"We are still in the budgeting phase and have not contacted yet however Scott Hughes of Groundwork’s was a great resource. He provided detailed information on the issues and how they would resolve them for us."
"I only use James when I need some work done to my house. He responds fast, gets the work done quicker than just about anyone else I've ever used and seems very concerned with leaving his customers happy."
Basement Waterproofing questions, answered by experts
Yes, water coming up from the floor should be treated as an emergency. If you're unable to either identify or stop the source of the water on your own, contact an emergency plumber right away. In addition to harming your flooring, standing or pooled water can lead to water-damaged concrete.
Walkout basements cost more than other kinds of basements, and can also increase your risk of leaks as well as a loss of insulation, leading to higher heating and cooling costs. Improperly installed walkout basements may lead to structural issues with your foundation, so ensure you’re working with a contractor who has extensive experience with this kind of basement.
While a standard gutter system is widely considered the most effective way to prevent water damage to your home's foundation, several alternatives are available. These options can be used on their own in certain climates or as supplementary protection.
Common alternatives include:
Rain Chains: These are decorative chains that hang from the roof's edge, guiding rainwater to the ground.
Drip Edges: These metal strips are installed at the edge of the roof to direct water away from the fascia. While often used with gutters, they can be paired with a ground-level solution but are typically not sufficient on their own.
Rain Dispersal Systems: These systems work by breaking up the heavy sheet of water flowing off the roof, dispersing it over a wider area.
French Drains: This ground-level system uses a perforated pipe in a gravel-filled trench to collect and redirect water runoff away from the house.
Drip Paths: Placed directly below the roofline, these paths made of concrete, stone, or other materials prevent soil erosion and guide water away.
It's important to note that some alternatives like rain chains and dispersal systems may not be adequate in regions with heavy rainfall because they don't divert water away from the foundation as effectively as a full gutter system. Ground-based solutions like French drains can be very effective but are often more expensive and can affect your landscaping and curb appeal. Many experts recommend installing a full gutter system for maximum protection and using alternatives as supplementary measures.
It depends on what caused your basement flooding, the extent of the problem, and the risk of the flood continuing. If your flood is coming from a septic system or sewer line, breathing in the sewer gasses can be dangerous, so you should vacate. If the flood occurs from an ongoing natural disaster, relocating to a safe area might be wise. If you just have a plumbing leak or rainwater coming in, you can likely stay in the house if you don’t have electrical lines down there, but make sure you call in professionals to fix the issue immediately.
The primary downside to crawl space encapsulation is the high cost, which can be several thousand dollars. Additionally, the process can make future repairs more complicated by limiting access to plumbing and electrical wiring within the crawl space. Encapsulation also requires sealing off any vents, which can be a disadvantage for home designs that benefit from the airflow they provide. It's recommended to consult with a crawl space contractor to determine if the benefits outweigh these potential drawbacks for your specific home.
The Vaughn, NM homeowners’ guide to basement waterproofing services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Need to fix basement water problems or safeguard your home from damage in the future? Use this basement waterproofing cost guide to budget appropriately.
An unfinished basement has a lot of potential for a family room or guest suite. So how much does it cost to finish a basement? Read on for all cost factors.
Dealing with a damp basement? Follow these steps for DIY basement waterproofing to keep water and moisture out and boost your home’s energy efficiency.
Can’t seem to get rid of the moisture and mold in your basement? Learn why basements tend to hold moisture and how to get rid of moisture in the basement.
