Spring Showers Ahead: Is Your Basement Ready?
With the Spring season comes a time of positivity, growth and more sunshine! This also means an increase in rainfall. As the earth thaws and rain saturates the ground, water can infiltrate into the smallest of cracks in a basement. So, for many homeowners, Springtime can also bring a tinge of anxiety.
Instead of wincing whenever a rainstorm occurs, why not take the steps to protect your basement from water so you can enjoy Spring again?
Why Spring Poses a Risk to Your Basement
The start of Spring, especially in Ohio, comes with snowmelt. This first sign of warmer weather results in an increase of groundwater in dry soil. Water can move through dry soil quicker, meaning that excess water can get inside the basement faster if there are no safeguards there. Gutters and downspouts may also get overwhelmed with the water and cause more water around the foundation.
In addition, as the Spring season moves along, rainfall and storms increase. Hydrostatic pressure against the foundation is a common occurrence during both snowmelt and rainfall because there is a force of excess water caused by saturated soil. Over time, the pressure against the home causes leaky walls, cracks and bowing.
Warning Signs of Water Intrusion
Knowing the warning signs of a leaky basement can help you know when to call a professional and prevent more damage. Here are the major symptoms of water infiltration:
Damp, Musty Odors
A consistently smelly basement that gives off a damp, stale and often earthy odor is a sign that mold is present. Even if you don’t physically see water, the odor is a hint that moisture is somewhere in the space.
Water Stains
Water stains can happen on both the walls and floors of a basement. They come in different colors, but you can look for brown, yellow or black stains. Water stains show that water has leaked, dried, and left mineral deposits.
Cracks in Walls or Floors
Although cracks are a normal occurrence in almost any home, you still should keep an eye on if they change or grow. During rainstorms, check if any of the cracks are leaking water or show signs of moisture.
Essential Waterproofing Solutions
If you notice signs of water in your basement, it can be unnerving, but Cleveland Basement Systems have affordable and durable waterproofing systems to solve these problems. Here are some essential waterproofing solutions to keep your basement dry:
Sump Pump
We offer the most reliable, durable sump pump on the market. The TripleSafe is equipped with three separate pumps that work under different conditions. The first 1/3 horsepower pump works most of the time and can handle 2,600 gallons of water per hour. The second1/2 HP pump starts up when there is an extra excess of water, usually during a heavy rainstorm. This second pump can handle 6,200 gallons of water per hour. The third pump is battery-operated and turns on automatically if power fails. TripleSafe allows homeowners to relax and be rest assured that their basement is staying dry.
Perimeter Drainage System
Cleveland Basement Systems uses a no-clog perimeter drainage system that correctly directs water into the sump pump. WaterGuard is a patented and proven product made of rugged plastic construction that won’t corrode or decay. WaterGuard is installed along the basement floor to capture water from the walls and floor along the joints. The drainage channel is hidden beneath a layer of concrete and, with this discrete design, you’ll hardly know it’s there!
Waterproof Wall System
CleanSpace is a Basement Systems patented product that provides an inexpensive way to waterproof basement walls. Made of 20mil thick white poly sheet material, CleanSpace acts as an effective vapor barrier. This antimicrobial wall covering forces any moisture to flow into the WaterGuard drainage system and prevents mold from growing. As a plus, the white, bright look of CleanSpace will make your basement look clean!
Let Cleveland Basement Systems help you enjoy this Spring season and all the rain that comes with it. Call us today to schedule a FREE in-home estimate!