As the basement of a home is usually the lowest point, if water is to get into the home the most common entry point is through the basement walls and foundation. Once moisture finds its way into the basement of your home there are a number of detrimental effects which include the formation of mold, damage and destruction to things stored in the basement, damage to the walls and foundation and it may even reduce the potential resale value of your home. If the current system of basement waterproofing in Allentown area is not effective then most homeowners will hire a professional waterproofing contractor to correct the problem. There are a number of options that a professional contractor can choose which include French drains, tanking or the installation of exterior sump pumps.
In areas where very heavy rain is expected perhaps the most popular and common form of exterior basement waterproofing is a French drain, often called an exterior fountain drain. This system employs a metal draining device which is installed in reasonably close proximity to the foundation of the building; this drain in turn is connected to a pipe or pipes that feed the water towards an in-ground draining system. French drains have been proven to be very effective in draining water away from the foundations before it can get close enough to enter the basement but they must be well maintained to work effectively. It is important that any debris be removed from the drain device otherwise a clog will occur rending the drain inoperative. French drains can be installed anywhere in the vicinity of the building, ensuring that moisture and water are kept at bay.
Another common approach to basement waterproofing in Allentown is a process called “tanking.” This involves applying a water proof substance to the exterior basement walls and the foundation. This technique is normally done while the house is under construction, it can be done after construction but it does entail considerable work around the basement walls which will most certainly have a negative effect on any garden that surrounds the house. The material that is employed creates a waterproof barrier between the soil that surrounds the basement walls and the material that is used to make the wall; concrete or masonry.
Although a sump pump is installed in the floor of the basement, it too is a recognized method of waterproofing exterior walls. As well as the sump pump, a thin membrane is applied to the interior walls and basement floor which traps moisture before it can get into the basement; it moves the water to the sump hole where it is pumped out to the exterior drain system.
