What Is the Best Way to Waterproof My Home?  

Water in your basement or crawl space can cause major problems as a homeowner. Even if you’re not well-versed in-home repairs, you may know water is a big red flag and can lead to other problems like mold and mildew. Whether water is entering the crawl space or from basement walls or floor, water won’t just go away. Once the problem starts, the best route is to have a professional address the problem as soon as possible.  

In this article, we’ll discuss a few of the suggestions a foundation professional may suggest and some common low-price options contractors with less experience may suggest that you’ll want to stay away from.  

Why Does My Home Leak Water?  

Regardless if your home’s foundation is a basement or crawl space, water entering your home usually finds the path of least resistance and enters there. 

In a crawl space, this commonly occurs through the floor, which is either dirt or thinly poured cement. Since cement is porous, with enough pressure, water can easily seep through. A dirt or gravel crawl space floor is untreated earth; when the water table is high enough, water can rise dangerously high to your floor joists if not noticed. 

In a basement, water can enter where the floor and the wall meet, the cove joint. This location is vulnerable because it is two separate pieces of concrete. It commonly enters through cracks in the basement walls or floor. Water can also seep through the concrete itself, causing high humidity.  

Water damage in both crawl spaces and basements occurs most commonly because of the clay bowl effect, hydrostatic pressure against foundation walls, or a plumbing leak. Identifying where the water is coming from helps determine the proper repair. If you suspect a plumbing leak, getting a licensed plumber to take care of the problem is your best route. If you suspect water entering from the foundation walls or floor, the experts at Innovative Basement Authority offer free inspections to assess the situation. Below are some of the solutions they may recommend.  

Permanent Waterproofing Solutions  

When looking to solve your water problem, there is a lot of information that can offer contradictory advice. Making an appointment and speaking to an individual who is able to see your problem specifically is the best way to know you’re making the right decision.  

Interior Basement Drainage System  

If you have a basement, an interior drain like our BasementGutter™ is the best solution. This specifically designed drainage system collects water and directs it to a sump pump that pumps the water out of your basement. Sitting on the footer, rather than the mud zone, of the perimeter of your basement, it collects water from both the walls and the floor. Since it sits on top of the footer, it won’t clog with mud or other organic material.  

Crawl Space Drain  

When water is affecting your crawl space, installing an interior crawl space drainage system is the best route. This series of pipes are connected by our professionals to drain unwanted water away from the home. The crawl space drain is also installed at the perimeter, but it may be necessary to install drainage matting in severe cases to ensure water can freely flow to the drainage system.  

Sump Pump  

A sump pump is a mechanical system designed to collect the water from both an interior drain in the basement as well as a crawl space drain and pump it out and away from the home’s foundation. Based on the amount of water you’re experiencing, a sump pump may or may not be needed, but it is one of the best things you can do for your property.  

Dehumidifiers  

A dehumidifier is a good choice for both the crawl space and the basement. Our energy-efficient, self-draining dehumidifier works to remove water from the air in both a basement and crawl space, helping control the temperature without having to worry about high energy bills.  

Temporary Waterproofing Solutions  

Contractors with less experience in foundation repair may suggest solutions like waterproof paint sealant, caulk filler, or exterior waterproofing. While the first are just bandages on the symptoms, exterior waterproofing may make sense to a lot of homeowners. After all, that is what was installed when the home was built. And to that, we say…exactly. An exterior waterproofing system was installed when the home was built and has since failed because you have water leaks. Why repeat the same solution and expect a different result?  

When exterior waterproofing is installed, it sits in the mud surrounding your home. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long for soil, dirt, and even tree roots to enter the system and clog. Even with proper maintenance, clogs are likely to occur because the drain remains open to the elements.  

Our interior drain system involves little to no maintenance in comparison, and we are able to warranty the solution since conditions are controlled inside the basement.  

Choose the Foundation Waterproofing Experts  

Innovative Basement Authority has been solving homeowners’ water problems in the Dakotas, Minnesota, and parts of Montana and Wisconsin since 2005. Our inspectors understand the different soil conditions and weather throughout the area. Both these factors play a big role in why your home could be struggling and need to be taken into account when assessing the problem. That’s why IBA offers a free, no-obligation inspection. Our friendly staff will work with you to schedule an inspection that works best for you and your family. And since our inspectors aren’t salesmen, they will never stay too long or suggest products that aren’t needed. Their goal is to leave you with the full picture of the problem and how the solutions they suggest will address them. Schedule your free inspection today.