How do I know I have a leaking basement problem?

You likely have a leakage problem if any of the following danger signs mentioned below apply to your basement:

  • Tiles lifting off the floor
  • General dampness in the air or a stale-musty odor• Water seeping through from the floor or walls
  • Whitish powdery substance on the walls or floor
  • Cracking walls or flooring
  • Dry rotting and warped paneling
  • Termite infestation, or other insect colonies
  • Buckling walls
  • Mildew, molds or fungus
  • Rust on metal surfaces e.g. water tank, lolly columns or furnace
  • Paint peeling off the walls

If any of these apply to your basement, contact us ASAP for professional inspection and evaluation to make sure your house is not sitting on a potential time bomb in the form of a below-grade basement structure.

Why would my basement leak?

To grasp the possible causes of leakage, envision the hole that was dug for your home’s foundation as a “bowl” of sorts. Every time it rains, this “bowl” is accumulating water, which, in a bid to find its own level, will look for weak spots in your house to seep through.

When rainwater begins- to seep through basement floors and underground walls, serious problems are on the way. In milder cases, it may be difficult to detect water slowly seeping through porous walls. In advanced cases, water may slowly gush in through cracks and visible holes, thereby, accumulating small to large puddles on the floor.

Unfortunately, the greater danger to your foundation is posed by the water you cannot see. This is why it’s important to have your situation evaluated by an experienced waterproofer so that you can have the right solutions to ensure your ultimate safety.

How common is basement water leakage?

According to a report by the Water Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC), approximately 90% of homes with basements made of cement or cinder blocks are likely to leak within 25 years after construction.
We had a dry basement for more than 5 years, and then suddenly it was leaking. Why would this happen?

Even the best built homes may not be immune to developing problems. In the course of time, walls may settle and eventually crack, protective waterproofing coats may crack or wear out or silt can fill up the drainage system causing slower drainage leading to water accumulation. With time, even waterproof homes may begin to leak unnoticeably.

Must I resolve my damp basement problem immediately?

Most homeowners tend to postpone waterproofing and foundation repairs, ignorant of the severity of damage that could result from such negligence. Water penetrating a building’s foundation can cause very expensive foundation restoration procedures down the line. As soon as you notice signs of leakage, it is recommended that you have a professional evaluate it and advise accordingly.

Does basement waterproofing increase my home’s value?

According to a report by the Chicago Sun Times, spending money on a permanent basement waterproofing solution immediately increases the market value of that home.

How do I select the right contractor to waterproof my basement?

Selecting a contractor can be confusing and frustrating, but here are a few pointers to guide you along:

  • Request the contractor to give you references, and make sure that among the satisfied customers there are a number from your area. At AquaGuard, we have thousands of available references.
  • Confirm that they are a certified member of the Basement Health Association through the basementhealth.org website, and have demonstrated the dedication to maintaining industry standards and continued professional education.
  • Look them up on the Internet, which is full of review sites that will criticize contractors who have failed to deliver on previous contracts with clients.
  • Make sure you have a written contract because you cannot hold anyone to oral promises. AquaGuard signs a contract with all its clients, stating all the steps to be taken and any additional services.
  • Don’t always go for what is cheaper. Sometimes the bargain price may indicate a sub-standard finished product. AquaGuard has a fixed price list with competitive quotes within the industry’s standard pricing.

For how long have you been operational?

AquaGuard opened its doors to Northern Virginia, Maryland, Baltimore and the D.C. Metropolitan area in 1990 and have serviced the community for over 25 years. We are based in Beltsville, Maryland and have thousands of satisfied customers throughout these regions.