A LOOK AT YOUR BASEMENT WATERPROOFING OPTIONS

Even if you’ve never experienced a problem with water in your basement, it could only be a matter of time. According to various home inspection and flood protection agencies, your chances of suffering a flooded basement are more than five times greater than your chances of suffering a fire. This is especially true in damp climates along the Eastern seaboard, including Maryland. What can you do? You can start by waterproofing your basement. Modern basement waterproofing techniques in Baltimore include:

Sump Pump

One of the best lines of defense against basement flooding is a sump pump. A sump pump is a small pump installed in the lowest part of the basement. The job of the sump pump is to keep the basement dry by pumping water away from the building after it has collected into a sump pit. Your basement waterproofing provider can recommend the right sump pump based on the size of your basement and your risk of flooding.

Concrete Sealers

In order to create a hard, waterproof surface, your basement waterproofing provider might recommend concrete waterproof coatings or silicate-based concrete sealers. Waterproof coatings permanently adhere to concrete and masonry walls. Silicate-based concrete sealers soak in and chemically react with ingredients in the concrete or brick, forming a waterproof surface. A professional can tell you which type of waterproof coating is right for your basement.

Drainage Systems

Waterproofing the inside of your basement is only part of the equation. In Maryland, seasonal rains can turn your yard into a muddy pit, and the extra moisture in the soil can press against your basement and leak through unsealed cracks in the walls or foundation. To prevent flooding due to heavy rain and poor soil drainage, your basement waterproofing provider will custom-design a drainage system that will correct water pooling, roof water run-off, and soil erosion problems.