Basement Waterproofing - Vulcan Basement Waterproofing

"The Vulcan crew was punctual, courteous and respectful. They worked with great diligence and left the premises very clean. The foreman kept me informed in every step of the work. I would recommend Vulcan to anyone."
- Paul, New York

"Your men did an excellent job. They went above and beyond the call of duty. The clean-up was great. Overall I am very pleased with the work of your crew."
- Leslie, New Jersey

"A wet leaky basement had been an issue for us for many years... Since the basement waterproofing by Vulcan was done, not one drop of water has been found in the basement!"
- S. Langford, Long Island, New York

Basement Waterproofing

Waterproofing Your Basement

Like it or not, sooner or later the majority of homeowners will have to partake in some form of waterproofing if they have any sub-soil area in their home. Basement moisture is a fact of life for the homeowner. And it’s a serious problem. At the very least, moisture can cause mold and mildew problems which can result in illness to your family. In the worst-case scenario, actual flooding can cause a huge financial burden due to structural damage as well as repairs and replacement costs for your furnace, water heater, washer & dryer or anything else stored in the basement and it’s even worse if you have a finished basement. Regardless of what you use your basement for, it’s a good idea to take proper precautions before you have a major problem. Waterproofing benefits include:

• Increased property values because a potential problem has been averted
• Structurally sound foundation
• A healthier home environment for your family
• A warmer basement during the cold winter months
• A drier basement during the humid summer months
• Enjoyment of increased living space without fear of potential water damage

First Steps in Waterproofing Your Basement

The first step in trying to remedy the problem is to figure out what type of problem you are dealing with and where water, if any, is coming from. Check for pools of water on the floor or damp spots on the wall. Check the condition of the concrete and look for condensation on water pipes. Insulate water pipes. Get a good ventilation system and a dehumidifier and keep the windows in the basement closed on days when the relative humidity is higher than 40-45% outside. Seal any cracks or crevices and use a sealer on the walls and floor to help reduce the effects of moisture entering from the porous masonry. Make sure exterior downspouts are redirecting water at least 10 feet away from the foundation of the house. All of these steps will help alleviate minor water problems. If, however, the problem is more severe, you will need to contact a waterproofing professional for more involved solutions.

Basement Waterproofing Systems:

Excavation and Coating Methods

Outside excavation and coating methods of waterproofing can be effective, but can also be costly. Exterior excavation is commonly done when there is water penetration through the walls, in order to expose the exterior wall surface and apply a waterproofing coating or membrane. This method is usually effective, if done correctly, to stop water penetration through the walls. The major drawback to excavation is the additional expenses incurred in removal and replacement of any sidewalk and/or driveway, deck, plantings and anything else that may be close to the wall you are planning to excavate around. Make sure this is all discussed, planned and budgeted for with your contractor when deciding to utilize this method of basement waterproofing.

French Drain Systems

Another commonly known method is diverting surface water away from the foundation by the creation of a French Drain. This essentially is a trench, often containing perforated pipe covered with gravel or rock that redirects surface water away from an area. It involves the laying of pipe and utilizes gravity to drain water from a high point to a low point some distance away. It can involve chopping up and replacing established landscaping and concrete. A French Drain can last for some time without maintenance, but it can become clogged with sediment and cause a backup into the basement.

French Drains with Sump Pumps

In cases involving hydrostatic pressure (water pressure from things such as underground springs, rivers, ground water, high water tables, etc.), the solution is twofold: to relieve the pressure under the floor and around the foundation perimeter, and divert the water to a point where it can be pumped out or otherwise removed from the basement. Installation of a sump pump raises the water to a level where it can be carried off at or below ground level.

This basement waterproofing method controls ground water by cutting a trench along the wall, laying in perforated pipe and leading it to a pit in the floor (drain tile), installing a poly or metal sump liner to prevent caving in of the sides of the sump pit, and surrounding the sump liner with stones. After the lines are installed, the trench must be filled with gravel, bleeders should be installed in the block walls and the floor resealed with concrete. The sump pit then collects the water directed to it from the drain tile system and a sump pump or drain takes the water out of the basement.

Essentially, the sump pit is a hole where water gathers and must be emptied regularly in order to prevent overflow. The sump pump installed in the pit is automatically activated to drain the water out when it reaches a certain level. Pumps are designed to operate automatically and generally have a check valve on the water outlet pipe so water does not flow back into the sump when the pump shuts off. This type of system effectively controls any water that would usually enter your basement when it rains heavily enough, and in essence, “waterproofs” your basement.

Secondary Sump Pumps
But, if you live in an area prone to long power outages, a battery backup pump or generator could be necessary. For added protection, in the event your primary pump fails, back up pumps are good to have as well. No matter what type of terrain your home is set on, an accumulation of water can occur after heavy rains, making the sump pump an essential tool for drainage, thus reducing the risk of damage to your foundation. Sump pumps require relatively low maintenance. Just check regularly to wash off any debris that could clog the pump, raise the float to make sure it triggers the motor, and check that the valve is not blocked. Any sump pump system must be sized properly so that it can carry off all the water. It should also have a dedicated outlet.

Types of Sump Pumps

There are various types and sizes of sump pumps on the market today: electric, battery powered and water-powered. Submersible electrical pumps are generally installed as the “Primary Sump Pump” in the sump pit and are designed to work underwater using a water level sensing switch. Battery powered pumps are installed in basically the same manner but are considered a “Back-up Pump” and utilize one or more deep cycle marine batteries for power and most cannot run while the batteries are charging. Both electric and battery powered pumps are made primarily of plastic, cast iron or stainless steel. Another type of “Back-up Pump”, the water powered pump runs off the water pressure from your home plumbing system. These pumps handle water at a lesser rate than the electric types, but require no electricity to operate unless your water supply requires a pump for pressure. This type of pump requires a licensed plumber for installation in most areas. Whichever type of back-up pump you choose, make sure the pumping capacity is similar to that of your primary pump to avoid flooding during loss of power.

Hiring a Contractor

When hiring a professional waterproofing company, choose one that has a good reputation, has been in business for several years, and depends on the satisfaction of its customers. A company should be licensed and insured. Check with the Better Business Bureau to be sure. Beware of contractors asking for a large down payment. Obtain estimates and compare the cost of the work to be done, the quality of materials to be used, and the cost of financing the work. Estimates should include the entire cost of the project including a statement of what the contractor will do and how long the work will take. Before work begins, get a written contract, which includes all of the above, along with details of payment and warranty/ guarantee conditions.

"The crew, as expected, performed brilliantly! They were wonderful! They worked hard, were polite, neat, cleaned up after the job, and were totally professional. I would recommend your company to anyone who has ever had water in their basement."
- Chris, Pennsylvania

"The crew was very efficient and respectful. They worked fast and were very professional. They were very nice and patient. They took the time to explain how the pump worked. We are very pleased and satisfied with their work. I would recommend Vulcan to anyone who have basement water problems."
- Lillian, Connecticut