Water Always Finds A Way…
How would I know if I have a leaking basement?
If you notice:
Cracks and/or damp spots in your walls, floors, etc.Lifting tiles or wood flooringA dank or musty odorRust on any metal surfaces like your furnace, water heater, etcVisible mold, mildew, or fungusPaint peeling from the wallsWarped wood panelingCrumbling or buckling wallsSigns of insect infestation such as termites, wasps, etcBasement efflorescence on the walls– it looks white, chalky or fuzzy and it can be seen on both inside and outside walls.
All of these are signs of a leaking basement and should be dealt with quickly; if left untreated, serious damage can result as the problem does not heal itself.
Why does my basement leak?
It’s actually a simple explanation. When your home was built, they dug a hole in the ground to create your basement. The foundation of your home rests in this hole, and groundwater – either from rain or from the natural water table – fills in the gaps between the soil and the exterior basement walls of your home. The expression “water always finds a way” exists for a reason.
This groundwater will find and seep through any porous walls, microscopic cracks or fissures and is difficult to detect until it makes its presence known. Unfortunately, it’s this unseen water, entering through the unseen flaws, that causes the most serious problems. That’s why, if you see any of the aforementioned signs, you need an experienced water proofer to inspect your basement and make corrective recommendations to fix the problem(s) before they become worse.
How common is basement water leakage?
It’s more common than you’d think. It’s estimated that 90% of all homes that have basement walls made from cement blocks or cinderblocks will experience leaks in the first 25 years.
How did my basement go from being dry to being wet so quickly?
Changes in the water table, cracks developing in your basement walls & foundation as the house settles, existing drainage systems filling with silt… it’s a constant battle. It doesn’t matter how well-built or how watertight the home itself is, all these changes happen over time because of external factors and sometimes, they occur more quickly than anticipated.
Now that I’ve discovered this problem, how quickly should I take care of it?
Once you are aware of the problem, it’s already gotten to the “fix it now” stage and it’s crucial that you have a professional water proofer inspect your basement. Basement water leakage does not heal itself; it only gets worse. The longer you put off repairs, the larger and more costly these repairs can become, to the point where you could need structural foundation repairs.
Will waterproofing my basement increase my home’s value?
Absolutely! A permanently dry basement is a strong selling point and typically increases the home’s value immediately.
Why should I choose DryMaster to fix my basement?
- References – DryMaster has hundreds of references available upon request.
- DryMaster’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) history is one of the best in the industry.
- We always give you a written contract, along with a separate agreement attached to the contract outlining everything we will do, along with any additional services requested
- DryMaster has a fixed price list and offers quotes that are below the price standard in the industry.
How do I know if I have foundation problems?
If you even suspect that you may have a foundation problem, the best thing to do is call DryMaster for a free on-site consultation. Foundation problems can be brought on by many factors including settling of the home, water table changes, minor earthquakes, etc.
Typical signs of foundation problems include:
Sticking doors and windowsBowed wallsCracked interior and exterior wallsCracks in the foundationSinking foundationsCracking, sinking, or slanting driveways and sidewalksSloping floorsLeaky basements and water damage
What causes foundation problems?
Foundation problems are mainly caused by poor soil and water:
Inadequate drainage that causes soil to swell creating movement in the foundationRoots of trees under and around you home can dry the soil causing it to expand and contractUncompacted fill materialSoft soil that cannot support the weight of the structureClay soils naturally expand and contract, which causes your home to settleWeather changes including drought and very wet seasons can cause soil to contract, expand or wash away, and water buildup that can leak into your home
What happens if I don’t fix my foundation problems?
Foundation problems that go unfixed can – and most likely will – worsen, causing further problems to the home. Not only will this raise the cost of repairing those problems, if left untreated the value of your home will diminish.
Do I have to repair my foundation in order to sell my house?
No – but in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, if the owner of a house, structure, or building is aware of a foundation problem and doesn’t disclose it, the buyer has up to two years after the sale to have it repaired at the seller’s expense – and in those two years, the problems can get worse (i.e., “even more expensive to repair”). The only exception is a buyer who purchases the property “as is” meaning they are aware of the problems but agreed to buy the property anyway.
DryMaster believes that our customers’ needs are of the utmost importance. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of our business comes from repeat customers and referrals.