Basement Wall Leak Repair in the Omaha Area

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Basement wall leaks are a cause for concern for any home owner, especially those with finished basements. It doesn't matter if it is big or small, basement wall leaks can damage carpets and drywall. Even in unfinished basements, anything stored on the floor can become water-logged. And then you have ever-present threat of mold and mildew that water in a basement brings. If water problems aren't dealt with, they can also cause the cracks that they are entering through to expand.

Regardless, however, it is a problem that you want to get fixed by a professional who can choose the right solution to fit your home and your leak, not some one-size-fits-all approach that might not, actually, fit your home.

What Causes Basement Wall Leaks

Basement wall leaks require three things:

1. A crack on the outside of the wall that lets water into the wall
2. A crack on the inside of the wall that lets the water in the wall enter your basement
3. Water

There are many things that can cause cracks on the interior and exterior of basement walls. Anything from foundation settlement to concrete shrinkage could be to blame.

Often, however, the problem is the water itself. Either the freeze-thaw cycle or other hydrostatic pressure from within the soil can press against exert enough force on the basement wall to cause cracks to form. This impacts all types of foundation walls from stone to concrete blocks to poured concrete.

In the case of water, poor drainage might be to blame. If excess water is pool near your foundation, it increases the odds that some of it will force its way into your basement.

How to Find a Basement Wall Leak

Finding basement wall leaks is the first step in getting your leaks repaired. These are a few of the things to look for to find basement wall leaks:

• Cracks will most likely form either at the top or the bottom of the walls. Sometimes the cracks are obvious and other times they are small and difficult to find. Use a flashlight to provide light to help find wall cracks.
• Look for a white-hued deposit in any area of your walls. This deposit, called efflorescence, is a deposit of mineral salt that is left behind when water evaporates. The efflorescence itself is harmless, but it is a clear sign of water problems.
• Look for paint that has peeled or bubbling.
• Look for spots on your basement wall, ceiling, or floor that have accumulated mold or mildew.
• Look for any lifted floor tiles or rust around metal appliances.

If you notice any wall leaks in your Iowa or Nebraska home or business, contact Jerry's Waterproofing for a free estimate.

The Leak Has Been Located; Now What?

If you have a basement wall leak, Jerry's Waterproofing offers several basement waterproofing solutions such as:

• Exterior drainage systems such as French drains
• Exterior waterproofing membranes
• Interior drainage channel complete with sump pump

Interior drainage channels are installed underneath the slab floor and wall of your basement. Weep holes are installed in the walls so the path of least resistance for the water in the walls is to drain out the bottom, not through small cracks in the surface. The drainage channel then directs the water to a sump basin which then triggers the sump pump to activate, draining the collected moisture out of the basement.

A French drain system uses drain tiles with perforations or holes to allow water to flow through. Gravel is placed around the drain tiles to allow for better drainage. Geotextile fabrics are inserted onto the gravel to enhance the filtration process.

The basement waterproofing products that we use are manufactured by Earth Contact Products, the very best waterproofing products made in the industry.

Needing to Find a Contractor Near You to Repair Basement Wall Leaks in the Omaha and Lincoln Areas? Contact Jerry's

If you have basement wall leaks or any other basement waterproofing need, contact the professionals at Jerry's Waterproofing. We have the experience and products to get your basement dry and keep it that way for years to come. Contact us today.