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Wet Basement? Keep It Dry with Permanent Basement Waterproofing Solutions

If you’ve noticed excess moisture or musty odors in your home no matter how clean you keep it, there’s a good chance your basement or crawl space isn’t properly sealed and you’re in need of basement waterproofing solutions. Don’t settle for the uncomfortable humidity and unpleasant odors in your home because excess moisture over time can cause health and safety hazards.

Call the basement and crawl space waterproofing experts in Charleston and Lexington, WV at United Structural Systems - we have the experience and knowledge to recognize the issue and pinpoint the best solution.

Four Reasons to Invest in Basement Waterproofing Solutions

Basement waterproofing is an important step in protecting one of your largest investments for both obvious and perhaps surprising reasons. Even if your basement is already showing signs of excessive moisture, it isn’t too late for basement leak repair.

Protect Your Possessions

If your basement is unfinished, you probably use it for the storage of some valuable possessions and keepsakes. If it’s finished, you have likely invested thousands of dollars in flooring, furniture, drywall, and decor. Regardless, waterproofing your basement protects your possessions from floods and water damage.

Prevent Structural Damage

When excess moisture collects, water can penetrate into the foundation and structure of your home. This can crack your foundation and rot wooden structural elements, leading to costly home and foundation repair.

Provide a Healthier Environment

Mold and mildew thrive in moist environments. Not only is mold a pain to treat once it infests, but it can also make buying and selling a house difficult. Because mold allergies are resilient and life-threatening for some, waterproofing your basement can be an important step in protecting the health of your home.

Reduce Utility Costs

Humidity causes your electricity bills to spike, as damp air takes more energy to cool and warm. Sealing your basement and crawl space from excess moisture can save up to hundreds of dollars a year on heating and cooling costs.

Wet Basement Cutout
basement waterproofing

No Basement? Crawl Space Waterproofing is Just as Important

Water can cause damage in your basement, and the same goes for your crawl space. Because crawl spaces aren’t typically used in the same capacity as basements, they’re easy to neglect. However, they should be water-sealed for the same reasons and with the same care as your basement. Just like basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation ensures that your home is protected from costly water damage. In addition to the problems that unwanted water in your basement can cause, excess moisture in your crawl space can lead to infiltration and infestation of insects and pests.

Watch Out for These Signs of Excess Moisture in Your Basement or Crawl Space:

  • High humidity
  • Musty Odors
  • Mold and Mildew
  • Standing Water in Basement or Crawl Space
  • Decay and Deterioration of Wood Columns, Joists, and Headers
  • Efflorescence on Walls
  • Water Stains on Walls and Floors

If you’ve noticed any of these, you may need basement and crawl space waterproofing services for your Charleston and Lexington, WV home.

What Causes Basement Leaks and Flooding?

The current or projected cause of water seeping into your basement will determine what waterproofing solution is best for your home. We take into consideration the following potential causes of water issues when offering basement waterproofing solutions to our clients in Lexington, KY, Charleston, WV, and Cincinnati, OH, and the surrounding areas:  

Inadequately Sealed Window Wells

If your basement sits below ground, your inadequately sealed windows might be one of the culprits leading to water getting into your basement. Additionally, improper drainage might lead to water accumulating in your window wells, causing it to seep through small seams.

Floor and Wall Cracks

If there are cracks in your foundation walls or floor, this creates an easy opportunity for pressure to force excess moisture from surrounding soil to escape into your home. This can be particularly problematic in times of high rains. 

Improper Drainage

Oftentimes, the main problem causing water damage to your home’s basement is improper drainage. If exterior drainage systems are pointing towards your home, or if your home is built at the bottom of a hill or sloped ground, rainwater inevitably is running towards your basement and collecting around your foundation.  

Hydrostatic Pressure

Hydrostatic pressure is what causes excess moisture from surrounding soil to force its way through any unsealed cracks, seams, and spaces in your home’s foundation. When too much water collects in the soil surrounding your home, the pressure formed can push water through even hairline cracks.

When Should I Call A Basement Waterproofing Company?

The best time to waterproof your basement is before you begin to notice the signs of excess moisture. Being proactive can prevent harmful water damage from occurring to your home, as well as keep mold and mildew from growing and threatening your health. However, we understand that there are circumstances that can put a halt to preventative approaches. There’s no reason to worry. If you begin to notice any of the following signs of excess moisture in your home, you can call USS KY today for basement leak repair and to waterproof your basement or crawl space and reverse any damage that might have been incurred.

Waterproofing Solutions from USS

To prevent any water issues from increasing the damage, leave it to our basement and crawl space waterproofing service experts in Charleston and Lexington to find a permanent solution that will work best for your situation. Our waterproofing services include:

  • Waterproofing
  • Exterior Wall Coating
  • Epoxy & Polyurethane Injection
  • Surface Drainage
  • Ventilation

Crawl Space and Basement Waterproofing Services in Charleston, WV, Lexington, KY, and Cincinnati, OH

If you have any concerns involving water damage and waterproofing do not hesitate to call United Structural Systems, Ltd., Inc. today. We are a third generation, family-owned business, dedicated to providing the best service to our clients since 1995. We have service areas in Cincinnati, Lexington, Lancaster and Cross Lanes!

Our team cares not only about your home, but about you and your concerns. Rely on the experienced staff at United Structural Systems Ltd., Inc. to provide you with an honest and accurate assessment for waterproofing your home!  We will not settle for anything other than high-quality customer service and the results you need. 

How much does it cost to waterproof your basement?

The cost of waterproofing a basement varies depending upon what methods need to be applied and how large your basement is. Labor costs factor in, as do materials. Materials needed for waterproofing a basement generally include installing a sump pump or replacing an existing sump pump if necessary, installation of drainage solutions whether exterior or interior, and epoxy injections to seal any small cracks that can lead to water infiltration. Other materials may be needed on a case-by-case basis. Because of the many variants that can impact the cost of waterproofing a basement, we offer FREE estimates on our services so you know what your cost will be without being obligated. 

Can you seal a basement from the inside?

The short answer is yes, it is possible to waterproof your basement from the inside. Each situation is unique - some homes may require exterior solutions in addition to interior waterproofing measures. Others can be effectively sealed from water infiltration from the inside. 

Is waterproofing a basement worth it?

Most people use their basement to store important items that they may not need access to on a regular basis, such as sentimental items or vital documents. Other people utilize their basement as an extension of their home by completely finishing the interior. Regardless of how you utilize your basement, it’s always worthwhile to waterproof it because not only does a basement flood risk your items, it can lead to structural damage in your entire home.

How do I stop water from seeping into my basement?

We’re so glad you asked! You can stop water from seeping into your basement by investing in waterproofing solutions from United Structural Systems. There are certain measures you as a homeowner can take to protect your valuable basement - such as installing appropriate gutter downspouts to properly drain water away from your foundation - but it is always a good idea to trust these important home improvement tasks to the professionals. 

How long does basement waterproofing last?

At United Structural Systems, we believe your basement waterproofing should be a permanent solution to protect your home. That’s why we utilize methods of waterproofing such as installing drainage systems and other things intended to direct water away from ever being near your basement. Some waterproofing methods are not permanent - such as simply applying a waterproof layer of paint of only sealing cracks. Those materials will eventually lose their effectiveness. If you want to learn more about how USS would approach a permanent waterproofing solution for your particular situation, just contact us for a FREE estimate!