Basement waterproofing and crawl space repair in

Tanking: A Solution to Wet Basement Problems

Mon, March 26 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Tanking has a long history as a moisture control technique in damp cellars. The prevalence of this practice is easy to understand. Early stone foundations were often laid up with little or no mortar to fill and seal gaps between stones. Builders and the property owners who hired them expected these foundations to leak. When modern, cement-based mortars became available, the possibility of covering a rough, uneven stone foundation with a layer of mortar caught on quickly. Tanking yields a smooth, seamless wall surface that improves the appearance of a basement while also providing better moisture control.

Basement Waterproofing Demands the Best Damp Proofing Technology

Cementitious tanking and membrane-based tanking systems work on the premise that a thin protective layer applied to the inside face of a damp basement wall can stop all moisture penetration. In practice, this is true some of the time, but not all the time.

The trouble with tanking and membrane-based waterproofing systems is that by holding back water in the soil surrounding a foundation, hydrostatic (water) pressure increases to maximum levels. Because masonry can’t stretch under pressure, it eventually cracks. Cracks + high water pressure = leaks into the basement. With high water pressure, even small leaks can admit a large amount of water into your basement.

Perimeter Drains Provide Failsafe Protection in a Basement Waterproofing System

At Basement Systems UK, we recommend that homeowners protect themselves from wet basement or wet cellar problems with our patented WaterGuard system. WaterGuard creates a concealed drainage channel around the perimeter of the basement floor that directs all unwanted basement water to a sump pump, where it can be discharged to the exterior. Made from strong, durable plastic that won’t corrode, clog or break, this specially designed drainage system captures any water that leaks through the walls, and all water threatening to leak through the critical junction between walls and the floor slab.

Basement Systems GB specializes in basement waterproofing in London and other surrounding areas. Visit them online for a free basement waterproofing estimate in Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, and other neighboring cities.

Disadvantages of Using Fibreglass Insulation in a Cellar

Mon, March 26 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Why do people use fibreglass?

Fibreglass insulation is extremely popular with the DIY market for several reasons. Firstly, it’s readily available at all large home improvement stores; secondly, it’s cheap; and thirdly, it’s a lightweight material that’s easy to work with and simple to remove and replace. Whilst it’s a great choice for insulating your roof, it’s not such a smart option for basements and cellars. Here’s why:

Disadvantages of Fibreglass

1. Ruined by water and moisture

Much like a sponge, fibreglass absorbs water and humidity. As a result, it can become saturated with moisture via basement flooding, water leaking through walls, or simply from the high humidity levels that occur in this below-grade space.

2. Sagging and falling down

Wet fibreglass loses nearly all of its insulating value. Adding moisture to fibreglass transforms a light, fluffy material into a heavy material that sags, compresses and often falls out of place. Fibreglass batt insulation installed between ceiling joists in a cellar or basement often ends up on the floor if it gets wet.

3. Supports mould growth

It’s not rocket science to figure out that before too long, wet fibreglass is going to encourage mould and mildew growth, which is very bad news for your health. Mold growth that originates in fibreglass insulation can eventually lead to wood rot in nearby structural lumber, which can threaten the building’s structural integrity.

4. Air circulation

Fibreglass insulation can’t stop air circulation. So the insulation does nothing to stop air leaks that occur around cellar windows and around the perimeter of the cellar or basement. Fibreglass insulation does nothing to stop cold, damp air from leaking into the basement and up into the living space above.

5. Compression and settling

Over time, fibreglass insulation can settle and/or compress. This significantly reduces its insulating effectiveness (referred to as ‘R-value,’ for Resistance to heat transfer) . In older fibreglass insulation, the R-value will drop as the insulation settles or compacts. Whether installed in wood-framed walls or between joists, fibreglass batts compress easily and are prone to falling out of place. This not only creates a mess; it also renders the insulation all but useless.

6. Loose fibres

Be warned: fibres can loosen and float around, making them really uncomfortable to work with. If you do attempt to work with fibreglass, always wear long sleeves, eye protection, and a hat and gloves to keep the fibres off your skin and nowhere near your lungs.

7. Excellent pest habitat.

Mice, rodents and insects find fibreglass insulation to provide an excellent habitat. Mice find the material’s light, fluffy texture to be ideal for nests. Anyone who has removed old fibreglass insulation from a basement, crawl space or cellar will be able to confirm how much rodents like this material.

8. Environmental impact

Although fibreglass insulation saves energy post-installation, the manufacturing process isn’t terribly green. It takes around three times as much energy to produce fibreglass as it takes to manufacture cellulose insulation.

Basement Systems GB specializes in basement insulation in Bristol and other surrounding areas. Visit them online for a free basement waterproofing estimate in Birmingham, Manchester, London, and other neighboring cities.

Why Fix Your Basement?

Mon, March 26 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Let’s face it - repairing a basement isn’t the most enjoyable task for homeowners to undertake. It tends to be a gloomy, damp and smelly task. However, it really is worth facing up to the problem and getting it sorted. There’s a lot of gain to be had for a little bit of pain. Not convinced? Then read on.

Reclaim some space

Potentially, your basement could provide you with an entire floor of usable space. The conversion opportunities are boundless; you could treat yourself to a new lounge or bedroom, a playroom for the kids, a home office, or some guest accommodation.

Add value to your home

Many potential house buyers will run a mile from a property that’s got a damp basement, so if you want to sell, get it fixed. The brave (or crazy) souls who are prepared take on a house with a damp basement will expect a discount of at least 10% off the asking price. So, why don’t you just get the job done now and enjoy a dry basement for the remaining years that you own the house, and also avoid a last-minute panic when you do decide to sell? Experts suggest that refurbishing a basement can offer a greater return on your investment than adding a bathroom or home office, replacing a roof, or building a sun room. Best of all, it only costs half as much as a typical extension.

Make your living space healthier

A humid basement facilitates the growth of mould, rot, mildew and dust mites. Since the air in your home moves naturally upwards, allergens from these organisms rise up into your home, causing runny noses, headaches, breathing problems, asthma and allergic reactions. Mould, rot and dust mites need three things to survive - warmth, food and moisture. Homes will always be warm enough for them to thrive and will always provide organic material for them to eat. But you can do something about the moisture - waterproof and de-humidify the basement to below 60% RH (Relative Humidity).

Prevent future expenses

If ignored, basement flooding will inflict damage on pretty much everything you’ve stored in your basement, including all the furniture, electronics and documents. It will destroy dry wall, rot studs, wreck carpets and cause wood to swell and buckle. Since fibreglass soaks up water like a sponge, it’ll all need ripping out. Damp also creates rust, which will spread over your appliances, utilities, tools and hardware. And don’t forget the mould, which spreads upwards, leading to potentially serious damage throughout your house. To prevent expensive remedial action in the future, get it fixed now.

Transferable warranties

If you get the professionals in (and we strongly suggest that you do), they can provide you with a lifetime warranty that can be transferred to whomever you sell the house to.

Avoid stress

It’s well documented that basement water damage and flooding are hugely stressful events for homeowners. The aftermath of this type of disruption can cause long-term stress as well as a financial burden, so don’t leave it to chance - get your basement repaired by the professionals.

Basement Systems GB specializes in basement waterproofing in Birmingham and other surrounding areas. Visit them online for a free basement waterproofing estimate in Bristol, Manchester, London, and other neighboring cities.

Beware of Cellar Leaks in These 6 Spots

Mon, March 26 2012, 00:00:00 -500

If there’s a leak in your cellar, the most important thing to do is identify exactly where it’s coming from so you can rectify the problem as quickly as possible. Do your homework in advance and you’ll know what to look out for. Here’s a run-down of the most common ways that water makes its way in - but remember that it might be entering from multiple places:

Wall-floor joints

Even in supposedly waterproof concrete structures, leaks can occur at construction joints. They’re the weakest point for hydrostatic pressure (when moisture-logged soil expands and the weight of the water presses on foundations). These joints are often the cause of more severe cellar floods.

Wall cracks

There are four key ways in which water can make its way through cellar walls:

Via cracks in concrete walls
Around badly-sealed pipe penetrations
Through gaps in the grout within stone walls
Seepage through concrete walls

Plumbing leaks

The humble washing machine pipe can cause havoc unless treated with respect. They’re designed to be turned off when your machine isn’t being used. If you’ve got old-fashioned rubber hoses and you don’t turn them off you're putting your home at risk of a sizeable flood. Be warned - if a hose bursts, up to 650 gallons of water can escape. Such floods shouldn’t be underestimated; it’s not unknown for water to rise up as far as your windows.

Doors

Homeowners frequently report that water is entering their home from the outside via their cellar door. It can also get in through a walk-in cellar door or garage door entrance.

Floor cracks

When your cellar was built, hard-packed soils were excavated that had been there for many years. Post-construction, some of that soil is poured back in to fill the gap below the floor and around the foundation walls. This soil is lighter and more porous than the undisturbed soil around it. Since water absorbs more effectively in these ‘fluffy’ soils, a "clay bowl effect" is created whereby water pools around your home. It will try to enter your cellar wherever it can, so if your floors have cracks, you’re welcoming it in with open arms.

Windows

Cellar windows are prone to flooding since they can corrode and water then pools outside. If your cellar window wells are clogged up with snow, ice, or water, this will significantly worsen the problem.

Basement Systems GB specializes in cellar waterproofing in Manchester and other surrounding areas. Visit them online for a free basement waterproofing estimate in Bristol, Birmingham, London, and other neighboring cities.

Damp Proof Membrane

Mon, February 6 2012, 00:00:00 -500

All modern British buildings have a damp proof course (DPC). In buildings that are less than 30 years old, this consists of a damp proof membrane (DPM), which is an impermeable layer of material (normally a high-density polyethylene) that’s laid in the bedding joint between two courses of bricks. Its function is to prevent moisture in the earth from rising up through the brickwork via capillary action (‘rising damp’), which can leave walls damp.

Why do you need it?

Not only can the absence of a DPM lead to severe damp problems; it can also result in mould and poor indoor air quality, which is problematic for those with respiratory conditions. Surface mould can cause wood rot that will eventually threaten a building’s structural integrity. Wood-boring insects are massive fans of damp basements and they can significantly weaken floor joists and beams.

Types of damp proof membranes

Membranes are vertical or horizontal, depending on how the moisture is spreading. Categories and names of DPMs will vary amongst manufacturers, but they’re generally used in these ways:

Flooring membranes to prevent moisture from rising through the ground (horizontal)
Damp proof course to prevent rising damp between layers of brickwork (horizontal)
Tanking membranes to prevent water from penetrating walls below ground (vertical)
Meshed membranes to treat walls already affected by damp (vertical)

How do damp proof membranes work?

Most DPMs are made out of high-density polyethylene which is waterproof, resilient and unlikely to corrode. Membranes designed for floors and walls usually have a ‘studded’ feel which elevates the sheet slightly away from the source of water. This lets water flow across the membrane in order to drain, helping to avoid pressure build-up in any part of the wall. DPMs for remedial work are generally purchased in a mesh form which can be plastered over. This damp-proofing strategy lets the affected area breathe and dry out once the moisture source has been blocked.

Risks

Traditional membrane-based waterproofing systems can be risky due to the threat of pressure build-up, which has the potential to cause a major leak. Here’s the science bit: by containing water in the soil surrounding foundations, membrane treatments cause hydrostatic (water) pressure to significantly increase. Since masonry can’t bend or stretch under pressure in the same way as wood, it cracks in response to this pressure. When combined with high water pressure, the cracks cause leaks in the membrane. It only takes a few tiny leaks in a membrane or coat of paint to release a large volume of water into a basement. There can also be issues with the consistency of rolls of membrane which can contribute to the development of weak spots.

Do make sure that you also get quotes from companies that take a different approach to traditional damp proofing treatments before making any decisions.

Basement Systems GB specializes in damp proofing in Oxford and other surrouding ares. Visit them online for a free basement waterproofing estimate.

How To Prevent Water Damage

Mon, February 6 2012, 00:00:00 -500

At some stage in our lives, most of us will be faced with the unenviable task of dealing with some form of water damage in our homes. Water damage is one of the most common homeowner's insurance claims in the country, so underestimate its destructive power at your peril. Whether inflicted in one big hit via flooding or by a gradual drip, drip problem, water damage can lead to a whole host of problems including rotting wood and rusting steel. It also provides the perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew, which is seriously bad news for your possessions, or anyone with respiratory problems.

Causes

The most obvious causes of water damage are leaking roofs, windows and doors, foundation cracks, poorly maintained appliances, and visible plumbing problems, i.e. broken and/or leaking pipes. These problems are pretty easy to spot and can usually be repaired quickly before too much damage is sustained.

However, there are some other causes which aren’t as obvious and require professional help to fix. These include: poor grading around foundation walls; trapped moisture lurking behind finished basement walls; and moist interior air that leaks between living spaces and lofts.

Signs of Trouble

You may have a potential water damage problem if you spot any of these:

Persistent mould or mildew on your ceilings and walls
A mouldy or musty smell in any part of the house, especially in basement or cellar areas
Evidence of rising damp
Decreased water pressure
Sagging ceilings
Sunken areas in your exterior pavestones or paths

Emergency action

In the case of an obvious leak:

Turn off the water supply at the stopcock.
If you can, catch excess water in a bucket or other container.
Don’t use the electrics if you suspect that they’ve been affected. You’ll need to have them checked and declared safe by a qualified electrician.
Contact your insurance company immediately to report your claim.

Repairing the damage

Act fast! Water will continue to wreak havoc on your home until it’s dry and mould can make an appearance in just 48 hours. It’s essential to call in a professional - they’ll have the proper equipment and the ability to spot any hidden problems. They’ll also help you to document the damage, which helps no end with insurance claims. Here’s how the professionals can help:

Extraction - excess water is removed via wet-dry vacuums or sump pumps. Do not attempt a DIY job with a standard home vacuum!
Drying - decent air circulation is key - think high-velocity fans and de-humidifiers.
Repair- cleaning, repairing and disinfecting all areas that have sustained damage.
Restoration - this may involve the replacement of wallboard, flooring, or ceilings, and even the complete reconstruction of some areas. Re-landscaping may be necessary in order to create proper run-off and drainage.

Prevention

As doctors like to say, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” With regards to the more obvious causes of water damage, take these simple steps to help prevent a disaster in your home:

Inspect your home for leaking plumbing fittings, clogged drains, dripping pipes, and any problems with overflow pipes, both inside and outdoors.
Ensure that your taps are always turned off after use but avoid over-tightening them.
Regularly check your pipes to identify corroded areas, frozen fittings and other potential weak spots.
Make sure that pipes are well insulated to help prevent frost damage.
Regularly inspect, clean and repair guttering and down pipes.

For basements, you’d be wise to consider a permanent solution, in other words, damp-proofing. Most cellars and basements have some sort of potential or existing damp problem since they’re not exposed to the open air, which can cause huge problems – particularly in terms of leaks and flooding. So, get ahead of the game and call in a professional damp-proofing contractor.

Basement Systems GB specializes in damp proofing in Southampton and cellar conversion in Bristol, Birmingham, Oxford, and Plymouth, Great Britain.