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Exterior Waterproofing for Basements

Exterior Waterproofing prevents water intrusion into a basement. In order for a basement to be completely waterproof, it needs to have protection from subsurface water for all of the below grade walls. All of this protection must span from grade level down to a depth deeper than the basement floor. Lindsley Waterproofing uses state-of-the-art waterproofing materials—usually a 56-mil, pliable, rubber-like membrane to prevent wall penetration of water. Successfully blocking the sub-surface water from basement walls is not enough. We can’t just ‘wish’ the water away. We must provide a means of getting rid of the water that has been blocked by the waterproofing materials. Otherwise water would build up outside the foundation walls. Water doesn’t stack very well so it usually finds its way to the area under the basement floor and then rises from under the floor as it tries to ‘seek it’s own level’. Disastrous floods can, and very often do, occur without a single drop of water penetrating the basement walls. Waterproofing without drainage is destined to fail. You’d be better off having good drainage and no waterproofing!!! (A good roof isn’t even close to being waterproof but since it drains so well, there’s not a problem.) Basement drainage is much more difficult—it has to be deeper than the basement floor which is sometimes very deep in the ground.

There are two methods of getting rid of the water that waterproofing has blocked from the walls—installing a gravity drain or installing a pump system. A gravity drain is a downhill pipe sloped away from the house. It’s often referred to as a ‘tail line’. A gravity drain is the preferred method but there must be a destination for this pipe, or pipes, well below the basement level to which the water can flow. If there is no such destination on the property, the second method of water disposal is unavoidable—a pump system must then be used. Sometimes a pump system is opted for because it costs less and is easier to install.

Exterior Waterproofing & drainage is by far the best protection for a basement. It’s used almost exclusively when houses are being built. However, in ‘retrofit’ situations—not-so-new houses with established landscaping, connected utilities, air conditioners, patios, decks, additions, garages, etc., Exterior Waterproofing can be at best impractical—if not close to impossible. 

For a less expensive approach to correcting a flooding or leaky basement, see the section Interior De-Watering. 

For more information and help determining if Exterior Waterproofing is best for your basement, please contact us to schedule a FREE inspection and consultation.

 

Why Exterior Waterproofing?

Standing water and heavy moisture can lead to a build up of mold, mildew and fungus on the joists in the basement, not only can mold lead to wood-rot and costly repairs, it can be quite damaging to your health. Lindsley Waterproofing will brush and scrape all mold, mildew and fungus from floor joists and spray an insecticide/fungicide to hinder any return of it in the future.

 

Water concealed below grade can get under the footings in a foundation, and then destabilize the structural integrity of your home or business. This can lead to cracked foundation walls and footings, and costly repairs. Exterior waterproofing will prevent any water from damaging your home and save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

 

For more information exterior waterproofing your basement, or to schedule a FREE inspection please contact us.

 

Since 1994 Lindsley Waterproofing has been Making Homes Healthy by providing expert waterproofing services to homes and businesses in the Research Triangle region of North Carolina. We can help you if you are in or are near Apex, Benson, Carrboro, Cary, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Durham, Franklinton, Fuquay Varina, Garner, Hillsborough, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Pittsboro, Raleigh, Rolesville, Roxboro, Selma, Smithfield, Wake Forest, Wendell, Youngsville, Zebulon, North Carolina. We repair and prevent structural water damage provide for new & existing structures. Our guaranteed services include de-watering, foundation repair, structural repair, fixing foundation leaks, waterproofing, yard drainage, french drains, crawlspace conditioning, helical pier foundations and ensuring that we help you to create a healthy home.

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