FOUNDATION & BASEMENT WATERPROOFING IN LOS ANGELES, CA
Basements are an essential part of many homes, providing valuable extra space for storage, laundry, and more. However, basements are also susceptible to water damage, which can lead to a host of problems including mold growth, wood rot, and structural damage.
To protect your home from water damage, it is important to have your basement waterproofed. There are a number of different methods of waterproofing a basement, but the most effective method will vary depending on the specific needs of your home. A professional contractor will be able to assess your basement and determine the best course of action to keep your home dry and free from water damage. In addition to protecting your home from water damage, basement waterproofing can also help to improve the energy efficiency of your home by preventing heat loss through walls that are wet with condensation. Basements that are properly waterproofed will stay dry and warm, saving you money on your heating bills. If you live in an area with a high water table or are concerned about flooding, basement waterproofing is an essential part of protecting your home.
In foundation waterproofing, the first step is to identify the source of the leak in the wet basement. This usually is done by conferring with the home or business owner to determine when and where the problem began to occur. It helps in the diagnosis if the basement is unfinished because water leaves a trail. However, a well-trained Basement Advisor can also help find the source of the problem in a finished basement.
WATERPROOFING SOLUTIONS IN THE LA AREA
With the numerous hills throughout the Los Angeles metro, structures built into the surrounding grade often encounter water intrusion in the basement, garage, or any section of the structure that is surrounded by earth. Proper drainage for a home or business structure is essential in these situations. However, often a drainage system is not enough. While there are many strategies and products that claim to waterproof, it is important to contact a foundation repair specialist in Los Angeles who is familiar with all the best waterproofing solutions.
Wet basement solutions come in a variety of strategies, most involving the sealing of the foundation wall cracks in poured concrete foundations (poured concrete is the most common type of foundation in the Los Angeles metro area). Cracks are easily visible in an unfinished basement. These leaking cracks leave water stains on the foundation wall. However, in a finished basement, the diagnosis should begin by identifying the area where the water is first entering the basement, then searching around the exterior of the structure for a crack. A good number of these cracks extend to the top of the foundation wall, which is normally exposed above the soil line. Cracks can also be sealed from the interior using an Epoxy/Urethane injection process or from the exterior using a Wall-Clay process. Both methods are reliable in preventing additional seepage through the crack and into the basement.
There is another common basement waterproofing problem where the source of the water leak is at the cove joint where the floor and wall meet. This is frequently caused by hydrostatic pressure, which occurs when the water table rises after a long period of rain or snow melt. The accumulated weight of water in the ground (8 pounds per gallon) forces water underneath the structure’s footing and up into the basement. The best solution for this type of problem is the installation of a Drain Tile System, where a sump pump is used to discharge the water. The drain tile (sometimes referred to as a French drain in other areas of the country) relieves the hydrostatic pressure by providing an easier path for the water to escape, thus eliminating the water’s pressure so that the seepage problem goes away. This problem can be addressed from either the interior or exterior of the structure.
Sump Pump Installation
If you live in the Los Angeles area and need to get a sump pump installed, look no further than My Foundation Repair. Our experienced crew of foundation repair specialists offers quality installation for your sump pump that guarantees long-term success.
We use only the finest equipment and materials so you can rest assured that your sump pump will be safe from water damage and deterioration over time. And with our competitive prices and attentive customer service, we guarantee you'll have a positive experience when working with us. Contact My Foundation Repair today!
WATERPROOFING CONTRACTORS IN LOS ANGELES
When it comes to choosing a basement waterproofing contractor, Los Angeles homeowners have a lot of options. However, not all contractors are created equal. To ensure that your basement is properly waterproofed, it is important to choose a contractor with experience and a proven track record.
A good place to start is by reviewing My Foundation Repair’s list of contractors in the Los Angeles area. Once you have a few names, be sure to research each contractor online and read customer reviews. You should also ask for evaluations from multiple contractors before making a decision. By taking the time to do your homework, you can be confident that you are choosing the right contractor for the job.
CAUSES OF WET BASEMENTS IN LOS ANGELES
Basements are notoriously prone to moisture, and a wet basement can be a serious problem. There are several possible causes of a wet basement in Los Angeles, including poor drainage, faulty gutters, and leaky plumbing.
Poor drainage is often the result of compacted soil around the foundation of the house. When the soil is compacted, it doesn't absorb water as well, causing it to pool around the foundation and seep into the basement.
Faulty gutters can also cause a wet basement because they allow rainwater to spill directly onto the ground next to the foundation instead of directing it away from the house.
Leaky plumbing is another common cause of basement moisture. If pipes are leaking, they can allow water to seep into the basement through cracks in the foundation or walls. If you have a wet basement, it's important to identify the cause so that you can take steps to fix it. Otherwise, you'll just be dealing with the symptom, not the problem.
FOUNDATION WATERPROOFING AND GRADING ISSUES
Sometimes a diagnosis will show water coming in over the top of the foundation or through the mortar joints between the bricks that sit atop the foundation wall. This problem happens as a result of the exterior grade being built up above the top of the foundation wall, either by soil or, possibly, by a previous construction of a driveway, a walk area, or a patio. This can be readily confirmed by running a garden hose on the ground beside the problem area. Warning: water will often enter the basement rather quickly, so it is recommended that you be ready to turn the water off quickly.
Unfortunately, lowering the grade is not usually a viable option in this situation. It is usually recommended that an Exterior Subsoil Membrane be applied to the lower graded portion of the wall when this problem is encountered. The solution only needs to cover the wall from the soil line down and then overlap the foundation by only about 6 inches. Foundation waterproofing membranes are also effective for waterproofing brick, stone, and other hard surface foundations.
