Questions to Ask About Basement Waterproofing

There are several reasons why your basement can flood and it can happen at different points of your home including the floors, walls, and even the plumbing system. Naturally, any homeowner would want to know why their basement is leaking. For this reason, it is best to understand all the available options you have for repairing the issue. In this case, help yourself make the right choice by hiring a contractor to assist you with basement waterproofing in Baltimore, MD. Do not attempt to do the job on your own as this could be a bad idea. Instead, allow the professionals handle the task to ensure quality results.

Flooding in a basement can happen for many different reasons and from different point of views. Naturally, any homeowner will have plenty of questions for the professionals. You will want to know what the problem is, what their recommendations are, and what are the possible solutions. When it comes to basement waterproofing in Baltimore, MD, below are a few common questions you can ask the professionals:

• Where is my basement leaking?

Water can leak into any point of your basement including around the stairs. It can even go through rusty windows and cracks. Professionals will know exactly how to identify where is the source of the leak. The most common area of a water leak is through the wall-floor joint. By stopping the water before it enters at any point, professionals can assure you that your basement stays dry.

• Why is my basement leaking?

If you have an old house or a new one, you should get rid of the idea that your basement will not leak. Every home has the potential to leak and even when it is not leaking, they can be damp and musty. Two of the main factors that contribute to basement flooding and humidity is the clay bowl effects and the forces of hydrostatic pressure. In order to properly waterproof your basement, these two factors should be considered.

• Why do you think the repair solution you proposed would work best for my waterproofing problem?

With various repair processes and systems, it is important that you get to know how the proposed repair solution will work. You may ask the professionals what materials they suggest and try to understand what role they play in the overall system. Ultimately, you want to make sure that the solution will actually solve the problem in the long run.

• What will the final outcome look like?

If your home will need extensive repairs such as deep exterior excavation or an interior draining system, then the quality of the work can affect how your home looks. Be sure to ask the professionals how wide the trench will be, what materials will be used, and if it will be performed neatly. It all comes down to a matter of quality and how much the overall cost will be.

• What type of ventilation will you use for the basement?

Ventilation is an important part to consider in any basement waterproofing project. With a cavity drain, you can essentially seal up the basement which can have a serious effect on humidity build-up. If so, it can turn into condensation which is a very serious problem in basements. Ask the professionals how they will introduce ventilation if it is not there already.

• Can an external waterproofing system be beneficial to relieve hydrostatic pressure at source from the basement?

Many basement conversion projects can focus on a waterproofing system which will be applied internally to the existing space. At times it can make sense to consider external waterproofing to protect your basement from hydrostatic pressure or the pressure that was built up due to water. In this case, you need to ask the professionals if they think this is a necessary step.

• Is the current slab strong enough to resist water pressure that could occur?

Most basements will have some form of a concrete slab which plays an important role in the waterproofing project. The professionals will find out if this slab can cope with any buildup in water pressure. Otherwise, they can determine how to deal with a lack of slab.

With the help of these useful questions, it can ensure that you will be receiving quality basement waterproofing in Baltimore, MD.