When it comes to basements, there is no bigger enemy than moisture. Moisture can not only result in foundation damage, but mold growth and possession damage as well. For these reasons, it’s extremely important to keep moisture out of your basement at all costs.
How do you keep moisture out of your basement in Elmhurst, Illinois? By knowing what causes its inward flow, and working against those causes. The following problems are the most common causes of basement moisture.
Basement Wall Cracks
The most common way that water enters into basements is through cracks. Foundation and basement wall cracks are a simple avenue for moisture to flow through.
This is why it’s important to keep the cracks in your basement walls to a minimum. While small cracks shouldn’t pose much of a problem, cracks over 4 inches in length can be much more troublesome.
Hydrostatic Pressure
Why do basement wall cracks form in the first place? In the majority of cases, hydrostatic pressure is to blame.
As water collects in the soil around the base of your house, it is forced down by gravity. Because it has nowhere else to flow, it often flows directly into the side of your home’s foundation. The pressure this puts on your foundation causes stress, eventually causing the foundation to give way and crack.
Poor Drainage
How does water get into the soil around the base of your home in the first place? It is often due to poor drainage. If your drainage system is flawed, you will likely have moisture around the base of your house.
For this reason, it’s wise to optimize the functionality of drain tiles, your gutters, and your sump pump. If you need help with your drainage system, an Elmhurst basement waterproofing company can help you.
Poorly Positioned Foundation
Sometimes, homes are just positioned in naturally damp spots, essentially inviting water to inundate their foundations. For instance, if your home sits at the bottom of a hill, you’re practically asking for water damage.
In this situation, the best option for resisting water damage is to install a top-notch drainage system.
High Humidity
There isn’t always an obvious entry point for the moisture in your home. The reason for this? It sometimes floats within the air. In other words, the water inside your home can be caused by high humidity.
Fortunately, you can reduce the humidity in your home by utilizing a dehumidifier. There are all types of dehumidifiers available, some of which will only accommodate small spaces, and some that will accommodate entire homes. If you’re going to buy one, we advise buying one that can accommodate a fairly large area.
What Can Be Done to Keep Moisture Out of Your Basement?
There is quite a bit that can be done to keep moisture out of your basement. Installing a sump pump, installing drain tile, and installing a waterproofing membrane are all great solutions. In addition to these things, it’s also wise to repair any cracks that might appear in your walls.
If you need help waterproofing your Elmhurst basement, you would be wise to bring in a professional basement waterproofing company. These companies specialize in protecting basements from water, and will have no problem protecting yours.
Utilize the Services of a Basement Waterproofing Company in Elmhurst, Illinois
Are you dealing with moisture in your basement? Do you in need a basement waterproofing company in Elmhurst, Illinois? If so, ULB-DRY Waterproofing has you covered.
We offer waterproofing services of all kinds, including sump pump installation, foundation crack repair, drain tile installation, and a variety of other services. Regardless of the services you need, our team is ready to assist you.
Contact us now to discuss your needs!