Read This Before Waterproofing Your Basement in Cleveland, OH

Cleveland basements often get a bad rap for being dark, dingy, musty, and nothing but trouble. Many people avoid this area of their homes like the plague, which only makes things worse. So, what’s the answer? Here’s the secret: basement waterproofing in Cleveland.

Believe it or not, your basement holds the key to your home’s health and stability, so it must remain dry and healthy. Don’t dismiss what seems like a minor leak or avoid this space entirely. You owe it to yourself, your family, and your home to properly address waterproofing your basement.

This article explains the importance of basement waterproofing, why DIY is not a lasting solution, and how to find a reliable company specializing in basement waterproofing in Cleveland to repair and protect your home.

• Leaking Water: Whether a small trickle or widespread flooding, water in your basement damages structural supports and personal belongings, leads to mold growth, and contributes to other moisture problems.
• Mold and Mildew Growth: Persistent moisture creates ideal conditions for harmful mold colonies that damage surfaces and can worsen health conditions like asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues.
• High Humidity Levels: Even without visible water, excessive moisture in the air can cause problems with odors, air quality, and eventual deterioration of materials.

• Poor Exterior Drainage: Improper grading, clogged gutters, or downspouts that discharge too close to the foundation allow water to pool around and enter the basement.
• Hydrostatic Pressure and Wall Cracks: Groundwater pushes against basement walls, creating cracks and allowing water to seep through. The cracks can expand over time due to freeze-thaw cycles.
• Plumbing Leaks and Faulty Sump Pumps: Broken pipes, failing water heaters, or leaking fixtures introduce water directly into the basement environment. Malfunctioning sump pumps can’t remove accumulated water.

• Waterproof Paints or Sealants: These might look promising, but they fight a losing battle against hydrostatic pressure. Water eventually pushes through these coatings, usually within a year or two.
• Crack Filling: Filling foundation cracks with basic sealants like caulk makes sense in theory, but foundations naturally shift. Without the right flexible materials, new cracks just form alongside your repairs.
• Improper Exterior Drainage: Without proper sloping and durable materials, systems like downspout extensions often disconnect, clog, or crush under soil weight, sending water right back to your foundation.
• Standard Dehumidifiers: These units can help with minor humidity, but they treat symptoms rather than causes, and most aren’t powerful enough for damp basements.

While size doesn’t automatically indicate quality, it does affect capabilities:

• Larger companies typically handle more complex or extensive projects.
• They may offer specialized technicians for different aspects of your project.
• Smaller companies might provide more personalized attention or flexibility.

Consider which structure best matches your project’s requirements.

How contractors interact with you reveals a lot about their business practices:

• Promptness in returning calls and keeping appointments
• Respectful communication and attentive listening
• Willingness to answer questions thoroughly
• Clean, professional appearance of staff and vehicles

Your comfort level with the contractor’s team will impact your entire project experience.