When figuring the cost of waterproofing a basement, you need to start by evaluating the condition of the foundation, walls, and flooring. It costs quite a bit less to fix minor, internal problems when they are first discovered than allowing them to grow into larger issues. Depending on what you find, there are several reasons and factors to consider before moving forward with repairs.
Older homes often have leaky cellars. Since the lower level of the home is usually underground, time itself can be unkind. The standards that are used today are significantly improved. Many building contractors and legal codes have put a priority on making sure the foundation will last without need for repair.
Leaks and water damage happen for several different reasons. The pressure that is applied by outside forces, such as the earth settling, can be part of the cause. Trees that are planted close enough may grow roots towards and under the foundation. Erosion is also known to shift the landscaping to provide a direct path towards the house.
Small internal problems are the easiest to repair. In many cases, these will appear as small, shallow cracks. As long as they do not spread, separate, or leak larges amounts of water, they can usually be repaired by applying the right materials. If they continue to grow, you may want to consult with a professional to be sure they are not turning into a larger problem.
External foundation repairs can be rather expensive. A big part of the job is digging a trench right next to the foundation. For the repairs to be done correctly, they need to be able to expose the root of the floor to do the repairs. Once the repairs are done, there are several options for preventing future damages from the outside.
The landscaping should force water away from the house. Often, the ground should rise at least slightly at the point it rests against the outer wall. Sloping away from the wall gives a natural path for the water to run. There needs to be grass or other ground cover to prevent erosion. As the erosion happens, the ground may begin to slope towards the wall again.
Underground drainage should be installed. If the foundation is exposed during a repair job, you should ask the contractor to check or install a perforated drain pipe. The pipe should extend the length of the foundation and be covered with lose gravel before the dirt is reapplied. Once this is done, any water that makes its way through the soil will find an easy path away from the wall and foundation.
Budgeting the cost of waterproofing a basement is directly related to the conditions that are presented. If there are only small cracks, they can be filled and sealed. Larger foundation repair jobs should include an inspection of the current drain system. If it is inadequate, the time to fix or install a new system is while the trench is open.
Older homes often have leaky cellars. Since the lower level of the home is usually underground, time itself can be unkind. The standards that are used today are significantly improved. Many building contractors and legal codes have put a priority on making sure the foundation will last without need for repair.
Leaks and water damage happen for several different reasons. The pressure that is applied by outside forces, such as the earth settling, can be part of the cause. Trees that are planted close enough may grow roots towards and under the foundation. Erosion is also known to shift the landscaping to provide a direct path towards the house.
Small internal problems are the easiest to repair. In many cases, these will appear as small, shallow cracks. As long as they do not spread, separate, or leak larges amounts of water, they can usually be repaired by applying the right materials. If they continue to grow, you may want to consult with a professional to be sure they are not turning into a larger problem.
External foundation repairs can be rather expensive. A big part of the job is digging a trench right next to the foundation. For the repairs to be done correctly, they need to be able to expose the root of the floor to do the repairs. Once the repairs are done, there are several options for preventing future damages from the outside.
The landscaping should force water away from the house. Often, the ground should rise at least slightly at the point it rests against the outer wall. Sloping away from the wall gives a natural path for the water to run. There needs to be grass or other ground cover to prevent erosion. As the erosion happens, the ground may begin to slope towards the wall again.
Underground drainage should be installed. If the foundation is exposed during a repair job, you should ask the contractor to check or install a perforated drain pipe. The pipe should extend the length of the foundation and be covered with lose gravel before the dirt is reapplied. Once this is done, any water that makes its way through the soil will find an easy path away from the wall and foundation.
Budgeting the cost of waterproofing a basement is directly related to the conditions that are presented. If there are only small cracks, they can be filled and sealed. Larger foundation repair jobs should include an inspection of the current drain system. If it is inadequate, the time to fix or install a new system is while the trench is open.
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