While waterproofing might not feature on the cover of your favorite home renovation magazine anytime soon, it’s critical for preserving the integrity and safety of your home. Neglecting foundation waterproofing can mean watching your home succumb to the very ground it stands on. But when is the right time to consider foundation waterproofing? Why is it a critical investment for every homeowner? And most importantly, how can you effectively waterproof your foundation? Keep reading to receive the answers to these questions and more.

What is waterproofing?

Waterproofing is a protective measure, or series of measures, implemented to keep water from damaging a building. It involves applying specific techniques and materials to stop water or moisture from penetrating the foundation walls, which are often in direct contact with the ground, and to channel moisture that does penetrate into drainage systems that discharge the water safely away from the foundation

What are common waterproofing methods?

Waterproofing can be applied during a building’s construction and can also be installed to protect an existing structure. This process might involve some, or all, of the following techniques:

• Moisture barriers. Waterproofing moisture barriers can be applied to a foundation’s interior or exterior. At Tomlinson Cannon, our preferred moisture barrier is Flexi-Seal, which will provide a moisture and vapor barrier on interior walls and floors where it is applied.
• External drainage systems. Drainage systems help manage water flow by intercepting and transporting excess water away from a building. Popular drainage systems include French Drains, Curtain Drains, and buried downspouts.
• Sealants and polyurethane foam injections. These substances are used to seal cracks and gaps in the foundation walls that may allow water to enter the structure.
• Internal drainage systems. Installed on the interior of the home at the face of the foundation’s footing n, these systems collect water and channel it into a sump pump, which then safely discharges it away from the home’s foundation. This approach is guaranteed to keep your home dry for years to come.

How can water damage a foundation?

Water damage can be a formidable enemy, causing problems ranging from minor annoyances, to significant structural damage that place health and safety at risk. The damage that is incurred will usually depend on the materials that have been affected. Common types of water damage include:

• Damage caused by the freeze-thaw cycle. Many foundation materials, like concrete, are porous, and will absorb water if improperly sealed. When the water freezes, the material expands slightly. This increased pressure can cause cracks, scaling (flaking or peeling of the top layer of material) or spalling (the breaking away of larger, deeper chunks of material.)
• Damage from hydrostatic pressure. When the soil around a foundation becomes saturated with water, it exerts a type of pressure on the foundation walls, called “hydrostatic pressure.” This pressure can cause cracks and bowing, and can also force water through the cracks and into the structure.
• Soil erosion and resulting instability. When soil is washed away by rain, runoff, or poor drainage, it creates voids and uneven settling that can lead to foundation cracks, shifts, and structural damage. This instability also increases the risk of water infiltration, making effective waterproofing critical to prevent moisture from seeping into the foundation.
• Rust and corrosion. Many foundations, especially concrete foundations, use metal components like iron and steel as reinforcement. These metal components can rust or corrode in the presence of water and oxygen, in a reaction called “oxidation.” Over time, the loss of metal mass can cause structural instability.
• Rot, mold, and illness. When water seeps into wood, it creates the perfect environment for decay fungi, which can lead to rot. This not only compromises the strength of your foundation, but also invites mold, which can trigger respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems.

What are the long-term consequences of water damage?

It’s important to regularly inspect your home for signs of foundational water damage, and to treat it as soon as you identify it. Otherwise, you may experience one or more of the following issues:

• Physical danger from your surroundings. Cracks in walls can eventually cause them to bow, buckle, or collapse. Floors can become uneven, sag, or sink, creating higher risk for accidents and falls. And, again, mold and fungi can cause health problems for those living in the home.
• Hazardous internal building systems. Water damage can eventually affect appliances and electrical systems, which can lead to electrocution or electrical fires. Cracked foundations can also lead to misaligned plumbing pipes, increasing the risk of leaks and bursts. 
• Drafts and higher utility bills. Cracks and gaps caused by water damage can allow heat to escape and cold to enter, leading to higher heating and cooling bills. Misaligned doors and windows may also cause drafts, and become more difficult to open or close.
• Insects and rodents. Foundation cracks can also allow pests like rodents, insects, and termites to enter, carrying potential health hazards and causing further property damage.

It almost goes without saying that any one of these issues—or all of them—will significantly lower your home’s value, and will be very expensive to repair! Therefore, it’s essential for homeowners to regularly inspect for signs of water damage, and to address them as soon as they begin to emerge. Otherwise, what might start out as a minor, inexpensive repair could escalate into major structural work which costs tens of thousands of dollars.

How to spot signs of water damage

Both the inside and outside of your home can display evidence of water damage. Key indicators to look for include:

Interior signs

• Cracks in basement walls and floors.Cracks can also appear in interior walls, especially near doors and windows, and in tile or concrete slabs on the first floor.
• Dampness, mold, or musty odors.A persistent musty smell, visible mold or mildew growth, or general increased humidity can be clear signs of moisture intrusion.
• Sticking doors and windows.If these become difficult to open, close, or latch, it could indicate foundation movement affecting the alignment of your home.
• Uneven or sagging floors.Noticeable dips, slopes, or sagging areas in your floors can signal foundation settling or shifting caused by water damage.

Peeling paint or discoloration. Water seepage can cause paint to peel or leave mineral stains (efflorescence) on basement walls. 

Exterior signs

• Cracks in the exposed foundation. Hydrostatic pressure from saturated soil can cause visible cracks to develop in the exterior of your foundation walls.
• Pooling water around the foundation/windows.Water accumulating near your foundation or window wells after rain indicates poor drainage, which is a common cause of water damage.
• Erosion or uneven soil. Erosion around the foundation, or soil that has shrunk or expanded significantly, can lead to foundation settlement.
• Bowing or leaning walls. Significant pressure from saturated soil can cause foundation walls to bow or lean inwards, often accompanied by horizontal cracks.

Stay Dry with Tomlinson Cannon’s Basement Drain Tile System

If you suspect that your foundation has been damaged by water, just call the team of experts at Tomlinson Cannon. The solutions we implement will depend on the nature, location, and size of the damage. If we determine that your damage has been caused by hydrostatic pressure, we can implement our Basement Drain Tile System to help protect your basement and your home. This system directs water to a sump pump system which efficiently pumps excess water away from your home. To see a video and more detailed explanation, please visit our basement waterproofing service page. Our convenient video provides a comprehensive overview of the process.

Need Basement Waterproofing in Eastern Iowa? Call Us Today!

Tomlinson Cannon has provided basement waterproofing in Eastern Iowa since 1948. We have continued to adapt to the latest technologies and solutions every step of the way. One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is our commitment to providing Eastern Iowans with the best products, workmanship, and service in the industry. If you have noticed movement or signs of water in your basement, our team will provide a free assessment and recommend an expert solution. Our basement waterproofing services come with a one-time transferable lifetime guarantee, meaning you can rest assured that your home will rest on a firm, dry foundation for years to come.