Basement Flood: When Mother Nature is Not to Blame

Posted by cynthia in Basement Flood, Basement Leaks, Basement Waterproofing, Drainage, Featured, Interior French Drain, Sump Pumps, Uncategorized, Wet Basement Repair | 0 comments

When we think basement flooding, the first thing that comes to mind are torrential downpours, summer storms with thunder and lightning,  knocking down trees and  power lines. Some of us, usually the ones with chronically damp basements, might even think snow melt.

Very few take into consideration that Mother Nature is absolutely not the only one that can cause a basement flood. Truth is that there is no such a thing as a flood safe basement.

Think about it. Your basement is box buried below grade. Any water that gets into it can only get out if pumped upwards.  You can’t rely on gravity to get rid of it.

Pipes run through the basement, and it usually houses water heater tanks and cold water tanks,  as well as washing machines. All of which have the potential to leak and malfunction, putting your basement underwater.

And let’s not forget running toilettes, overflowing sinks, backed up drains and all the small accidents that can happen upstairs and cause water to pour into the basement.

It is not a matter of if, but when your unprotected basement is going to flood.

Yard Drainage Solutions

Posted by cynthia in Basement Flood, Basement Leaks, Basement Waterproofing, Drainage, Uncategorized, Wet Basement Repair | 0 comments

Many basement leak problems can be prevented or, at least helped, with simple and inexpensive measures.

First, make sure that the soil around the foundation is properly graded. It should slope away from the walls.

If you have concrete sidewalks, a driveway make sure they too are diverting the water away and not towards the house.

Keep in mind that that soil, which was once dug out in order for the basement to be built, is not as compact as the undisturbed portion of the terrain surrounding the area, and tends to settle overtime and might need to be re-graded. It also soaks up more water than the surrounding soil, creating a false water table. In the industry, we call it the “clay bowl effect”, which is the main cause of most basement leaks.

Can You Afford a Wet Basement?

Posted by cynthia in Basement Dehumidifiers, Basement Flood, Basement Insulation, Basement Leaks, Basement Mold, Basement Wall Cracks, Basement Wall Systems, Basement Waterproofing, Basement Waterproofing Contractors, Drainage, Home Improvement, Interior French Drain, Interior vs. Exterior Waterproofing, Sump Pumps, Wet Basement Repair | 0 comments

You Breathe Basement Air!

Posted by richard in Basement Waterproofing | 0 comments

Do you or someone in your family suffer from asthma or allergies? Your basement could be contributing to allergy symptoms or even causing asthma in some cases.

A “stack effect” exchange of air occurs in your home. This means that new air replaces the warm air that rises and escapes out of the upper levels by a process of suction. Air from your basement is drawn up into the first floor, then to the second. Scientists say that up to 50% of the air you breathe on the first floor comes from the basement.