Frequently Asked Questions: Expert answers about basement waterproofing, crawl space moisture control, and foundation repairs.
At Best Buy Waterproofing, we regularly receive questions from homeowners about their basements. Below are the most common questions we encounter.
Q: What causes basement leaks?
A: Water accumulates around your home’s foundation and penetrates through walls and floors. The primary cause is typically failing or clogged exterior drain tiles, usually due to soil settlement or improper installation around your home’s foundation.
Q: What creates that musty basement odor?
A: Moisture and high humidity levels cause this smell. These conditions create an ideal environment for mold growth, which can trigger respiratory problems, asthma attacks, and allergic reactions.
Q: Why do I see stains on my basement walls?
A: Wall stains indicate either moisture presence or efflorescence (a whitish, acidic residue). Efflorescence occurs when water accumulates outside your basement walls and seeps through the concrete blocks.
Q: Can I resolve water issues myself?
A: Some basic steps like cleaning gutters and ensuring proper soil grading away from your foundation may help. If these don’t solve the problem, contact Best Buy Waterproofing.
Q: I've heard exterior waterproofing prevents water from reaching the basement. Should I consider this?
A: Exterior waterproofing often proves unnecessary and expensive. Underground pipes eventually clog and crack since they remain exposed to the same conditions causing your water problems. Soil naturally settles over time, leading to pipe damage and blockages.
Q: What warranty coverage do you provide?
A: We offer a lifetime transferable warranty on waterproofing services. Foundation repair warranties vary by project type. Rest assured, we provide the industry’s strongest warranties at no additional cost. We believe your peace of mind shouldn’t come with extra charges.
Q: Will these improvements increase my home's value?
A: Definitely! This will not only enhance the value of the house, but the home value will also increase by more than the cost to fix it.