Homeowners often don’t think about basement waterproofing until they experience a problem, such as a wet basement or mold growth. However, failing to waterproof your basement can lead to a number of serious problems. For example, water can damage the foundation of your home, leading to cracks and leaks. In addition, damp conditions in your basement can create an ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow. This can cause respiratory problems for you and your family, as well as damage to your belongings.
MOLD & MILDEW
Many people are unaware of the dangers that basement mold and mildew can pose to their health. These ubiquitous fungi thrive in moist, dark environments, so a wet basement is the perfect place for them to grow. As they grow, they release spores into the air. These spores can cause allergic reactions in some people, and they can also damage fabrics and other materials. Inhaling mold spores can cause a variety of respiratory problems, from allergies and asthma to more serious illnesses like bronchitis and pneumonia. Mold can also trigger skin reactions, including rashes and itching. In severe cases, it can even cause infections.
Mold and mildew need three things to grow: air, water, and food. Water is the most important factor, and basement waterproofing helps to reduce the amount of water that can enter your home. Food for mold and mildew can come from many sources, including paper, dust, lint, and even dead skin cells. If you suspect that your basement has a mold problem, it is important to have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible. Taking steps to remove the mold will help protect your health and ensure your basement is a safe and healthy place to be.
DAMAGED FOUNDATION
Water is one of the most damaging things to your basement and foundation. When water leaks in through cracks or pores in your basement walls or foundation, it can cause a number of problems. The first is that it can erode the concrete or masonry, making the structure weaker and more prone to collapse. Second, it can saturate the ground around your foundation, causing the soil to expand and putting pressure on the foundation walls. This can lead to cracks, bowed walls, and – in extreme cases – complete failure of the foundation.
Finally, water can seep into electrical systems and HVAC ducts, creating a fire hazard. Basement waterproofing is essential to preventing these problems and protecting your home.
OUR SOLUTION
The most effective basement waterproofing system (according to the University of Minnesota) is rigid drain pipe installed inside the footing at a continuous downward slope to the sump pit where it is pumped away from your home. Our system is unique to Standard Water Control and comes with a warranty good for the life of your foundation. The warranty will transfer to new owners if you ever decide to sell.
BASEMENT WATERPROOFING INSTALLATION
Standard Water Control installs a below-slab rigid PVC drain tile system that includes our service marked diamond plate airtight cover to protect small children and pets. Additionally we offer our patented Diamond Drainage Board which allows unrestricted water flow from the wall, across the footing, and into the drainage field without obstruction or restriction. Importantly, Diamond Drainage Board allows our crews to patch the concrete to the same thickness as the original slab.
Standard Water’s crew jackhammers the concrete around the perimeter of the basement, digs a trench that slopes down to the sump basin and pours washed rock into the bottom of the trench to keep the drain tile off the dirt, thereby preventing any dirt or mud infiltration. The crew then installs the drain tile and covers it with more washed rock to act as a drainage and filter medium. When installed properly, like this, you never have to worry about our drain tile plugging up.
FOUNDATION STABILIZATION
As for bowing basement walls, we use the most advanced foundation stabilization product on the market today–carbon fiber straps from Fortress Stabilization Systems–for the most elegant, least intrusive solution for foundation stabilization. Carbon fiber is stronger than steel. It doesn’t rust or mildew and is not susceptible to alkali deterioration. In the construction industry, carbon fiber technology has replaced old style methods of structural reinforcement for bridge construction, building rehabilitation, foundation reinforcement and more.
First, our crews make sure the block wall is free of paint and debris. Then we install a device called a “necktie” by bolting it to the rim joist. The necktie is attached over the block so it can be bound to the wall with the carbon fiber strap. Epoxy is applied to the wall and the carbon fiber strap is installed and encased in epoxy. Blocking is added between floor joists to further stiffen the installation. Once the Fortress Stabilization System is installed that wall won’t move again.
Fortress is the only foundation wall stabilization system with ICC building code certification. Why does ICC certification matter? An ICC-ES approved product can be immediately identified by any code official, home inspector, or bank appraiser as building code approved. The ICC ESR report number identifies the Fortress system as approved by every local building code agency in the United States. This means a Fortress certified product will pass every building code inspection so you can have peace of mind that it’s safe for your home.
Fortress Stabilization Systems transferable lifetime warranty together with ICC-ES certification will show potential buyers and lending institutions that you installed the best system available if you ever decide to sell your home.
CONCLUSION
Basement waterproofing is the solution to a number of different issues that can plague your home’s lower level. Not only does it prevent water damage and flooding, but it can also help you avoid mold and mildew growth, as well as damage to the structure of your basement.
If you’re experiencing any of these problems in your home, please contact Standard Water Control. We will assess your situation and provide you with a customized solution that will solve your basement water issues.
Contact us today for a free consultation and estimate.