April 22, 2020February 1, 2021 by Ron Lee

Basement leaks where the wall meets the floor

If your basement leaks where the wall meets the floor you could have a few issues.

Roof water is the number one enemy of your basement. Check your gutters and downspout to be sure they are working properly. If water is cascading off of your gutters near your foundation it can overwhelm your basement drainage system.

Many people try adding dirt to the side of the foundation to stop basement leaks where the wall meets the floor. Often times that does not stop the leak. Fixing the dirt along your foundation may help surface water issues or damp wall issues. If your foundation walls are dry but you are leaking onto the floor the grade outside is not likely the issue.

Seepage at the base of the walls and or through floor cracks…

Ground water can enter your basement through the seam where the walls meet the floor and up through cracks or weak points in the floor. These are signs the original foundation drainage has failed and or there is water building up under the floor.

A buildup of water around your foundation due to failing drainage causes water pressure commonly referred to as hydrostatic pressure. This pressure is what pushes the water through the weakest points which is usually the seam where the wall meets the floor.

Failing foundation drainage occurs when the original drains collapse or fill with soil and or roots. Foundation drains can also clog around the outside so that no water can enter the pipe. Improperly or inefficiently installed foundation drainage can also cause water to build up and create pressure resulting in basement leaks where the wall meet the floor.

How to stop leak at wall and floor seam

There are two ways to dry up your basement. Either way it involves installing new foundation drainage. The new drains are either installed outside or inside. Interior basement waterproofing systems are installed under the basement floor to relieve “hydrostatic pressure”. This is water pressure in the ground that builds up around your foundation when water has no where to go. Many homeowners have mixed feelings on whether waterproofing a basement from the inside actually fixes the problem. After all, water comes from outside, right? True, but it is not always possible to fix basement water seepage from the outside. If your basement has water under the floor, interior basement waterproofing may be the only fix. Without interior drains, water gets trapped under the floor. This is because your foundation separates the inside from the outside.

Exterior basement waterproofing may be overkill for some basement leaks. If you have wet basement walls up high or at ground level, and/or signs of water running down basement walls, exterior basement waterproofing may be the best solution. The original seal on the exterior of your foundation deteriorates over time resulting in chronic paint bubbling, wet basement walls or chronically damp basement walls. If you see these symptoms you should consider exterior basement waterproofing.

Get a few professional evaluations

Getting estimates for basement waterproofing can be frustrating. Many customers tell us they have three estimates and three different solutions. The issue is most basement waterproofing contractors only offer one method. Naturally the one size fits all contractors will be certain their option is best for your basement. Never the less it is valuable to be educated and explore your options if your basement leaks where the wall meets the floor.

Pioneer offers all solutions. We start with identifying the cause of your problem. We will then review the solutions and the costs.

check out or review on these sites:

BBB Accredited Business with an A+ rating and ZERO complaints

Twelve Time "Super Service Award" Winners from Angie's List

Home Advisor Screened and Approved

Call today at 330-454-8066 and your basement leaks where the wall meets the floor will be a thing of the past

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July 11, 2017 by Ron Lee

Flooded Basement? What Steps Should You Take Next?

Flooded Basement?

A flooded basement can be overwhelmingly stressful and downright devastating. If your basement is finished, thousands of dollars in building materials can be lost. Irreplaceable photographs or priceless family heirlooms may be affected. Once you get through the mess of cleaning everything up, no doubt you will want to take the necessary steps to not only figure out what caused the flooding, but also to prevent it from happening again.

Possible Causes

Ground Water – Hydrostatic pressure can push water in through cracks in the basement floor.

Surface Water – Sources of surface water, such as gutters or improper grading, can lead to excess water around the perimeter of the home.

Storm Water Backup – Water from municipal storm sewers can back up into the basement.

Sanitary Sewer – Sanitary Sewer water can back up due to a clog in your home’s sewer lines.

Steps to Take

Check gutters for proper drainage. If gutters are clogged and overflowing, this can lead to significant water intrusion during a very heavy rainfall. Also, make sure that your downspout is draining far enough away from the foundation.
Check the slope or grade of the areas around your home. Make sure the ground or a concrete pad is not sloped toward your home. This is an open invitation for water to enter.
What if your flooded basement is due to storm water or sewer water? A licensed plumber can determine what is the best course of action. They may suggest installing a backflow preventer or recommend snaking your drains.

When the Problem is Ground Water or Surface Water…

If the flooding is due to ground water or surface water that cannot be controlled, a basement waterproofing system is probably the best option. An exterior basement waterproofing system will redirect water away from your foundation and prevent it from entering through the basement walls and into the home. An interior basement waterproofing system can help to keep ground water under control by draining it to a sump pump. We offer both interior and exterior basement waterproofing as well as a combination of the two. We can determine where the water is coming from and recommend which type of system will work best for your home. You can learn more about basement waterproofing by clicking here.

Our service area includes the following areas of Northeast Ohio:

Stark County, including Canton, Massillon, and Alliance.
Summit County, including Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, and Stow.
Wayne County, including Wooster and Orrville.
Medina County, including Medina, Brunswick, and Wadsworth.

Contact Pioneer for a basement evaluation (free for homeowners). We can come up with a solution to relieve your basement problems permanently so that you never have to deal with a flooded basement again! Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on our latest blogs.

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May 23, 2017December 1, 2022 by Ron Lee

Basement Moisture – How to Keep it to a Minimum

Keeping basement moisture under control is important for several reasons. First of all, too much moisture over an extended period of time can lead to structural issues. Secondly, moisture can cause mold growth, musty smells, and other problems. Basements naturally have a higher humidity level than the rest of the house. Concrete is porous and will not prevent outside moisture from seeping through. Additionally, normal everyday activities, such as cooking, showering, etc. can cause an increase in moisture as well. While some moisture is natural, it is good to examine your house from time to time for preventable sources of excess moisture.

Possible Causes of Moisture

Plumbing Leaks:

It is easy for small plumbing leaks to go unnoticed for long periods of time. This is especially true since pipes are usually hidden in walls, under vanities, or behind appliances. If you notice one particular area of the basement that is always damp, check the plumbing around that area. It could be that there is a slow leak in one of the pipes.

Dryer Vent:

When a dryer vent is functioning properly, it should discharge the moist air from the dryer to the outside of the home. If a dryer vent comes loose or unattached, there is no way for that damp air to escape. Check to make sure that your vent is securely attached and functioning properly.

Leaking Gutters:

A leaky gutter can cause water to settle around the foundation which will seep in and cause excess moisture or dampness. Make sure that gutters are not clogged and are directing water away from the home.

Improper Grading Around Foundation:

If the ground around your foundation is sloped toward the house, rainwater cannot drain to the proper location and may contribute to basement moisture and dampness. Even if the pitch is just slightly off, it can cause excessive dampness in the basement.

HVAC System:

Have a heating and cooling contractor check your system to make sure that it is ventilating properly and that the unit is the correct size for your home.

In addition to making sure that all of the above issues are in order, you can use a dehumidifier to keep moisture in check. You may also want to consider a Humidex system, which you can learn more about by clicking here.

Persistent Dampness

What if you have examined all of the above possibilities and still have dampness? If you are experiencing persistent dampness that is not reduced by following the above steps, you may need to have your basement evaluated by a basement waterproofing contractor. Pioneer Basement Solutions has been in business since 1979. We are locally owned and operated, licensed, bonded, and insured. We can perform a free* inspection of your basement to determine what the cause is of any basement moisture or dampness. Click here to contact us!

*Free inspection for homeowners

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April 21, 2017February 1, 2021 by Ron Lee

Things to Consider with a Basement Waterproofing Warranty

Before hiring a contractor, an important factor to consider is the basement waterproofing warranty that you will receive when the work is completed. No doubt, waterproofing is an investment. You want to make sure that your basement waterproofing system continues to work for years to come. Most companies do offer some type of a warranty. Of course though, not all warranties are created equally. So what should you consider before making a decision?

Questions to Ask

How long has the company been in business? If a company offers a lifetime warranty, but has only been in business for five years, are they really going to be able to honor that warranty down the road if a problem arises? Many contractors come and go over the years. A warranty is only as good as the company that offers it. It is best to choose a company with a good reputation and many years in business.

Is there an annual fee? Some companies require a yearly inspection of the system in order to maintain the validity of a warranty. This inspection usually also comes with an annual fee. If the fee is not paid and the inspection is not performed, this may void the warranty.

Is the warranty transferable? Even if you aren’t planning to sell your home right now, you may decide to in the future. Make sure you find out whether or not the warranty is transferable to a new owner. This may be an appealing selling point to potential buyers and add value to your home.

What does the fine print say? A basement waterproofing warranty agreement should be clear and comprehensive and the terms should be relatively easy to understand. If the agreement is overly vague, this gives the contractor wiggle room to refuse services at a later date.

How to Choose Wisely

Along with asking the above questions, research the contractor through various resources such as the Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List, and Home Advisor. Also explore social media outlets as well as customer reviews. Don’t be fooled by companies that pressure you into a sale, claiming to have the “best” warranty in the industry. A company’s reputation often speaks for itself. Making grand claims and using high pressure to obtain sales are tactics that are not needed by an honest company.

BBB Accredited Business with an A+ rating and ZERO complaints

Twelve Time "Super Service Award" Winners from Angie's List

Home Advisor Screened and Approved

At Pioneer Basement Solutions, we are happy to answer any questions that you may have about our basement waterproofing warranty. We want our customers to clearly understand what they are getting into when they enter into a contract with us. Pioneer has been in business since 1979 and we plan to be here for many years to come. Learn more about us on our About page or click here to contact us.

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exterior basement waterproofing or interior basement waterproofing?

March 21, 2017March 24, 2017 by Ron Lee

Wet Basement? What is the Cause and Best Solution?

Ever wonder what causes a wet basement or what the best solution is? Having a wet basement and trying to figure out the best solution can be quite stressful to a homeowner. First of all, lets discuss what causes a wet basement. To put it simply, there are two sources of basement seepage; ground water and surface water. How can you tell the difference between the two?

Some basements may have wet walls, which includes moisture on more than just the bottom row of block. This is an indication of water getting into the foundation from surface water activity. The best way to dry out the basement in this case is to restore the waterproofing seal on the outside of the basement walls by installing an exterior basement waterproofing system.

Exterior Basement Waterproofing

On the other hand, if your basement walls are dry but there is seepage where the floor and wall meet, it is most likely a ground water problem under the foundation. You may notice heaved floor cracks or discoloration in the cement. When ground water builds up under a basement floor, the best way to fix a wet basement in this case is with interior sub floor footer drains. This allows diversion of the water before it builds up to floor level.

Interior Basement Waterproofing

How Can You Find the Right Contractor?

Look for a basement waterproofing contractor that offers all methods of basement waterproofing. Beware of companies that tell you that there is only one way to fix a wet basement. They may claim to be a full service waterproofing company, yet they only offer their “patented system” and tell you that this is the best and only option. Many of these companies claim to be full service. They train their sales force to review the options they don’t actually install in a way that would cause you to say you do not want them, such as exaggerating the cost or minimizing the benefits.

There is no “one size fits all” solution that works for everyone. Each type of basement waterproofing system works differently so it is important to know what the cause of your issue is.

Call Pioneer Basement Solutions for a zero-obligation quote and basement evaluation. We can offer a no-nonsense solution to fix your wet basement. We do not use pushy sales techniques nor try to use scare tactics in order to intimidate homeowners. Contact us today and learn more about fixing your wet basement permanently and correctly!

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April 11, 2016April 11, 2016 by Ron Lee

Exterior basement waterproofing or interior basement waterproofing?

So many people want to know if they should choose exterior basement waterproofing or interior basement waterproofing to stop their basement water seepage. Some people want to know what solution will truly fix their problem where others just want the cheapest solution that will give them dry space. And of course there are those who fall anywhere in between. Let’s review the differences and what each solution accomplishes to help answer the question: Exterior basement waterproofing or interior basement waterproofing?

water entering basement walls through the soil=seal failure

If you have wet basement walls, or just damp basement walls that you have to scrape and paint more often than every five years to keep it looking decent then obviously water is getting into your basement foundation walls. The best “fix” to solve the problem is to stop the water from getting into the foundation walls with exterior basement waterproofing.

The process of exterior basement waterproofing involves excavating down to the bottom of the foundation. Then the walls are cleaned of debris etc… to prepare for application of a waterproof coating. All cracks and gaps are filled in and a waterproof coating is brushed, rolled or sprayed on to the foundation sealing up the porous surface. Then a waterproof membrane is applied to completely waterproof the foundation. At Pioneer we apply a dimpled membrane which gives added benefits of air gap technology and a bit of cushion against the soil pressure.

New foundation drainage is installed. This step is as critical as the sealing of the foundation. The new foundation drainage should be 4″ PVC perforated pipe and it should have a pitch, or downhill slope, towards the evacuation point. The evacuation point is either a sump pump system or a gravity drain that either exits the surface somewhere away from the foundation, or ties to a city drainage system. Many contractors do not ensure proper flow of the drains away from the foundation because most municipalities do not require it. I know that sounds crazy and it is. This problem of drains not flowing properly is very prevalent in new construction.

After drainage is installed properly a back fill of gravel is installed over the foundation drains. Top soil is then installed over the gravel with a positive slope away from the foundation.

If your basement walls are in good shape other than the bottom and you are getting seepage coming from the wall floor seam under heavy rain events an interior basement waterproofing system will give you a dry basement. But the question is what will actually fix the problem, exterior basement waterproofing or interior basement waterproofing? If the seepage is due to your exterior foundation drains failing, then replacing them on the outside will put you back to like new. However, if you see signs of water under your basement floor, like floor cracks that are discolored or white powder on the floor in areas…or even actual water seepage from weak points in the floor itself, an interior basement waterproofing system is the only way to truly fix your problem. We see people who have this problem and have hired other contractors to excavate their basement and waterproof from the outside only to continue leaking. The reason is ground water build up under a foundation will get trapped under your floor and not make it to the outside drainage.

white powder build up around floor cracks = water under the floor

Ground water problems usually show only after sustained periods of rain or fast heavy downpours. The leaking appears at the wall – floor seams after these sustained conditions occur and may even continue to seep even after the rains stop. This is because the ground water is building up around your foundation from below and has nowhere to go other than in to your basement until the water subsides to below your floor level. In this scenario an interior basement waterproofing system will catch the water from below the floor level and prevent the buildup, relieving the hydrostatic pressure that pushes the water in. Ok, so to call it “waterproofing” is not the best definition since it is actually a ground water control system also called a hydrostatic pressure relief system. The term interior basement waterproofing has become the generic label for these systems although technically it does not consist of a waterproof membrane. Nonetheless, you will have a guaranteed dry basement with an interior drainage system if you have a ground water problem.

Beware that not all interior basement waterproofing systems are equal. Some systems are channels that are installed level under the floor or on top of the footer. Level is the operative word here, level means water lays in there and creepy bugs love water. Look for systems that consist of a true footer drain installed below the floor and is pitched to run downhill to the evacuation point. Furthermore, any water that is building up under the floor has to push up into the drain on top of the footer to get to the drain maintaining the water level at a very high point.

So do you think you are figuring out whether you need exterior basement waterproofing or interior basement waterproofing? Give Pioneer a call for a free no obligation inspection and estimate. All options are reviewed with pros and cons for your specific foundation. No sales games, no pressure, just straightforward conversation.

Exterior basement waterproofing or interior basement waterproofing?

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January 26, 2016February 15, 2018 by Ron Lee

Exterior Basement Waterproofing

Exterior Basement Waterproofing Membrane

An exterior basement waterproofing membrane or an interior basement waterproofing system? That is the question! Many people I visit tell me in so many words, “I want to know what will fix my problem”. I hear from potential customers they have had a couple basement waterproofing contractors in to look at their basement and they get different opinions from each one. That is very frustrating to the consumer and to me quite frankly. Almost all basement waterproofing companies have a “system” they prefer and they sell it to everyone they meet. There is no one solution that solves all basement water seepage problems. Let’s take a look at what type of problem exterior basement waterproofing solves.

Wet basement walls are a result of failed seal on exterior of foundation

If you have wet basement walls, wet higher that the bottom row or two of block, this means water is seeping into your foundation at ground level or at some point mid way. How water seeps into the foundation is through cracks and through failed foundation sealing. What causes this can be a variety of issues such as gutter and downspout issues, bad grading, sloping patios etc… However, fixing the cause usually doesn’t dry up the basement wall because the damage is done.

There are two ways to achieve a dry basement, with an interior solution or with an exterior solution. But for those who want actually fix the problem of water seeping into the foundation wall, you have to stop the water from getting into the wall in the first place with exterior basement waterproofing.

The process of exterior basement waterproofing involves excavating down to the bottom of the foundation. Then the walls are cleaned of debris etc… to prepare for application of a waterproof coating. All cracks and gaps are filled in and a waterproof coating is brushed, rolled or sprayed on to the foundation sealing up the porous surface. Then a waterproof membrane is applied to completely waterproof the foundation. At Pioneer we apply a dimpled membrane which gives added benefits of air gap technology and a bit of cushion against the soil pressure.

exterior basement waterproofing membrane

Exterior basement waterproofing with dimpled membrane

New foundation drainage is installed. This step is as critical as the sealing of the foundation. The new foundation drainage should be 4″ PVC perforated pipe and it should have a pitch, or downhill slope, towards the evacuation point. The evacuation point is either a sump pump system or a gravity drain that either exits the surface somewhere away from the foundation, or ties to a city drainage system. Many contractors do not ensure proper flow of the drains away from the foundation because most municipalities do not require it. I know that sounds crazy and it is. This problem of drains not flowing properly is very prevalent in new construction.

After drainage is installed properly a back fill of gravel is installed over the foundation drains. Top soil is then installed over the gravel with a positive slope away from the foundation.

Interior Full Wall Basement Waterproofing System

So how do you achieve a dry basement on the interior? Interior drainage can be installed below the floor along the footer to collect and direct ground water away from foundation. Interior waterproof panels can be applied to the basement walls giving you a waterproof, dry and maintenance free basement wall surface. This is a good solution for some people who may not want to dig up the exterior for what ever reason, or they simply do not want to invest in the exterior method. Weep holes are installed in the foundation to drain water that may get into it allowing the wall to drain, dry up as well as breathe. There may still be dampness in the foundation with this method like using waterproofing paint, but it is sealed off from the basement giving the homeowner a dry basement space and the foundation can drain and dry through the weep holes. Using waterproofing paint can dam up water inside the foundation. Water laying in the foundation will lead to paint failure and can also lead to decay.

If your basement walls are mostly dry but have a few areas of dampness, a combination of interior basement waterproofing and an exterior basement waterproofing membrane can be installed to give you a dry and healthy basement.

Call Pioneer Basement Solutions today for a free, no obligation review of your foundation. We will evaluate the overall condition structurally and review the condition of the foundation waterproofing and drainage system. Once issues are identified we will review causes and all potential solutions. We take the approach of educating and advising our potential customers so they can make the best possible decision about their basement concerns. No sales games, no sales pressure. Straightforward answers and straightforward pricing.

Get in touch today to explore an exterior basement waterproofing membrane and other options for your home.

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December 18, 2015January 15, 2016 by Ron Lee

Waterproofing a basement

When looking at options for waterproofing a basement there are only three. You can waterproof your basement from the outside, from the inside or a combination of both to some degree.

You should start by identifying what type of problem you have. Most basements have either a problem with surface water getting to the walls or ground water building up from below. The symptoms of each are quite different. For the most part surface water problems will lead to wet basement walls and ground water problems lead to wet basement floors.

If you have wet basement walls that are wet more than just at the bottom row or two you likely have a surface water intrusion into the basement wall from the outside. This causes bubbling paint, white powder on the walls, mortar rot and can lead to weakness and cracking of the foundation. Waterproofing a basement from the outside will restore the exterior seal of the basement / foundation wall preventing water and dampness from getting to it. Our multi step process starts with excavation of the basement walls to the bottom of the footer exposing the entire foundation. Next we clean the surfaces for a thorough inspection looking for weak points and cracks. We them repair the basement foundation cracks and weak points before applying a full seal coating to your basement walls. The “icing on the cake” is the unique dimpled air gap basement waterproofing membrane that is bonded to your foundation walls resulting in a guaranteed dry foundation wall. New PVC footer drains are installed with gravel and the soil is put back with a nice positive grade away from the foundation walls.

Waterproofing a basement from the outside

Exterior basement waterproofing membrane for permanently dry foundation

Note: It is very important that your roof water is directed away from the foundation. Overflowing gutters and improperly draining downspouts are major contributors to wet basements and wet basement walls.

You may not need exterior basement waterproofing if you have paint on your basement walls that is more than a year old and it still looks like it did when you painted it. Basements that leak water on to the floor through the seam where the wall meets the floor typically are a result of ground water build up. These issues may result in wet basement walls at the bottom row or two but the remainder of the wall is all or mostly dry. Waterproofing a basement from the inside may be a great option if this is your basement. In fact, if you have water under the basement floor the only way to dry that up is from the inside. Exterior drains will not get water under the floor since the foundation separates the two areas.

Level water trough installed on top of footer has no slope to drainage point and holds water

Waterproofing a basement from the inside, commonly called interior basement systems, involve drainage installed under the basement floor relieve the “hydro-static pressure” or water pressure in the ground that builds up around your foundation. There are many companies that offer this type of solution for wet basements but they can vary greatly in design and performance. Look out for systems that are level. Level water trough systems that are installed on top of the footer or next to the footer hold water. Only when water fills the trough can it build up movement as it seeks a level and make its way to the drain point.

Look for a system that is a true interior footer drain. A true interior footer drain is installed in a trench down next to the footer and it slopes down hill towards the drainage point, usually a sump pump system. There should be about 1/2″ fall for every 10 feet of drain pipe to promote a good flowing drain and many municipalities actually require this method.

If your basement has mostly ground water issue and some areas of the basement walls are wet, a combination of interior and exterior basement waterproofing may be a good solution. In some cases there is a wet spot on a basement wall that is not reasonably accessible from the outside. An interior waterproofing system for the wall may be a good alternative in this case. Interior basement waterproofing panels are non permeable, meaning non porous. So they will not grow mold or mildew in them and they are a vapor barrier as well. This stops any wicking or transmission of exterior dampness into your basement space and it is a permanent, maintenance free solution.

Interior Full Wall Basement Waterproofing System brightens up your space and is maintenance free!

No two basements are identical and there is no one size fits all solutions for wet basements. Be on the look out for basement waterproofing companies that have a “system” that they are promoting. Typically they are patented or the sales person says they are the only ones who install a particular product or technique. This is a marketing ploy to attempt to stand out in the crowd. The best companies will have capability to customize any solution to fit your needs and solve your wet basement problems whether waterproofing a basement from the inside or the outside.

Call Pioneer today for a free consultation with no sales pressure and no gimmicks.

Award winning service since 1979. No other basement waterproofing company has a better reputation than Pioneer when it comes to waterproofing a basement

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August 5, 2015 by Ron Lee

How to make a basement waterproof

We just came out of what seemed like a never ending rainy season that kicked off after a never ending winter, which led to a lot of leaky basements and homeowners asking how to make a basement waterproof. Firstly any basement waterproofing contractor promising to make your basement completely waterproof should be questioned and some homework should be done to investigate any BBB complaints. Bottom line is that your basement is in a hole in the ground and no one can control mother nature completely. However; short of natural floods that push water into basements through windows etc… you can actually waterproof your basement and stay dry when your neighbors are getting out the shop vacs.

So we should define what waterproof means as it relates to your basement. Waterproofing stops water from getting into your foundation. Your foundation four the sake of this conversation is the basement walls. So to truly have a waterproof basement you would need to apply a waterproof membrane to the exterior of your basement walls to stop water from getting into your foundation. If you have wet basement walls higher than the bottom row or two of block then that means water is entering your foundation above the floor level and the original waterproofing seal is compromised. In this case you have a surface water issue and exterior basement waterproofing will actually waterproof basement walls and dry up your basement.

Wet basement wall / water entering high in foundation

Exterior basement waterproofing membrane

Dry foundation walls but leaking through wall floor seams are fixed with interior footer drainage systems.

Now I may confuse the matter a little. If your foundation is dry, that is if your basement walls are dry, but you have water that leaks through the edges of the floor at the wall – floor seam or up through cracks / weak points of the floor… then exterior basement waterproofing may not solve your problem. You may have a ground water problem in this case which may require a different approach to dry up your basement. Ground water problems usually show only after sustained periods of rain or fast heavy downpours. The leaking appears at the wall – floor seams after these sustained conditions occur and may even continue to seep even after the rains stop. This is because the ground water is building up around your foundation from below and has nowhere to go other than in to your basement until the water subsides to below your floor level. In this scenario an interior basement waterproofing system will catch the water from below the floor level and prevent the build up, relieving the hydrostatic pressure that pushes the water in. Ok, so to call it “waterproofing” is not the best definition since it is actually a ground water control system also called a hydrostatic pressure relief system. The term interior basement waterproofing has become the generic label for these systems although technically it does not consist of a waterproof membrane. Nonetheless, you will have a guaranteed dry basement with an interior drainage system if you have a ground water problem.

This type of system is installed level and is not sloped to drain

Not all interior basement waterproofing systems are equal. Some systems are simply an evolution of the old baseboard gutter that the DIYers would glue to the floor to keep water from running through the basement. these systems are channels that are installed level under the floor on top of the footer. Level is the operative word here, level means water lays in there and creepy bugs love water. Look for systems that consist of a true footer drain installed below the floor and is pitched to run downhill to the evacuation point. Furthermore any water that is building up under the floor has to push up into the drain on top of the footer to get to the drain maintaining the water level at a very high point.

There are always exceptions, meaning some basements need a little bit of a combination of methods to solve the problems and ensure a dry solid foundation. Look for basement waterproofing contractors who do not sell a patented system. These businesses train sales people to sell their unique system to everyone they visit which is the one size fits all mentality. It is the only thing they can sell so they are very good at convincing unwitting homeowners that theirs is the latest and best solution. They will even go so far as to say the are full service and can sell you any solution. They will review different methods and point out why it won’t work narrowing you down to the one they sell…it’s like the old slight of hand card trick. Look for contractors who are truly custom and demonstrate problem solving skills that lead to a solution or combination of solutions that fix your unique basement water leaking problems.

If you would like to learn more about how to make a basement waterproof contact us today for a no pressure inspection from our solutions estimator today

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February 23, 2015February 1, 2021 by Ron Lee

Compare basement waterproofing solutions

Compare Basement Waterproofing Solutions

Many people get confused when trying to compare basement waterproofing solutions. Knowing how best to fix your wet basement can be tough if you do not do your homework before sitting down with basement waterproofing contractors. There are different ways to fix wet basements and some are better than others depending on the cause of your basement leaks.

water seepage through bottom of basement walls

Achieving a dry basement may not actually solve your foundation leaks even though you do not see water in your basement any more. First determine what type of problem you have by identifying if the water seepage is caused by surface water such as rain or snow melting and getting into your foundation / basement walls… or if you have a ground water problem which is caused by inadequate foundation drainage resulting in water build up below. When comparing basement waterproofing solutions you will learn some methods will give you a dry basement but not actually fix the problem.

If you have wet basement walls, or basement wall cracks that leak very soon after a rain event that is an indication that surface water is entering your foundation from top to bottom. Many people first try to build up the soil around the home to slope the water away which may or may not be good to do. NOTE: For the most part, if the soil around your home is flat or has any grade / slope away at all you are likely ok there. Do not add soil unless you raise the level of the foundation coating / exterior basement waterproofing to the desired dirt level otherwise you can be making your problem worse. Most likely wet walls means the original foundation seal is damaged or gone allowing dampness or water to soak into the foundation. This causes the peeling and bubbling paint / discoloration etc… You can achieve a dry basement by installing an interior basement waterproofing system;HOWEVER, to fix the cause of the problem in this case the best solution is to stop the water from the outside by installing a new exterior basement waterproofing system.

compare basement waterproofing solutions

Exterior basement waterproofing membrane

If you have water that only comes in under heavy conditions, it doesn’t come in until after the conditions have persisted awhile, walls are mostly all dry especially up high and the seepage happens at the wall floor seam…then you likely have a ground water problem. Under this scenario ground water rises after a heavy precipitation event / heavy snow melt event to the point that it builds up around the base of your foundation. Many homes either do not have drains under the basement floor to carry this water away or the drains that were installed by the builder were not properly designed to flow away. Some drains used from the 70’s through early 2000’s were the black corrugated pipe that has very small slots in them for the water to enter and these can easily get covered by a minimal amount of silt slowing the drainage down to the point of being ineffective. This type of drainage is no longer acceptable for basement waterproofing of new homes under current building codes for this reason and others.

An interior basement waterproofing system will catch ground water as it builds and prevent it from ever reaching the floor level. A true system will be called a footer drain and will be installed well below the floor next to the footer. The footer is a solid concrete “sidewalk” that is typically 18″ or more wide and at least 8″ thick top to bottom. This is the base the block walls are build on in most homes since the early 1900’s. Older homes will still benefit from this solution since there definitely was no drain designed into the original construction and the drains would be install at the base of the foundation.

This type of system is installed level and is not sloped to drain

The key to an effective interior basement waterproofing system is that the footer drains are installed with a down hill pitch or slope so that they will drain efficiently. When you compare basement waterproofing solutions installed from the inside, beware of basement systems that are installed on top of the footer. These are level gutters that collect water at the floor level. Water will lay in these gutters until it builds up enough of a level to push its way around to a draining point. laying water means mold, mildew, bugs, odors etc… This is simply an upgrade from the old plastic baseboards you can by and glue to the floor to collect water and keep it off of the floor.

There are several other things to consider and no two basements are identical. We do not believe in a one size fits all solution and we thoroughly review each basement before making recommendations. Pioneer Basement Solutions has a perfect customer service record with no complaints ever in the history of our company established in 1979!

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