Foundation Waterproofing: 5 Signs You Need This Service
Identifying the need for foundation waterproofing early can prevent significant structural damage and save on costly repairs. At Thome Waterproofing, we can provide you with any type of foundation waterproofing you might need. But first, here are five signs that suggest your property might require foundation waterproofing:
- Water Stains or Dampness: If you notice water stains, damp spots, or a general feeling of moisture in your basement or on lower floor walls, it’s a sign that water is penetrating your foundation. Persistent surface water or dampness can lead to mold and mildew growth, further indicating the need for waterproofing.
- Cracks in the Foundation: Cracks in the foundation walls or floor are not just structural concerns; they can also be entry points for water. While large cracks are obviously problematic, even small cracks can allow a significant amount of water infiltration, especially during heavy rainfalls, which Southern California has experienced these last few years.
- Mold and Mildew Presence: The appearance of mold and mildew in your basement or on ground-level floors can be a sign of excessive moisture. Mold thrives in damp, dark environments, and its presence can indicate that water is seeping into your property, necessitating waterproofing measures.
- Efflorescence: Efflorescence is a white, powdery substance that forms on concrete, brick, or stone surfaces. It occurs when water evaporates from a material, leaving behind salt deposits. If you see efflorescence, it’s a sign that water is penetrating your concrete foundation and evaporating from your walls.
- Soggy Yard or Standing Water Around the Foundation: If the ground around your property tends to be soggy or you notice standing water near your foundation after rain, it could be a sign of poor drainage. This can put pressure on your foundation, leading to leaks and the need for waterproofing solutions.
Addressing these signs with a waterproofing specialist can protect your property from further damage, stopping water in its tracks and it also can improve indoor air quality by preventing mold growth, and ultimately save money by avoiding more extensive repairs in the future. We have extensive experience with a wide range of waterproofing systems and waterproofing products as well as the proper method for applying waterproofing materials.
Our Residential Waterproofing Solutions
While the optimal time to apply waterproofing materials is during the construction phase if you are seeing signs of improper waterproofing or perhaps you’ve just bought a home and want to ensure that the foundation is fully waterproofed, our team of waterproofing contractors can help. Here’s a quick look at a few methods that can be applied to prevent further water damage.
- Crawlspace Encapsulation: We are experts at providing quality crawlspace waterproofing, and while there are varying levels of crawlspace waterproofing, complete encapsulation is always the best option. This involves multiple steps such as installing a moisture barrier and perhaps a sump pump and a dehumidifier. We also seal off the crawl spaces and may add waterproof and mold-resistant insulation.
- Exterior Waterproofing Membranes: This involves excavating the soil around the foundation to expose the exterior walls of the slab. Waterproofing experts can then apply a waterproof membrane or coating to the exterior foundation walls. This membrane acts as a barrier to water, preventing it from penetrating the slab.
- Interior Sealants: For minor moisture issues, applying sealants inside the basement (rare in California) or on the interior slab surfaces can help block moisture. These sealants are typically applied to the walls and floors to prevent water vapor from entering the living spaces.
- Crack Injection: If there are cracks in the slab, these can be entry points for water. A waterproofing contractor can use epoxy or polyurethane injections to fill these cracks, effectively sealing them against water ingress.
- Sump Pump Installation: In areas with high water tables or significant water accumulation, installing a sump pump can help manage water levels beneath the slab. The sump pump collects water and pumps it away from the foundation, keeping the area under the house dry.
- Vapor Barriers: Installing a vapor barrier beneath the slab or on the interior can help prevent moisture from rising up through the ground and into the home. This is particularly useful in areas with damp soil or high humidity levels.
- Capillary Breaks: These are materials placed beneath the slab and around the foundation to interrupt the capillary action of water moving through the soil and into the concrete. A layer of gravel, for example, can serve as an effective capillary break.
Drainage Solutions Must Be In Place
Proper drainage is critical in managing water around any type of foundation, including slabs, crawlspaces and homes with basements. When we arrive for our first inspection and consultation, we will take a good look at the drainage around your home.
It’s likely that you also will need to hire a landscaping contractor to install a French drain system around the perimeter of the house or improve existing drainage to redirect water away from the foundation. This also can involve grading the landscape to ensure water flows away from the structure.
Commercial Foundation Waterproofing
Commercial structures typically have either slab foundations or subterranean spaces, such as below-grade parking lots. The same signs apply to these structures as will a residential dwelling.
We can provide any type of commercial waterproofing you might need, and we often work with contractors during the construction phase to provide below-grade waterproofing, including blindside waterproofing.
Whether you have an existing structure with water or moisture issues or you are just getting started with the construction process, we can help and with any size structure from a small storefront to a multi-story tower or even a large apartment community, etc.
Additional Services
As a full-service waterproofing company, we provide many services in addition to foundation waterproofing. Our services also include deck waterproofing, balcony waterproofing and planter waterproofing. We also can provide you with walkway waterproofing and concrete pool deck coatings, and this includes anti-skid coatings and decorative deck coatings. We serve residential and commercial clients throughout the greater Los Angeles area, including Ventura County. Whether you need foundation waterproofing or another of our services, we have the experience and know-how to provide you with quality waterproofing that will protect your property for many years to come.
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