Basements can be a great area for future renovations, but making use of that space may not always be an easy task. Most property owners whose buildings have a basement will tell you that moisture can be a serious concern because it quickly destroys finish materials. Basement Leaks in Baltimore can occur in several areas, but the primary cause is excessive water in the soil surrounding the home. This in itself can have multiple causes such as a high water table, poor drainage around the building or faulty gutters that saturate one area more than another.
One of the best ways for keeping that basement dry has been in use for decades. It is frequently called a French drain, but a few contractors have improved the system, so it is more functional and more reliable. The technique begins with a series of trenches placed around the exterior walls. Each trench will have a small angle so that they can channel the water into a sump. Sumps are small holding areas where a pump is installed that moves the accumulated liquid outdoors. This is important because connecting the pump to the sewer system could cause major issues during severe storms. Keep in mind that the drainage from the sump will need to be diverted away from the building.
The size of the basement is another important aspect when considering Basement Leaks in Baltimore. In the case of a large basement, the contractor may need to install two or more sumps. This becomes necessary because the longer the trench will need to be, the more difficult it becomes to line them up properly. Additional sumps allow the contractor to keep the trenches as shallow as possible and still channel the moisture from two or three walls to the same sump.
Another useful item for basement moisture control is protective wall coverings. Water resistant liners can trap the moisture between them and the wall and provide a surface for the water to follow to the floor. Complete moisture control like this can turn that old basement into a usable space. It will also aid in the prevention of other problems such as mold growth, termites, and wood rot. Get more information about this issue from experts like those at Armored Basement Waterproofing LLC.
