Basement Waterproofing in Great Falls, VA |DMV Waterproofing & Repair

Poor drainage around the foundation can result in a lot of water in the basement. Eventually, this water can find its way into the basement through cracks and damage walls and floors. If the water doesn’t drain off properly, the pressure builds and it creates structural problems like a foundation shifting.

In addition, standing water around the foundation encourages dampness and can help promote mold growth, and diminish the air quality of the basement. Not only does this compromize stored belongings but it can also effect the occupants health. To prevent these long term issues, drainage must be improved.

Basement waterproofing can be severely affected by structural deficiencies in the foundation. Water seeps through cracks in the basement walls or floors, over time weakening the basement’s waterproofing. Being that the foundation shifts or settles, these cracks can grow and continue to allow water to become more and more embedded in the cracks.

Water that gets into these structural weaknesses makes the risk of mold, dampness and additional damage to the basement higher. If left unaddressed, structural issues can leave the entire building vulnerable to structural failure and replacement, and proper repair and waterproofing is essential to avoid long term damage.

A basement waterproofing that is susceptible to moisture and dampness can be a place where water easily enters walls and floors. Waterproofing materials are weakened by prolonged dampness and over time will leak and crack. Moisture causes accumulation of mould and mildew, that can damage the structure and affect the basement air quality.

Moisture increases also affect insulation, causing the basement to get colder and less energy efficient. If left unchecked dampness can weaken the integrity of the basement and lead to long term structural and health problems. Moisture control and a safe, dry space are dependent upon effective waterproofing.

The foundation, however, can shift due to ground settlement and this can have a large impact on basement waterproofing. If the ground under a building settles or shifts, it can cause cracks in the basement walls and floor allowing water to get into the basement. As a result, this increased vulnerability compromises the waterproofing system and the more easily moisture can penetrate into the wall.

Additional flooding and severe damage to the basement can occur as subsidence continues to operate on the structural integrity of the basement. Water will also create an environment for the growth of mould and therefore affects air quality and can damage the stored items. A prompt response to subsidence is also important in order to maintain the effectiveness of waterproofing and the long term stability of the basement.