Foundation Waterproofing Experts
Waterproofing Experts in Los Angeles and Southern California
Waterproofing protects your foundation from water damage, greatly enhancing your home's structural integrity. Many homes in Los Angeles need to be more amply safeguarded from water.
Water can enter through wall cracks and mortar joints, up through cracks in the floor, over the footing, under the footing, and by bleeding and sweating off the walls. The minerals carried in ground water degrade concrete and cause rebar to rust. Rusting rebar expands which breaks apart the surrounding concrete which compounds the structural compromise.
If you notice any of the following issues, you may have a water disturbance problem.
- Standing water in your basement or crawlspace
- Spalling or cracks in the foundation or walls
- Wet basement walls
- Efflorescence or mold
- Peeling paint
Solutions
Interior sealants
In poured concrete foundations, cracks, and pipe penetrations are the most common entry points for seepage. These openings can be sealed from the interior. Epoxies, which are strong adhesives or urethanes, can be pressure injected into the openings, thus penetrating the foundation to the exterior and cutting off the seepage path.
In masonry foundations, interior sealers will not provide permanent protection from water infiltration where hydrostatic pressure is present. However, interior sealers are good for preventing high atmospheric humidity inside the basement from absorbing into the porous masonry and causing spalling. Spalling is a condition where constant high humidity or moisture breaks down masonry surfaces, causing deterioration and shedding of the concrete surfaces.
Exterior waterproofing services
Waterproofing an existing basement begins with excavating the bottom sides of the footings. The dry walls are sealed with a waterproofing membrane, and new drainage tiles are placed at the side of the footing.
Causes of water seepage and leaks
Water seepage in basement and crawl spaces usually occurs over long periods and can be caused by numerous factors.
- Concrete is one of the most commonly used materials in home construction. When pockets of air are not removed, or the mixture is not allowed to cure properly, the concrete can crack, which allows water to force its way through the wall.
- Foundations (footings) are horizontal pads that define the perimeter of foundation walls. When footings are too narrow or are not laid deep enough, they are susceptible to movement caused by soil erosion.
- Gutters and downspouts are used to catch rainwater as it falls and to discharge it away from houses and buildings. When gutters are clogged, or downspouts are broken, rainwater is absorbed by the soil near the foundation, increasing hydrostatic pressure.
- Weeping tile is a porous plastic drain pipe installed around the house's perimeter. The primary purpose of external weeping tile is to prevent water from getting into a basement. However, these pipes can become clogged or damaged, which causes excess water to put pressure on internal walls and basement floors.
- After heavy rain or snow, water buildup inside window wells can lead to leaks through basement window seams. Window well covers can prevent water from accumulating in the window well.
- Ground saturation is another common form of basement leaks. When the footing drain fails, the ground around the basement can contain too much water, and flooding can occur when the saturation point is met.