Exterior basement waterproofing is a proactive rather than a reactive way to ensure that you have a dry basement. Ideally it is done while a house is being built, but exterior basement waterproofing can be undertaken with any basement, whether it is a basement of poured concrete or one of masonry block walls. The experts at Accurate Basement can guide you through the process your specific basement needs.
Why Would Exterior Basement Waterproofing Be Needed?
Wet basements happen because of water in the surrounding soil finding its way through cracks and porous parts of the basement wall. Concrete walls can have spots that allow water to seep through due to problems when the concrete walls were poured, and masonry block walls can develop cracks along mortar joints.
The type of soil also affects water getting through to your basement, too. Soil absorbs moisture and expands; the degree of that expansion differs with the kind of soil. The clay soil that is common in much of Milwaukee and its surrounding area absorbs a lot of water, expands a great deal, and drains poorly. All this expansion and swelling creates pressure around the foundation and that pressure can force water through any small opening.
What Is Exterior Basement Waterproofing?
Exterior basement waterproofing can deal with all of these issues. The basic method involves excavating the soil away from the external basement wall, installing the appropriate moisture barrier, filling the surrounding area with gravel, and establishing a footer draining system. A sump pump may or may not be be necessary. The basement wall may need some prep work, and the moisture barrier can differ; the certified experts at Accurate Basement will be able to tell you precisely which moisture barrier will work best for your basement. The gravel fill is especially important given the kind of soil in our area.
What Are the Benefits of Exterior Basement Waterproofing?
The benefits of exterior basement waterproofing are significant. It prevents water from entering your basement rather than managing water that has already gotten in. It directs water to the exterior drainage system, away from your foundation. The gravel relieves the hydrostatic pressure that can otherwise build up. Most importantly, it gives you a truly dry, pleasant basement. Having an exterior basement waterproofing system means the elimination not only of seepage or wet spots, but of nasty musty odors as well, so your basement becomes usable living space. Naturally, it also increases the value of your home.
What Are the Costs Associated with Exterior Basement Waterproofing?
The costs of exterior basement waterproofing vary. The nature of the problem, the size of the basement, whether one or all walls need to be waterproofed, are only a few of the factors working into the cost assessment. Our skilled technicians and nationally certified structural repair and waterproofing specialists have been serving Milwaukee homes and businesses for years. We have the experience and reputation for integrity to give you a clear estimate based on your particular situation.
Contact the professionals at Accurate Basement Repair today! (414) 744 6900
