Basements : Give Your Basement The Seal of Approval Spring arrives and the snow that has been covering your yard for months is finally starting to melt. Everything's looking great until you go down to your basement and discover water leaking in. Author : EBS Published on : 12/12/2007 Wet or damp basements can cause serious problems, now and in the future. Humidity and moisture can warp wooden joists and floors, corrode metals and appliances, and damage stored goods. Continuous water exposure around the foundation and footing can soften the soil and decrease its load-bearing capacity, thereby increasing the probability of wall cracking and settlement. Damp air traveling upstairs to drier areas can also lead to higher heating and air conditioning bills. Not only is a wet basement unhealthy for your house, it can also be unhealthy for you and your family. Wet or damp basements often lead to mould and mildew growth. Potential health effects associated with mould exposure include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints. The Simple Solution Despite the problems associated with wet basements, many basement leaks are caused by relatively minor problems that are easily corrected. Wet or damp basements are generally caused by surface water that is improperly drained away from the perimeter of the foundation wall. The water then seeps into the soil and enters your basement through cracks in the foundation. Therefore it's essential to ensure that the grade around your house slopes away from the foundation wall. The ground should be sloped with a drop of approximately one inch per foot, extending at least ten feet around the perimeter of the foundation. Since a rainfall of just ½ an inch results in more than 600 gallons of runoff from a typical 2 000 square foot roof you should ensure that water from downspouts drains away from the foundation wall. Also, check that roof gutters are free from debris such as leaves or branches that will cause water to overflow. If you have resolved any grading issues and your basement still leaks, you should contact a professional to diagnose and repair your problem. Contact a Professional A good waterproofing contractor must be able to diagnose the cause of your water problems in order to recommend a proper repair strategy. Common problems include water infiltration through one or more cracks in a foundation wall, infiltration through a block foundation or infiltration through the basement floor slab. Potential solutions include epoxy or polyurethane injection of cracks, exterior or interior waterproofing systems and drainage tile installation, under slab drainage systems and sump and pump installations. An incorrectly diagnosed water problem often leads to unnecessary repairs now and more costly repairs in the future to repair the actual problem. Choose The Right Contractor Not all waterproofing contractors are created equal. You should look for an experienced contractor with a good reputation. A reputable company will provide you with lists of previous customers. Call references and ask them if the contractor delivered what was promised, if problems or warranty work were handled satisfactorily and if they would use the same contractor again. Check the local Better Business Bureau to see if they have had any complaints against them. Remember that a waterproofing company that has been in business in the same area for several years, and depends on the satisfaction of its customers, will probably offer a higher quality repair. Find out if the company carries Workers' Compensation and Contractor's Liability Insurance. If a company doesn't have the required Workers' Compensation coverage, you could be liable for injuries or damages that occur on the job. Contractor's Liability Insurance protects you against any damages to your property caused by the contractor when fixing your basement. The Only Way to Do Business Always obtain written estimates and contracts for any waterproofing or restoration work. The contract should include a complete description of the work to be done, who is responsible for obtaining the appropriate building permits and utility locates and a payment schedule. A reputable contractor will also include a written warranty that states what is covered and for how long. Beware of the waterproofing contractor that offers you a "great deal" provided you pay in cash. While many underground contractors may offer you a low price, you are at significant risk of obtaining poor quality work and receiving a warranty that's not likely to be honoured, not to mention the legal risks involved. More tips on choosing a contractor and completing a contract are available from the Better Business Bureau Website (www.bbb.org) and from the Canadian Home Builders' Association Website (www.chba.ca). If you have a wet or damp basement, talk to the professionals at EBS Engineering & Construction Limited. With over 50 years of combined experience in the waterproofing industry, they can diagnose and solve your waterproofing problem quickly and efficiently, guaranteed! Thank you to EBS Engineering Construction Ltd.