Basement Waterproofing | Racine

Why is basement waterproofing important? 

Wisconsin weather means a lot of moisture enters the ground surrounding our homes in the form of rain and snowmelt. Moisture in the ground around a home causes the soil to expand, exerting pressure on our foundations and basement walls. This pressure can cause cracks, buckling, and even foundation upheaval, giving water plenty of opportunity to enter your basement. 

The biggest danger to basement moisture is that it can lead to mold and mildew, which can be hazardous to one’s health. This is why basement waterproofing and foundation repair services are so important: basement moisture is never a good thing and the problems that lead to it only get worse over time. 

If you’ve never considered how secure your basement is against moisture, or if you’ve already noticed standing water or condensation in your basement, give the experts at Zablocki Waterproofing a call today. 

What is exterior waterproofing? 

The term “exterior waterproofing” encompasses a number of strategies meant to keep water out of your basement. 

Protecting your basement from moisture starts with landscaping, Ensuring the soil around the perimeter of your home slopes away ensures water will drain away from your home rather than pooling around it. Another strategy you can maintain yourself is ensuring your gutters and downspouts are working well and directing water away from your home. 

At Zablocki Waterproofing, we can help you install what is called a “drain tile system.” This is a very effective method of exterior waterproofing. Basically, a drain tile system surrounds the perimeter of your home, capturing water trying to enter your basement, rerouting it to your sump pump, which then pumps it out and away from your home. In partnership with other basement waterproofing strategies, a drain tile system can be extremely effective in the fight against moisture. Give Zablocki Waterproofing a call today to get started. 

What is interior waterproofing? 

No matter how hard you try to keep water out of your basement, there is still a chance it will sneak in, meaning you want to have interior waterproofing strategies in place. The point of interior waterproofing is to ensure that any moisture entering your basement is collected and rerouted back outside. 

One of the most effective interior waterproofing strategies is a sump pump system. In addition to collecting groundwater that collects in an interior drain tile system, the sump pump can also collect interior basement moisture, pumping it back out and away from the home. 

Other interior waterproofing strategies include installing vapor barriers in the interior of basement walls, repairing any cracks that appear in basement walls or floors, and making sure to keep the basement as ventilated as possible using fans, dehumidifiers, etc. 

Does my home need both interior and exterior waterproofing? 

It may seem like we are biased but, having seen the toll that basement moisture can take on a home and the people in it, we can answer this question with a confident YES. A combination of exterior and interior basement waterproofing strategies will offer that much more protection against moisture, making it less likely that you’ll have to deal with expensive repairs down the road. 

What’s so bad about basement moisture?

When compared to, say, a flood, a little bit of water in your basement may not seem like a big deal. However, a little water in the basement means more is coming and can lead to serious damage. Basement moisture can not only ruin drywall, carpet, and any belongings you have stored, but can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. While some people don’t seem to have a negative reaction to mold, it can be very dangerous for others. As soon as you notice even a little bit of moisture, it’s time to bring in a professional and get it taken care of. By reacting quickly, you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches down the road. 

What can I do to keep my basement dry? 

Make sure that you clean out your gutters and downspouts twice a year to ensure they can do their job. Keep an eye out for cracks or holes in or around your basement and, if you see them, bring in a professional to patch them up. Keep your basement well ventilated using fans and a dehumidifier and, if you notice basement moisture, call in professionals like Zablocki Waterproofing right away. 

Looking for expert basement waterproofing services in Racine and surrounding communities? At Zablocki, we have more than 30 years of experience keeping local homes safe and dry. Give us a call today to get started.