Wet Basements and Waterproofing Misconceptions
When I talk to people about what I do for a living, I tell them I run one of the most unique waterproofing companies in the Twin Cities, AAA Reick's Landscaping and waterproofing L.L.C. I hear a lot of confusion on what exactly we do and one of the biggest misconceptions is the following:
It Unlikely Your Wet Basement is Caused By A High Water Table
Some people think that their basement gets wet each time it rains because the water is rising up from the ground and on to the floor. They think or have been told that they live on a high water table and they need an interior sump pump system to keep the basement dry. This notion is probably not true. High water tables are rare and only found in some parts of Minneapolis and St. Paul suburbs.
After over 30 years in business and thousands of customers with a dry basement, I want to set the record straight. Most water enters a basement from rainwater that flows along the ground on the outside of the house. A look around outside the perimeter of the home by a well trained professional will usually reveal the true reason for the water intrusion, holes and cracks in the foundation, poor grading, paved areas that don't drain well, window well filling with water.
Holes and Cracks In Foundations
Holes and cracks are a major factor with water intrusion. Most homes that we inspect have some sort of opening or breach that we find in the foundation wall, some are visible from above ground and some are hidden below ground. These holes and cracks are what is allowing water to get in rapidly. These need to be repaired from the outside with a professional-grade mortar and quality sheet membrane.
Poor Grading Around the Foundation
Poor grading is when there is not a proper slope to the soil around the foundation of the home. The improper slope can often be hidden below the rock or mulch that may be in your landscape beds. This needs to be corrected by a company that knows the best soils and technique for each job, every home is different.
Wet Basement Causes & Cures
Concrete, asphalt and brick pavers that are located next to the homes foundation wall are some of the paved surfaces that can settle and crack with time, allowing water to flow the wrong way and end up against the foundation and into the holes or cracks we discussed earlier. These bad surfaces need to be removed and the wall repaired from outside the home. Low or poorly set window wells often fill with water. We will install new wells, raise low wells or add decorative block around the existing well top for proper height and seal them securely to the foundation wall as needed to prevent further leakage. CALL RIGHT NOW and we can get you started on a dry basement TODAY. We answer our phones!
North Metro: 612-369-6626