basement waterproofing outside Archives

November 7, 2017November 8, 2017 by Ron Lee

Basement Wall Membrane – An Important Aspect of Exterior Waterproofing

If you have researched exterior basement waterproofing, you may have learned that a basement wall membrane is an integral part of a typical exterior system. Depending on the specific water problem and where the water is coming from, exterior basement waterproofing may be the best bet to solve your water intrusion problem. All basements eventually need to have the exterior basement waterproofing re done. The original seal will break down allowing dampness to wick into the foundation and eventually lead to water seepage problems through the basement walls. If this is the case, a basement wall membrane can be utilized as part of the waterproofing system. Lets talk about what a basement wall membrane is exactly, what it does, and why it is beneficial for exterior waterproofing.

What is a Basement Wall Membrane?

It is a waterproof barrier that is applied to the outside of the basement wall below grade. The membrane serves the important purpose of blocking water from the foundation wall and preventing any kind of water or moisture intrusion. At Pioneer, we use DELTA-MS. The following information regarding DELTA-MS can be found on the manufacturer’s website:

The vacuum-formed dimpled pattern creates an air gap between the membrane and the foundation for an absolutely dry foundation. By keeping water away from the foundation wall, DELTA®-MS is able to keep basements permanently dry and protected. Unlike sprays, which crack when concrete walls crack, it bridges cracks so no water intrusions can occur.

Made from three layers there is a 60% recycled layer sandwiched between two 40% virgin layers. The co-extrusion process and offset dimples of DELTA®-MS create higher compressive strength and impact resistance than other dimpled membranes ensuring its performance and protection lasts. The non biodegradable membrane is superior compared to other membranes typically made from 100% recycled materials and sprays that will break down in the soil.

Benefits of Basement Wall Membrane in an Exterior Waterproofing System

Installing a membrane over top the waterproof coating (which is either sprayed, brushed or rolled onto the foundation first) protects your foundation from moisture and from the backfill process.
Unlike coatings which can biodegrade, corrode or peel with time, the DELTA-MS basement membrane is permanent and has no reactions to moisture.

How is it Installed?

We follow several basic steps:

Excavate around the outside of the foundation
Clean walls and repair any cracks.
Apply a sealant coating.
Hang dimpled membrane.
Install footer drains then cover with gravel.
Backfill to the top with fresh soil.

You can learn more details about the entire process of installing an exterior basement waterproofing system by clicking here. The following video shows the process of the membrane application.

At Pioneer, we understand each important step that goes into a waterproofing system. We want to do everything we can to make sure our customers understand the entire process. We do not cut corners or use inferior products. Quality products and detailed workmanship make all the difference in the world and it is our focus to always fulfill these goals. If you would like to learn more, please feel free to explore the rest of our website or contact us for more information.

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Be sure to include an exterior waterproof basement wall membrane in your project!

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.

January 15, 2015January 15, 2015 by Ron Lee

Basement waterproofing inside or outside

If you are wondering whether you should do your basement waterproofing inside or outside there are many things to consider. I often visit homes where people have occasional leaks in their basement only under very heavy or unusual weather. These people tell me it can take a very long time before the water starts to seep into the basement and then after the weather passes it can continue to leak in for a while longer. Then I talk to people who within a few minutes of almost any rain or snow melt they see water coming into their basement.

These two scenarios typically depict two different types of problems and can be one way to know if you should lean towards inside or outside waterproofing. There are two types of water that can enter your basement; surface water from rain and snow melts, and ground water that builds up underneath.

If you have a surface water problem you will see wet basement walls that start around grade or the dirt level outside of your home. If you have a negative slope towards your home from a driveway, patio, sidewalk or even sunken soil, that rain and snow will naturally run towards the home and can wear down the original seal to your basement walls causing dampness and cracks. It may be that you have taken care of all of these problems but still have chronic wet basement walls with paint peeling, mold and musty smell etc… This means the seal to the foundation outside is not working any longer and that water is getting into your walls. In this case waterproofing your basement from the outside will stop the water from getting to your foundation and will preserve it from further damage. It is possible to install an interior system and give you a dry space, but the condition is not stopped.

Exterior basement waterproofing membrane

If you are experiencing the other scenario where the water comes in only along the floor at the base of the wall after prolonged weather, and your walls are mostly if not all dry, you are experiencing ground water build up under your foundation that has no where else to go but through the seams where the basement floor meets the walls. In this case an interior basement waterproofing system will catch the water before it builds up and drain it away from your home, often this system is called a hydrostatic relief system because it eliminates the pressure that pushes the water in through those wall floor seams. Waterproofing the outside in this case will not get the water that is building up under your floor and you would still have seepage under those heavy conditions.

Interior basement waterproofing / ground water relief

Many times we see homes that in the best case scenario we are waterproofing inside and outside to some degree / combination to best solve the causes and problems that are present for the best possible results.

Contact us today for a free no gimmicks / no sales pressure consultation and determine if you should do your basement waterproofing inside or outside

Pioneer has been serving North East Ohio since 1979 with Perfect, Award Winning Customer Service!

We Proudly Offer Basement Waterproofing and Foundation Repair in the following areas of Northeast Ohio:

Akron and all Summit County Ohio including:

Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, Hudson, Barberton, Norton, Green, Springfield, Tallmadge, Mogadore, Richfield, Peninsula, Fairlawn, Bath, Copley, Coventry, Silver Lake, Sagamore Hills, Boston Heights, Macedonia.

Canton and all Stark County Ohio including:

Uniontown, Alliance, Jackson Township, North Canton, Canal Fulton, Massillon, Hartville, Waynesburg, Sugar Creek, Louisville, Minerva, E. Sparta, Brewster

Medina and all Medina County Ohio including:

Brunswick, Hinckley, Brecksville, Granger, Sharon, Wadsworth, Westfield, Litchfield, Guilford, Lafayette

Kent and all Portage County Ohio including:

Ravenna, Brimfield, Suffield, Randolph, Rootstown, Streetsboro, Atwater, Deerfield, Aurora, Freedom, Hiram, Edinburg, Palmyra, Shalersville

Wooster & all Wayne County Ohio including:

Wooster, Doylestown, West Salem, Canaan, Marshallville, Orrville, Dalton, Sugar Creek, Lebanon, Shreeve, Maysville, Congress, Creston, Sterling, Rittman, Smithville, Fredericksburg, Apple Creek, Kidron

All Carroll County

Carrollton, Malvern, Delroy, Sherrodsville

All Tuscarawas County

New Philadelphia, Dover, Uhrichsville, Dennison, Newcomerstown, Bolivar, Zoar

All Geauga County

Aurora and surrounding areas

All Cuyahoga County

Brecksville, Independence, Solon, Broadview Heights, Brookpark, North Royalton, Strongsville, Middleburg Heights, Olmsted Falls, North Olmsted, Parma, Parma Heights, Seven Hills, Valley View, Chagrin Falls, Moreland Hills, Oakwood, Walton Hills and more

All Lake , Lorain , Mahoning, Columbiana County

Lisbon, Salem, Leetonia, East Liverpool, Columbiana, E. Palestine, North Georgetown, Hanoverton, Middleton, New Waterford and surrounding areas

Call today to get an expert consultation on whether you should consider basement waterproofing inside or outside

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