Interior Basement Waterproofing: This method to fix a wet basement involves anything you do to, you guessed it, the interior of your basement. This may include repairs to cracks, applying special sealants, insulating pipes, interior drainage systems, and sump pumps. While interior basement waterproofing is generally easier and more affordable, it may not address the root issue of water entry. Depending on your situation though it may do enough to keep your basement dry and usable.
Exterior Basement Waterproofing: This method involves several options to fix your wet basement ranging from fairly simple to quite involved.
The simplest method may involve fixing gutter downspouts and/or the grading of surrounding soil so that water is not directed at your basement or foundation. Another option to help redirect water is to install a french drain to catch and redirect water before it contacts your basement.
The most involved, but also most comprehensive, will be excavating around your basement and applying a waterproof membrane before backfilling and grading the slope away from your basement.
Why waterproof a wet basement
There are many important reasons it is worthwhile to waterproof a wet basement. Bu the number one reason to fix a wet basement is your health.
Everyone has heard horror stories of mold growth in a home, causing a health hazard to all those living there. Mold can be a real problem as it releases spores into the air that can travel a good distance, get sucked into ventilation systems and be spread all through a building. Mold loves humidity. When a wet basement is allowed to continue without waterproofing, it is a prime breeding ground for mold.
Beyond the health hazard of mold, water can cause expensive damage to a home. It increases the risk of pest infestation. It can increase the rate of rot. It can lead to peeling paint and structural damage if left unchecked. Water can be expensive…
Then there’s the lost use of space when a basement is wet. The cheapest square footage is what you already have. For many, a basement can be a terrific source of extra space in a home. Rec room, living room, bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry room, even an income producing apartment are all possibilities in a finished basement. But the first step is making sure it’s structurally sound and dry.
If you have unexplained allergies, looming damage, or simply looking for how to expand your home’s use of space, reach out to our team at Basement Waterproofing Services Harrisonburg. We’ll listen to your problems or plans, assess the situation, provide a plan, and get you an estimate for the project. It’s really quite a simple and enjoyable process, so no need to delay. Call now, and improve your home.
Everyone has heard horror stories of mold growth in a home, causing a health hazard to all those living there. Mold can be a real problem as it releases spores into the air that can travel a good distance, get sucked into ventilation systems and be spread all through a building. Mold loves humidity. When a wet basement is allowed to continue without waterproofing, it is a prime breeding ground for mold.
Beyond the health hazard of mold, water can cause expensive damage to a home. It increases the risk of pest infestation. It can increase the rate of rot. It can lead to peeling paint and structural damage if left unchecked. Water can be expensive…
Then there’s the lost use of space when a basement is wet. The cheapest square footage is what you already have. For many, a basement can be a terrific source of extra space in a home. Rec room, living room, bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry room, even an income producing apartment are all possibilities in a finished basement. But the first step is making sure it’s structurally sound and dry.
If you have unexplained allergies, looming damage, or simply looking for how to expand your home’s use of space, reach out to our team at Basement Waterproofing Services Harrisonburg. We’ll listen to your problems or plans, assess the situation, provide a plan, and get you an estimate for the project. It’s really quite a simple and enjoyable process, so no need to delay. Call now, and improve your home.