Basement Waterproofing Repair Methods

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The Waterproofing Method - Specific to the Problem

There are many possible ways in which water finds its way into your basement; consequently, the waterproofing methods employed must be specific to the cause of your wet basement problem for the waterproofing repair to be effective. Variables such as crack size, leak location, the presence of moisture in a crack or on the surface of the wall, accessibility of the area to be repaired, the source of the leak, the existence of prior repairs and your foundation type are some of the many factors that have a bearing on the wet basement repair method that is selected. You work with our technicians to determine the best and most cost effective solution for your specific wet basement issue. In the following table we have summarized typical sources of basement leaks, the available waterproofing repair methods, as well as the relative cost of each type of foundation repair method.

Foundation Type
Available Waterproofing Method(s)
Problem
Poured Concrete
Epoxy or polyurethane injection $ or exterior excavation & crack repair $$$
Crack leakage
Poured Concrete
Polyurethane injection $$ or external excavation and waterproofing $$$
Expansion joint leakage
Poured Concrete
Polyurethane injection $ or external excavation and waterproofing $$$$
Tie-rod hole leakage
Poured Concrete
Snap-rod leakage
Poured Concrete
Polyurethane injection $ - $$$$ depending on scope of work
Cracked overhead structures
Poured Concrete
Leakage from drilled hole
Poured Concrete
Polyurethane injection $ or external excavation and waterproofing $$$$
Leakage from honeycombing
Poured Concrete
Polyurethane injection and conduit caulking application from inside or outside, based on accessibility $ - $$$
Leakage from conduit
Poured Concrete
Polyurethane injection $ or excavation & application of waterproof membrane $$
Leakage at I-beam cut-out
Poured Concrete
Polyurethane injection $, caulking around window frame $, and/or window well drain installation $$
Leakage between window frame and foundation
Poured Concrete
Polyurethane injection $ or external excavation and waterproofing & crack repair $$$
Leakage from an existing crack repair
Poured Concrete
Caulking (if possible) $, or application of a membrane over the joint where the slab contacts the wall $$$$
Leakage between porch slab and foundation wall
Poured Concrete
Landscaping $$$ and/or caulking $, or tuck pointing $ - $$, depending on the situation
Leakage along top of foundation wall
Poured Concrete
Structural reinforcement of a wall crack
Concrete Block
Drilled hole and/or mortar joint seepage
Concrete Block
Installation of carbon fiber straps $$$$
Structural reinforcement of walls
Stone
Drilled hole and/or mortar joint seepage
Any
Leakage between bottom of window frame and foundation or leakage through the window

Note:

Repairing leaking basement walls, from inside the home, using surface treatments such as hydraulic cement, rubberized coatings, sealants, and tar, are not recommended by professional waterproofing contractors because those repair methods ultimately cause deterioration of the concrete and/or mortar joints. This deterioration occurs because trapped water permeates naturally porous concrete; consequently, the moisture within damp concrete that is exposed to freezing temperatures expands. This expansion leads to spalling, crack growth, and weakening of the foundation. Prolonged exposure of a foundation to ice and water saturation can result in foundation failure and/or the weakening of the foundation.