Q1.
Which materials are used for waterproofing?
For exterior waterproofing projects, we use rubberized membrane and reinforcement mesh to completely waterproof your foundation walls, exterior drainage membrane to divert excess water and moisture down to the drainage tile system that is installed next, and a layer of 3/4 crushed gravel for increased water drainage capacity.
We install interior drainage pipes to direct water to your basement drain or existing sump pump for interior waterproofing projects. Next, we add 3/4 crushed gravel next to the drainage pipe and cover it all with a layer of cement. This prevents water and moisture from accumulating on your basement wall.
Q2.
How long does waterproofing take to do?
Depending on how many linear feet of foundation waterproofing need to be done, waterproofing jobs frequently take 1 or 2 days. The majority of jobs can be completed in a single day if the weather is ideal. The waterproofing crew will open up a few trench sections at a time when there are numerous basement foundation walls to waterproof so that a sudden weather change won’t expose your foundation walls to rain, which could lead to additional basement leaks. If there are underground powerlines or significant gas pipes, it’s possible that a task could be postponed for a few days until a specialist is sent to help us. Weather-related delays could also add a few days to the waterproofing project if rain makes it impossible for our crew to work.
The majority of interior waterproofing tasks, which may be completed in one to two days, are not affected by weather. When there is a plumbing or electrical issue that prohibits us from completing our work, delays for this type of waterproofing service happen. When interior waterproofing a property, we may discover plumbing, electrical, or structural abnormalities that are a result of the construction methods used, especially in older homes. While the problem is being fixed, this may cause the interior waterproofing to be postponed for a few days.
Q3.
How long does it take to lower a basement?
Contrary to external waterproofing projects, which are often completed in a few days, underpinning projects take many months to complete and involve numerous stages. Before we even start digging, a professional underpinning job will require structural plans, construction permits, and inspections from licensed electricians and plumbers. Digging to the foundation’s footings, benching the basement foundation to secure it structurally, and clearing away all extra dirt dug up will be among the tasks completed by our own Leaky Basement crew. The accessibility of the basement and its present condition can help or hamper underpinning, which is a multi-month project.
However, since the basement foundation repair would greatly improve the amount of living space you have in your basement, the advantages of underpinning are worth the time and financial investment. The fact that your basement has high ceilings and more overall living area will also greatly boost the value of your home.
Q4.
What do you do if your house is leaking water?
Most usually, you’ll learn about basement leaks just after a downpour. When you learn about your basement leaks, be sure to call Leaky Basement or email us. Additionally, be sure to record the leaks and the regions where you detected them using photos or videos. It is useful for us and advantageous to have for insurance reasons.
The cleanup process will involve removing any nearby goods that can be harmed by water, such as carpets, MDF or particleboard furniture, and other priceless possessions. Avoid electrical shocks by being VERY cautious while removing electronics that are in contact with or submerged in water. This includes plug-in appliances, power bars, and any other electronic devices that are sitting on the floor. To avoid health hazards from the water that has entered your home in the event of widespread flooding, it is advised to contact a water restoration crew to handle the emergency clean-up.
Even after the water has been drained, it is crucial to disinfect any areas that the water touched because this water might be hazardous to your health. It’s crucial to replace any damaged drywall following any form of foundation repairs, including our own exterior or interior waterproofing treatments, to prevent the spread of mould spores and other dangerous microorganisms that could endanger your health.
Q5.
What is a sump pump and what does it do?
In order to guarantee that your basement will never flood again, sump pumps are crucial. If certain circumstances are present, basement drains may back up, and if the extra water is not properly drained, a water basin may fill and cause a flood. A sump pump will remove the extra water by pumping it through a conduit to your exterior drainage tile system. Since sump pumps are mechanical, they will sense when the water level reaches the critical level and begin pumping water out of the ground to keep your basement from flooding.
Sump pumps are the most effective technique to make sure you don’t flood, but they do need to be checked periodically to make sure they’re still in good operating condition. Many sump pumps have a backup system that guarantees they will function even if there is a power loss, giving you total protection.
Q6.
What is the reason for Window Wells?
The adequate draining down to your drainage pipe systems at the base of your foundation is made possible by window wells. A window well will catch the water and allow it to properly drain down to a point where it won’t be hazardous to the health of your basement foundation walls. Windows are one of the weak spots where there could be foundation cracks and water could find its way through your foundation wall and into your basement.
In addition to 3/4 crushed gravel to further aid in correct drainage into the earth, window wells include a vertical drainage pipe connected to your drainage tile below. It is frequently advised that you additionally install a window well cover for windows you do not actively open or use as a way to bring natural light into your home. The basement window is enclosed by a steel well that is fastened to your foundation.