Your St Louis Basement Waterproofing Experts
Water in your basement can lead to long-term foundation problems.
Water in your basement or crawl space can be a stressful and destructive problem, damaging any personal items, encouraging mold growth, or even causing issues that eventually require expensive structural repair. At Stratum Structural Systems, we provide prompt and trustworthy basement waterproofing in St. Louis with services to ensure your basement or crawl space is dry for years to come.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
Don’t settle for water problems in your basement. Call the Stratum team today!
Available Basement Waterproofing Methods
Methods of basement waterproofing can vary between contractors. Sometimes the waterproofing services may involve foundation repair, installation of a sump pit and pump, and possibly a drain system installation within the interior or exterior of the home, especially for those who experience exterior water issues. It’s typical for homeowners to feel confused about what they need, because a wide range of experience, quality and workmanship exists in the industry. Stratum is committed to eliminating uncertainty by implementing accepted engineering practices so we can repair your home and set your mind at ease. We offer the following basement waterproofing services:
- Sump Pump Installation
- Exterior Drain System Installation
- Yard Drainage Solutions
- Exterior Foundation Sealing
- Crack Repair
Stratum Structural Systems Can Help
If you’re dealing with a flooded, damp, or leaky basement, trust the pros at Stratum Structural Systems. We’ll repair your problem as simply and affordable as possible – and never sell you a product or service you don’t need. Call us today at (314)620-8153 or contact us online to schedule a home inspection and free quote.
Common Causes of Basement Water Problems
Hydrostatic Pressure
Hydrostatic pressure is a term used to describe a high or rising water table. In St. Louis, water tables can fluctuate dramatically depending on rainfall amounts, snowmelt and drought. If the water table rises enough, water can come up through cracks in the floor or around the perimeter at the floor and wall seam. Basement waterproofing – the installation of interior drainage systems and sump pumps – relieves the hydrostatic pressure and keeps water from entering the basement.
Exterior Water Issues
Exterior water issues include standing water in the yard, water coming in over top of the foundation, window wells filling up and downspouts dumping next to the foundation. Correcting the yard grade, installing French drains and extending downspouts are effective and simple solutions to these problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Three Types of Basement Waterproofing?
The three main types of basement waterproofing methods are: interior waterproofing, exterior waterproofing, and a combination of both. Interior waterproofing focuses on managing water that has already entered the basement and can involve installing a drainage system, such as a French drain, along the basement’s interior perimeter, as well as a sump pump to remove water regularly. This method is most effective in preventing water buildup and keeping moisture levels in control.
The goal of exterior waterproofing is to prevent water from even entering the basement in the first place. Typically, this involves excavating the soild around the foundation and applying waterproof coatings, membranes, and sealants to the exterior walls, creating a barrier against water infiltration.
Combining both interior and exterior waterproofing provides comprehensive protection and layered defense for a dry, well-protected basement. Which method you need or use will depend on factors such as the specific water issue, your budget, and the condition of the basement, and is ultimately best determined by a professional waterproofing company.
What Type of Waterproofing is Best for Basements?
The type of waterproofing you implement in your basement will truly depend on the issue and root cause. Those who deal with frequent water accumulation and seepage issues may benefit best from installing a drainage system and supplementing with a sump pump. If there’s an abundance of water infiltration from the surrounding soil, the home may require exterior waterproofing such as a waterproof coating, membrane, or sealant along the outside walls of the foundation. Other times, the issues can come from a combination of issues, requiring a more comprehensive approach using interior and exterior solutions. Finding the right solution for your basement requires consulting with a professional waterproofing contractor that can evaluate the concern and determine the best approach that will remedy the issue and fit within your budget.
What is the Best Product to Stop Water Leaks in a Basement?
As with any aspect of waterproofing, the best product is going to depend on the issue you’re trying to resolve, but there are several effective options to choose from. Hydraulic cement is designed to create a watertight seal and can be applied to cracks or gaps along the basement walls or floors. It offers excellent adhesive properties and expands to fill voids to effectively block water intrusion.
Waterproofing paint or coatings may also be used and applied directly to interior walls to form a barrier against moisture, preventing water from seeping through.
Sealants and caulks that are specifically designed for waterproofing may also be used to help seal smaller cracks and gaps.
Which product your basement requires will depend on the nature and severity of the water issue and specific characteristics of the basement. A professional waterproofing company can help you determine the best course of action that will prevent future issues and any worsening damage.
