5 Basement Waterproofing Tips for Georgia Homeowners
Your basement has many uses—it’s for storage, helps hold up your house, and gives you extra space to live in. But if you have a basement, there’s always a chance it could become damp or wet. Water can really mess up your basement and the things you keep there.
Maybe you’ve never had a problem with a wet basement. Even so, it’s still a good idea to know how to keep it dry so you can stay prepared. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about why basements get wet, how to spot problems, and how to keep your basement dry in the long run.
Tips for Protecting Your Basement Against Water Damage
While professional basement waterproofing is the comprehensive solution, there are steps you can take to protect your basement against potential water issues. Consider the following tips:
- Check Your Yard’s Grading: The yard around your home should be graded in away that allows water to flow a way from the structure. Making sure this is the case will help prevent water accumulation around your basement.
- Gutter Maintenance: Regularly clean gutters to prevent clogs and ensure efficient water flow. We recommend installing downspout extensions to send water away from the foundation. Doing so will minimize water runoff near the foundation and reduce the risk of basement leaks.
- Use Downspout Extensions: Downspout extensions are inexpensive, easy to install, and will carry runoff away from the foundation before release.
- Improve Air Quality: Using an AquaStop™ Basement Dehumidifier will help maintain good air quality. This solution helps control humidity levels and discourages mold growth.
- Sump Pump Maintenance: Regularly test and maintain your sump pump to guarantee that it operates efficiently. Clean the pump and pit, and consider installing a battery backup for added reliability during power outages.
By incorporating these tips into your routine home maintenance, you can contribute significantly to the overall effectiveness of your waterproofing efforts. These measures will dramatically improve your basement’s condition while also reducing your need for repairs.
What Causes Basement Leaks in Georgia?
Georgia’s unique geography and climate vary across the state and can make keeping your basement dry an uphill battle. At AquaGuard Foundation Solutions, we are here to help you understand how water gets into basements and provide you with effective basement waterproofing solutions. Here are the most common issues we run into across Georgia:
- Heavy downpours: Without a well-maintained drainage system in your home (such as gutters or perimeter drains), heavy rains will quickly overwhelm your basement. Maybe this is due to clogs or simple wear and tear. In any case, poor drainage will lead to water pooling near the base of your home. As the water builds, it pushes against your basement, puts stress on the structure, and leaks through small cracks in the walls.
- High humidity: The high humidity levels we experience in Georgia can contribute to a damp basement. Thick, water-dense air may flow in through open windows or through porous concrete walls. Over time, this makes your basement a musty breeding ground for mold and wood rot.
- Soil Issues: Our state has a plethora of different soil types, each with its own challenges. The two most common soil types in Georgia are sand and clay. Soils with high sand content are loosely compacted, which means basement walls have less support and become vulnerable to shifting and cracking. Clay soils are sturdy, but tend to expand when exposed to moisture. After some rain or snow, clay soil may expand and push against your basement, causing the walls to bow inward.
How Can You Tell if Water is Getting Into Your Basement?
Sometimes it’s easy to tell if water is in your basement. You might notice a puddle forming on the floor or water dripping down the walls. But it isn’t always so obvious. Sometimes smaller issues arise before those big obvious ones. It’s always helpful to be aware of the problem signs, big and small. That way, you can address the issues before they cause further damage. Here are some important signs that point to water in your basement:
- Mold Growth: Mold thrives in moist environments. For this reason, finding mold in your basement, especially in corners or along baseboards, is a clear sign of excess moisture. Due to its toxic nature, we recommend that you address mold immediately, as it poses a health risk to anyone who comes in contact with it.
- Flooding: Sudden or recurrent flooding in the basement suggests drainage problems or structural vulnerabilities. It is important to identify the cause of the flooding to prevent pools of water forming in your basement and causing water damage to your personal items.
- Bugs and Pests: Damp environments tend to attract insects and pests. Seeing these unwanted guests in the basement may be an early warning sign of moisture building below your home.
- Humidity: Contrary to popular belief, high humidity accompanied by musty odors is not normal in a basement. They indicate above-average levels of moisture in your basement’s air, indicating poor ventilation or water leakage in an unseen area.
- Efflorescence: When water seeps through concrete, it can leave behind white, powdery deposits on basement walls. This is what we call efflorescence. You might have seen it on cave walls before. Your basement shouldn’t feel or look like a cave, so seeing this substance is a warning sign that too much moisture is in your basement.
- Water Stains: Water stains on walls or floors indicate past or ongoing water intrusion. Stains may vary in color, suggesting different sources and durations of exposure.
Basement Waterproofing Solutions for Atlanta Homeowners
AquaGuard is dedicated to helping Georgia homeowners protect their basements from moisture intrusion. With more than 30 years of experience, we offer a range of effective waterproofing methods. Each approach addresses common vulnerabilities basement across the state face, providing the necessary protection against water intrusion.
FreezeGuard™ Discharge Line Attachment
Basements are susceptible to flooding year-round, but the stakes are higher in winter when your pipes may freeze. The AquaStop FreezeGuard™ is a cutting-edge attachment that connects to the sump pump’s discharge line, reducing the risk of ice-related backups. This device provides an alternative route for water discharge, preventing backflow and basement flooding in the event of sump pump failure.
BasementGutter™ Interior Drainage System
A leaky basement is annoying to manage and can potentially harm your health and home. So, instead of fighting the leaks, why not get rid of them? With the BasementGutter™ system, we offer interior drainage that captures water at the basement perimeter and directs it to a sump pump for removal. This solution is a premium substitute for unsuccessful footing drains, as it effectively prevents water from reaching the basement floor.
WallSeal™ Basement Wall Vapor Barrier
When water enters through your basement walls, it leaves behind wet walls and water stains. So, how do we address this issue? With our WallSeal™ vapor barrier.
We apply this 12-millimeter-thick barrier to your basement walls, preventing moisture from penetrating and causing damage. Doing this helps guard against mold growth, reduce humidity, and enhance the overall effectiveness of your waterproofing measures.
AquaStop™ Sump Pumps
Water accumulating in your basement can damage belongings and structures, leading to expensive repairs. That’s why we recommend installing the AquaStop™ Sump Pump.
We install the pump at the lowest point of your basement to efficiently send any collected water outside and away from your home. These pumps are crucial in keeping your basement dry by preventing water buildup and reducing the risk of flooding.
AquaStop™ Air System
Humidity is a big issue for many homeowners with a basement. The area’s location and naturally cooler temperatures make it a prime location for humidity and condensation to form. Keeping your basement’s air dry is easier than ever with the AquaStop™ Air System—a dehumidifier designed to remove up to 100 pints of water a day.
The best part is, this dehumidifier is self-draining and can be hooked up to your home’s drainage system. You won’t have to constantly check on the system or remove any buckets of water manually.
The Cost of Waterproofing Your Basement
At AquaGuard, we offer a free inspection to create a customized plan that suits your specific needs. Here, we break down key elements related to the costs of waterproofing your basement:
- Cost Elements: Waterproofing a basement typically includes materials, labor, and any additional expenses such as permits or inspections. The variation in costs depends on factors like the basement size, the severity of the issue, and the chosen waterproofing method.
- An Investment in Your Home: Waterproofing your basement is not just an expense; it’s an investment in your family’s health and the value of your home. Preventing property damage and increasing home value are tangible returns on this investment.
- DIY vs. Professional Costs: Some home improvement projects make sense to tackle yourself. However, waterproofing your basement requires the equipment and expertise of a basement waterproofing specialist. At AquaGuard, we bring everything you need to get the job done right–without the learning curve.
FAQs
At AquaGuard, we offer lifetime-warranted solutions that are designed to keep your basement dry permanently. Depending on the waterproofing solution designed for your home’s specific needs, we offer a variety of warranties and guarantees to ensure that your basement is safe and dry for years to come. If you have questions about how often you should maintain or replace specific systems, such as dehumidifiers or sump pumps, call AquaGuard today! We can discuss your home’s issues, our products and systems, and schedule an appointment to initiate the process for restoring your peace of mind.
While basement floods are often covered by flood insurance, basement leaks from ongoing neglect are not. Your insurance company may not cover the costs of basement waterproofing products or installation, either. However, many companies provide incentives for having your basement waterproofed, such as lower flood insurance premiums.
Yes! Basement waterproofing services often increase a home’s value by 10% or more. For a $200,000 home, that’s at least a $20,000 increase in home value! Basement floods are a major liability to homeowners, and every measure you take to prevent a flood from occurring is a worthwhile investment.
Schedule a Free Basement Inspection With AquaGuard Foundation Solutions
AquaGuard Foundation Solutions is proud to serve the Greater Atlanta and North Georgia areas in all their basement waterproofing needs. Since 1995, we’ve been helping homeowners in Georgia protect their homes from foundation damage and moisture issues.
Your home is your greatest asset, and you deserve high-quality home repair solutions that have your best interest in mind. Our priority is always the longevity of your home. Contact us today to schedule a free basement inspection and waterproofing estimate!
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Ted Dryce
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