Stormy Weather for Basement Waterproofing

Published by: Jacques Bouchard (2/28/08)
From Texas to Maine (and especially in the Midwest), precipitation has been picking up in recent months. With more rain, snow, and major flooding still on the way, USA Today’s Weather Guys report that it’s looking less and less like March is going to go out like a lamb. Disappointed homeowners with flooded basements have been learning from their insurance companies that while their basement is protected from floods caused by plumbing leaks, they’re often on their own when it comes to groundwater flooding. And CBC News, Toronto, reports that runoff from melting snow is creating an unusual amount of groundwater as well. Homeowners already know too well: when there’s bad weather outside, there’s bad weather in the basement.

Bad Ideas for Basement Waterproofing

Be cautious of quick fix solutions for the basement and do-it-yourself answers to waterproofing a basement. Why are solutions like “waterproof paint” still selling in the basement waterproofing market? Because, sometimes, they work. At least, for a couple months. Other solutions, such as hydraulic cement patches, are better solutions than waterproof paint. With a strong patch, they can last twice as long before they start leaking! Of course, if they’re not going to last at all, why bother?

Some homeowners decide against repairing the basement themselves and spend their money on extreme measures, like digging up the area around the foundation to create a barrier on the outside of the wall. This invasive measure requires the foliage to be removed, sidewalks to be torn up, and porches and steps to be taken down. And if they ever need maintenance, the excavation must be repeated. It works better than waterproof paint and hydraulic cement to keep the basement dry, but what a cost!

Interior Sub Floor Drainage Systems

These systems, when done correctly, are the best solution on the market. They’re designed to intercept foundation water at its most common entrance point- the wall floor joint. A French drain system guides the water to a sump pump, and the water is then pumped out of the house. They install quickly- usually in a day or two- and do not require any disturbance of the landscaping. Because they install directly into the basement floor, maintenance is easy.

Unfortunately, these systems have four major weaknesses: clogging French drains, mechanical failure of the sump pump, being overwhelmed by torrential rains, and power failures cutting the sump pump’s power (With recent rains, there have definitely been a fair share of power outages!). It’s important to have a strong perimeter drainage system installed like the WaterGuard perimeter drainage system that can drain water to the pump without clogging. A reliable cast iron sump pump that has enough power to get the job is important. Larry Janesky, founder of Basement Systems- the largest network of basement waterproofers worldwide- says that “for 99.9% of us, a sump pump is the best option. And today’s sump pumps are better than ever and very reliable.” A backup sump pump is recommended for heavy loads, and a battery backup pump should be installed for power outages. A generator is also a possible solution, but the option requires the homeowner to be near the pump at all times so the generator can be turned on whenever a storm knocks out the power.

As a final note, if your basement is flooding from recent storms and you’re looking to have a basement waterproofer solve the problem, be sure to find a contractor that offers a written warranty and will be in business long enough to stand by it. Check anyone working on your home with the Better Business Bureau, and make sure that you’ve found the best business in your area. When it comes to basements, you don’t want to be left in the dark.
Press for: Basement Systems
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