Who's got experience with basement waterproofing? (1 Viewer)

[Galileo]

I have an issue with one wall in an unfinished area of my basement showing signs of moisture (efflorescence and dark coloration on floor).  Nothing to speak of on the upper part of the wall, only where the wall meets floor.  House is 27 yrs old...I've been in it almost 14 yrs.  Those signs have been showing for a while, but it seems to be subtly increasing recently.  I figure it is time to address it.  Anyone one have any experience with installing an interior system (drain/sump pump) post construction?   Any downside to be aware/cautious of?   I have had two companies come and take a look so far, both propose an interior approach.  But, of course, they propose what they specialize in.   I was originally thinking it would be better to tackle the job through excavation on the outside.  Obviously, that would come at a much greater cost.   Experiences?  Advice?

 

[ChiefD]

I have an issue with one wall in an unfinished area of my basement showing signs of moisture (efflorescence and dark coloration on floor).  Nothing to speak of on the upper part of the wall, only where the wall meets floor.  House is 27 yrs old...I've been in it almost 14 yrs.  Those signs have been showing for a while, but it seems to be subtly increasing recently.  I figure it is time to address it.  Anyone one have any experience with installing an interior system (drain/sump pump) post construction?   Any downside to be aware/cautious of?   I have had two companies come and take a look so far, both propose an interior approach.  But, of course, they propose what they specialize in.   I was originally thinking it would be better to tackle the job through excavation on the outside.  Obviously, that would come at a much greater cost.   Experiences?  Advice?

How is your grading and gutter downspouts in that area?

 

[Dan Lambskin]

I got hit with some small leaks before and had them put in an interior drain channel along the wall.  It was the cheap fix and has worked so far

 

[Galileo]

How is your grading and gutter downspouts in that area?

To the best of my knowledge, the downspouts seem to be functioning as they should.  Grading is a bit questionable.  Visually it looks OK, may be a little too flat, but it doesn't roll toward the house.   I have not measured specifically.   There is a flower bed along the affected wall that extends out about 6-7 feet from the house with a 2 block high decorative stone border.  So it is possible the existence of the bed could be a factor, but it has been there for 13 years.   The AC unit is located there as well.

 

[Galileo]

I got hit with some small leaks before and had them put in an interior drain channel along the wall.  It was the cheap fix and has worked so far

When you say "worked so far", how long are we talking?  

 

[ChiefD]

To the best of my knowledge, the downspouts seem to be functioning as they should.  Grading is a bit questionable.  Visually it looks OK, may be a little too flat, but it doesn't roll toward the house.   I have not measured specifically.   There is a flower bed along the affected wall that extends out about 6-7 feet from the house with a 2 block high decorative stone border.  So it is possible the existence of the bed could be a factor, but it has been there for 13 years.   The AC unit is located there as well.

Do your downspouts end at the corner of the house or do you have extenders on them? 

 

[Galileo]

Do your downspouts end at the corner of the house or do you have extenders on them? 

They go below ground and, I assume, tie into the city storm sewers.  

 

[Dan Lambskin]

When you say "worked so far", how long are we talking?  

3-5 years or so.  Did get one leak after but it was a torrential rain that day.  I think it poked through a previous weak spot.  Patched with some hydraulic cement and been fine

So basically I still have Water coming in from the outside but it's draining instead of pooling in my walls

 

[Galileo]

3-5 years or so.  Did get one leak after but it was a torrential rain that day.  I think it poked through a previous weak spot.  Patched with some hydraulic cement and been fine

So basically I still have Water coming in from the outside but it's draining instead of pooling in my walls

Right.  Exterior work = stop water from entering.  Interior work = control and pump out water that enters.   In my case, there is no evidence of water coming through the walls themselves.  It appears to be more of an issue of the water table rising up with the "weak spot" being where floor meets wall.