Water leaks and seepage from basement walls can cause a lot of damage to your home. Luckily, it’s possible to repair basement problems before they become too severe. If you need help from professionals, you can contact Handyman Naperville IL.

A foundation leak is often caused by a non-structural crack in a poured concrete wall. It can be repaired with a polyurethane sealant that fills the crack and stays flexible when it cures.

Interior drainage is a crucial part of basement repair. It helps reduce hydrostatic pressure, the most common cause of water damage in basements.

There are a few types of drains that you can install to protect your basement from excess moisture, including exterior drain tile, french drains and drain pipes. These are the most cost-effective solutions for protecting your basement from water damage.

A drain tile system that sits below the floor and is connected to a sump pump can be an excellent solution to preventing flooding. It works by directing groundwater away from your foundation, which relieves the hydrostatic pressure that is pushing against your home’s base.

However, these systems are not foolproof and can have problems. The best way to find out if your system is in need of repair is to schedule an inspection with a local basement waterproofing professional.

If you have a French drain or exterior drain tile installed, it is important to regularly clean the drains to keep them working properly. Besides removing dirt and debris, cleaning your drains will also prevent sediment buildup in the system that can block the drain.

Sediment can also form in the discharge pipe of a sump pump that is connected to your drain. This can clog the discharge line, causing your system to unable to eject water from your basement.

Soil settlement, which occurs as the basement foundation shifts over time, can alter the flow of water and prevent your drain from directing it. This can cause puddles to form and stay in place, and it can lead to deterioration of the foundation walls.

It is a good idea to have your basement waterproofing contractor perform a drain tile test as a preemptive measure. This will help you determine if you need to replace any of the tiles in your system.

Another reason to have a professional do your drain tile inspection is because they can easily snake the system to clear out obstructions like tree roots or dirt that may have gotten inside. This is especially important if you have a sump pump that is attached to the drain.

Exterior coatings are one of the most common methods used for basement repair, and there are many different options. Some of them are more affordable than others, but they all have their benefits.

In the past, tar coating has been one of the most common ways to protect basement walls from moisture. This bituminous compound is applied to the outside of the foundation wall and topped with a drainage pipe that prevents water from entering the basement.

However, if you use this method, make sure it’s done properly. It is important to clean your foundation wall before tar is applied, and it’s also a good idea to use latex primer to ensure that the tar adheres well on your walls.

Other exterior waterproofing techniques involve installing a membrane and drainage panels on the foundation walls. These systems are designed to divert water away from the home, and they often require excavating around the exterior.

Interior coatings: A vapor barrier is another option, which is a plastic sheet that keeps moisture on the outside instead of letting it in. These types of materials are very inexpensive to install, and they also work on the inside of the basement walls as well.

Paint: Painting the walls and floor of your basement is another simple but effective way to waterproof it. These paints are typically acrylic-based and are easy to apply.

The cost of basement waterproofing depends on a number of factors, including the size of your basement and its layout. The amount of material and labor required will also play a role.

Connie Charles