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Basement Waterproofing

Are you experiencing issues with hydrostatic pressure resulting in a leaky basement? We offer interior and exterior basement waterproofing to keep your basement clean and dry.

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Basement Waterproofing Problem Signs

If you've experienced a basement flood, have damp walls or small leaks, or have a consistent musty smell, you need expert basement waterproofing services from Baker's Waterproofing.

Basement Wall Cracks

Basement wall cracks deserve immediate attention and repair. Learn more and how Baker's Waterproofing ensures your home's safety.

Leaking Basement Windows

Leaking basement windows can cause flooding, mold growth, and structural damage. Baker's Waterproofing offers permanent solutions.

Humidity in Basement

High basement humidity poses significant health and safety risks. Trust Baker's Waterproofing to eliminate excess moisture.

Water in Your Basement

Water in your basement can result in mold, foundation issues, and flooding. Trust Baker’s Waterproofing to set it right!

Finding water or dampness in your home is always cause for concern due to the many possible sources it could stem from. Finding the cause of standing water is always tricky, but it’s important to address all potential sources. By locating the reason for water in your basement, you can effectively protect your home once basement waterproofing repairs are made. Moisture-related problems such as mold and mildew, foundation damage, and elevated humidity can all cause stress for your home. By waterproofing your basement, you can add back value, increase comfort and safety, and protect your loved ones from the effects of water damage. Contact the experts at Baker’s Waterproofing today to regain confidence in your home once more with our proven waterproofing solutions.

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Wet Basement Causes

There are two important factors that contribute to basement leaking:

The “Clay Bowl Effect”

Imagine your home as it was being built. The contractors begin by digging a hole in the ground to make room for your basement and foundation. To do so, the contractor must dig a hole that is a little larger than the space your home will need. The foundation will be built inside this space, and the concrete floor will be poured.

Once the foundation has been built, some of the excavated soil is used to fill in the gap around the outer edge of your foundation.

This soil, known as “backfill”, will be loose and fluffed from the excavation. Meanwhile, the untouched soil around it, known as “virgin soil”, may have been settling for hundreds, even thousands of years.

What does this mean for you? The backfilled soil surrounding your foundation will always be looser and more absorbent of water than the dense, hard-packed soil around it.

This forms a sort of “clay bowl” around your house — one that creates an artificial water table around your home. Water collects the most right around your foundation — exactly where you don’t want it to be.

Hydrostatic Pressure and Wet Soils

Water is heavy! As the soil around your home becomes soaked with moisture, the soil will expand, and the weight of the water will press on your foundation. This is known as hydrostatic pressure.

As hydrostatic pressure builds against your foundation, water will work its way in through any way possible.

Water can make its way through concrete cracks in the walls or floors, through openings around pipes, through basement windows, or even directly through the porous concrete. If you have block walls, water may pass through the block and begin to fill the open cavities.

However, the most common way that water enters a home is through the foundation wall-floor joint. We find that most flooded basements start with a leak here.

Learn more about your basement issues.

View more causes here

Award-Winning Service

The team of Victor Cruz, Deontae and Miguel worked a long time today at Calvary Lutheran Church to fix water in basement and deterioration…

Joe Gulaskey

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Dehumidifier and battery back up sump pump installed 9/12/2022 by Chris Trevitz. Excellent job of installing and explaining the operational …

Karen Guyer

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Only conducted the initial assessment and review. Chris P. was timely, professional, and knowledgeable about what fixes should occur….

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**** was very thorough in answering all of my questions. I certainly appreciated his knowledge, professionalism and kindness.

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Awesome customer service! I worked with Bob Liga to get a quote for lifting some older concrete slabs. Super friendly. Very thorough and…

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Tyree and Hayden did an excellent job regarding the concrete repair we had requested. They were very professional and efficient in…

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I had push piers put under the foundation of my house and couldn't be more pleased with Baker's Waterproofing Company from beginning to end….

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Baker's did an excellent job on my interior gutter installation. The salesman was knowledgeable and very polite, and then the work crew,…

Anonymous Author

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We are so happy and relieved to have the wall anchor system installed in our basement and garage. The crew of Colson, Antwan, Norm and John …

Carol Oliver

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Chad Cooper has been really good to work with. He took his time, explained everything and answered all our questions. A real 5 star guy

Mike Latini

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Brandon,Kenny, and **** did a great job. They came in November of 2021. We have had several severe storms and through it all no water came…

Maryanne A

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Daylan and Nick are a great team. They called ahead to let me know their ETA and kept me apprised of their progress each step of the way….

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From the first inspection and estimate, through my numerous questions regarding the wall anchor installation and foundation stability, and…

Jeremy Christensen

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Cale, Joey, and Gauge did an incredible job. They were efficient, knowledgeable and extremely professional. Cale asked if I had any…

Mary Rita Van Stone

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Great work done by great people. The team was professional and friendly. Colson, Norm and Antwan did great work and even fixed a burst pipe …

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Cale, joey, and Isaiah were amazing! Our job had unexpected issues. They walked us through everything and at the end they were not able to…

Karisa Willard

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We contacted Baker's before we made an offer on a bigger home. The mines had gone underneath, and we wanted to put the work into having a…

Paula Dunlap

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I was thoroughly impressed with the team that serviced our basement. Garrett, Darren, Logan, and Chris Trevitz were our crew. We were…

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Lukos Selleck, Steven Selleck, & Dalton Bardole did a great job on the crawl spaces. Very professional and made sure that any questions…

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We had our basement waterproofed by Baker's. It's been bone-dry since. We did have one piece of equipment fail within a month of the…

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Basement Waterproofing Solutions

A basement represents an entire floor of space in your house. We want to help you reclaim this space and make the most of your home investment.

Basement Dehumidifier

Humidity, musty odors, and mold endanger your home and family. Protect what matters most with the best dehumidifier for basement.

Sump Pump in Basement Installation

Stop leaks in their tracks and get a dry basement permanently with a reliable basement pump system from Baker's Waterproofing.

Basement Wall Vapor Barrier

Discover how wall vapor barriers and other waterproofing solutions help banish humid basement issues at their source.

BasementGutter™ Interior Drainage System

Solve basement water problems with BasementGutter™ Interior Drainage. Learn more about this trusted waterproofing solution!

Is Basement Waterproofing the Right Solution for Me?

If your home is experiencing a rise in humidity or mold and mildew growth, it may be stemming from water in your basement. At Baker’s Waterproofing, we specialize in basement waterproofing and foundation repair to eradicate the effects of water damage to your home. We offer free inspections that come with a written estimate of our repair solutions so that you can feel good about choosing to work with us. During your inspection, one of our certified experts will come out and do a full assessment of your home and determine the best solution for your exact problem. With nearly 50 years of experience in protecting homes from moisture-related damage, we know how to accurately spot the signs and provide solutions to keep your home dry.

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FAQs

Why Are My Basement Walls Bowing?

If you have noticed certain walls around your home starting to look like they are bowing or building inward, then there are a few potential issues that could be at work. The most obvious (and yet least common) cause of uneven, damaged, or bowing walls is some kind of defect in the wall itself. This can take two main forms: design flaws or defects in the concrete mix itself. Either way, the flaws caused by these kinds of issues will make a wall much weaker and lead to many issues of which bowing is only one.

Far more common, however, is damage as a result of excessive pressure or a lack of support. Hydrostatic pressure, for example, is one of the leading causes of bowing, leaning, or collapsing walls. This pressure is caused by the weight of the soil around the walls, of course, but also by the water in the soil. As such, this is an issue that all properties have to deal with at some point; in fact, they are designed to deal with it. The main issue arises when the hydrostatic pressure in the soil reaches unmanageable levels. This can be caused by a number of things, including heavy rainfall, the presence of underground water sources, copious snowmelt, or even just poor drainage around the property.

Finally, there is a chance that lateral or vertical movement in your property’s foundation will lead to damage that destabilizes your basement walls. Spreading cracks that separate the foundation of your home from the walls in some areas, for example, will lead to movement and make the walls more vulnerable to movement, leaning, and localized collapse. Of course, there are some problem signs that will show long before the walls themselves begin to lean or buckle visibly. The most common signs are spreading cracks, dampness, humidity, and mold formation. If you act when you see these early signs, then you could prevent your walls from leaning or bowing at all.

Is Mold Dangerous in a Basement or Crawl Space?

While this is a simple question, the answer can be complex. To keep it short and sweet: most forms of mold are benign, if not exactly healthy to have in your home, but a small number of mold species are toxic. Identifying those types of molds that are actively dangerous can be difficult, however, because mold and fungal growths come in thousands of species. The fungal growths that occur as a result of wood rot, for example, can look similar to white forms of mold but are generally not harmful to humans unless ingested (though they will wreak havoc on your home).

The type of mold that you should be most worried about, however, is black mold. Black mold is highly toxic to humans and animals; it can cause serious side effects even when the level of exposure is small. Black mold can cause side effects such as rashes, skin irritation, infections, dizziness, breathlessness, respiratory issues, and, in some very serious cases, seizures. More serious side effects are rare, of course, and tend to only occur after prolonged exposure… unless there are underlying issues.

As is so often the case, those who are already vulnerable are at the most risk from exposure to any kind of mold but particularly when exposed to black mold in any serious or prolonged capacity. Those most at risk are the elderly, very young children, those who have underlying respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema, and those who have impaired immune systems. While exposure to black mold can be unpleasant and debilitating for anyone in large doses, even a small amount of exposure can be lethal to people who have underlying conditions. That makes it necessary to seek out waterproofing measures that can protect your home from falling victim to this kind of infestation.

Why is my Basement Damp?

There are a number of potential causes of dampness when it comes to a property’s basement. Some are fairly benign, while others can be linked to very serious damage to the structure of your home or its internal workings. Of course, the most common and easy to spot source of moisture in any basement is damage to the property’s plumbing systems and any attached appliances. Small leaks in the joints between pipes, or deterioration in appliances like water heaters, can significantly raise humidity over time. More dramatic plumbing floods are more likely to cause dampness, of course, but also less likely to be allowed to continue for any amount of time.

The other possibilities are structural damage or a process called seepage. Seepage is a fairly common and surprisingly benign process that can, nonetheless, have serious implications for your home. Seepage occurs because of the porous nature of concrete as a building material. If the soil outside your home is saturated, then there is a high chance that the water it holds will start to seep through your basement’s concrete walls. This rarely causes noticeable amounts of standing water, but it will raise the humidity in your home. It may also leave a white-ish residue on your walls. This is known as efflorescence.

Finally, damage to the structure of your property, the foundation, or the basement walls is a common but serious issue that should not be ignored. While foundation damage and bowing basement walls are the most severe kinds of damage that can lead to dampness, any crack in the structure of your home can let water in over time. As such, you should act quickly and contact a professional to make sure that the cause of your dampness is not structural of some kind.

Should My Home Have a Submersible or Pedestal Sump Pump?

Sump pump systems are one of the most common waterproofing measures that can be found across Central PA. Sump pump systems are very often the first and last line of defense against dampness, water damage, and flooding in any home that they are installed in. That’s because of how they actively gather and remove water from a space. Sump pump systems now come in all shapes and sizes, and they are incredibly versatile. Nonetheless, they all work in much the same way and can be split into two categories: submersible and pedestal.

Submersible sump pumps are those which are designed to be submerged in the water inside the sump pit. They are most commonly found pump systems on the market for a number of reasons. Firstly, submersible pumps are quieter and generally considered to be more stable. Likewise, submersible pumps can handle greater volumes of water and are less likely to experience clogs as a result of small pieces of debris.

Pedestal sump pumps, by contrast, sit outside of the sump pit and are generally installed in areas where there are concerns with space. They frequently malfunction and can cause further issues with basement moisture or flooding because of the lack of a secure lid. Additional downsides are the noise that they produce, their inability to deal with solid particles, and the fact that they can be considered a potential hazard to children, animals, and anyone who has to traverse the area around them.

What is hydrostatic pressure?

Hydrostatic pressure is a natural force created by the weight of the soil and the water that it contains.

Sudden or significant increases in hydrostatic pressure can be caused in different ways, but it is most likely to occur because of heavy rainfall. This can cause the soil to wash out or flood, or expand and press against your basement walls.

When this happens, structural damage is almost certain because hydrostatic pressure is often applied laterally. Concrete is durable, but it really cannot bend or flex. Lateral pressure can then cause it to crack and buckle. Bowing walls and foundation fragmentation are common outcomes when hydrostatic pressure gets too high.

Resources

5 Ways to Repair Your Basement Foundation

Types of Interior Basement Drainage: Which is the Best?

Basement Dehumidifiers: Essential Guide & Benefits

The Causes & Effects of Basement Moisture

Why is Basement Waterproofing Needed?

Protects Your Home Against Mold and Mildew

One of the most obvious and common problems that homeowners will first notice when they have basement water damage is mold and mildew growth. Not only is it unpleasant to deal with, but it also can cause damage to your home and be a health hazard for your loved ones. Once mold forms, it’s easily able to spread through your home at a rapid rate. By waterproofing your basement, you can prevent mold growth altogether and keep your home and family healthy.

Protects It from the Effects of Hydrostatic Pressure

The most worrying problem that can arise when you have a wet basement is structural damage. If water is able to get into your basement, there’s a high chance that your home has experienced some sort of damage to its structure. Whether it is foundation settlement or cracks in your basement walls or floors, water can seep in due to hydrostatic pressure. Hydrostatic pressure occurs when the soil surrounding your home becomes oversaturated, leading to immense amounts of force upon your foundation. This, in turn, leads to water getting in. By repairing your foundation and waterproofing your basement, you can stop the effects of hydrostatic pressure.

Increases the Value of Your Property

Many homeowners choose to waterproof and finish their basements so that they can be converted into functional living spaces. By doing so, you can increase the value of your home by creating more livable square footage and having waterproofing measures in place. By protecting your home from the effects of water, it will be more appealing to homeowners not looking to do any renovations or repairs once they move. Waterproofing your basement is not only a good practice for your home’s structural integrity but also for whenever you decide to sell.

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Common Basement Waterproofing Tips & Mistakes

Helpful Tips for Waterproofing Your Basement

When considering waterproofing your basement, it’s important to also think about installing exterior waterproofing in addition to an interior drainage system. When the two are combined they establish the perfect boundary to prevent water from entering and damaging your home. This also includes your gutter system, which is why regular maintenance is advised to check for leaks or clogs. This ensures that they are in proper working order and are effectively draining water away from your home.
Checking the grade of your yard is essential to ensuring your waterproofing systems aren’t working in overdrive. The grade of the land your home is built on also directly impacts the likelihood of it succumbing to hydrostatic pressure. If your yard has a negative grade, any time it rains or the snow starts to melt, it will flow towards your home’s foundation. When your home has a positive grade, it will flow away from your home.
If you’re having issues with flooding, installing a sump pump will likely solve your problem. A sump pump collects the water inside your basement and pumps the water outside and away from your home. If you already have a sump pump in your basement you will need to maintain it on a regular basis to prevent blockages. You can inspect the system for efficiency by pouring water into the sump pit. If the pump automatically starts, your sump pump is working. We also recommend installing a backup sump pump as a safety precaution. This will keep the pump operating even during a power outage, or during times of heavy rainfall when the primary pump cannot keep up.

Mistakes to Avoid When Waterproofing Your Basement

If your home experiences a flood, one of the most important things to do is to remove any standing water as soon as possible. By leaving water to sit in your basement, any upholstery like carpet, furniture, bedding, or towels will soak up the water and create the perfect environment for mold. By removing any wet items, you can reduce your risk of mold infestations.
Many homeowners think that using caulk is an easy cure-all for cracks. It can provide a temporary solution, but it won’t last. A professional foundation repair and waterproofing team will be able to assess what your home’s unique need is and recommend a certain repair solution.
Unless you have background knowledge of waterproofing and contracting, there is a sizable chance that you don’t know how to locate the root of the problem. It could be a plethora of different things, or it could just be that one crack. Unless you get a professional’s opinion, you may have fixed a crack that has nothing to do with your damp basement and can cause more problems down the road.

Providing Expert Basement Waterproofing in Pennsylvania & West Virginia

Pennsylvania trusts Baker’s Waterproofing for reliable basement waterproofing, crawl space, foundation, and concrete repair services. Contact us for a free inspection!

Basement Waterproofing

Basement Waterproofing Problem Signs

Basement Wall Cracks

Leaking Basement Windows

Humidity in Basement

Water in Your Basement

Don't see your water problem?

Wet Basement Causes

Award-Winning Service

Basement Waterproofing Solutions

Basement Dehumidifier

Sump Pump in Basement Installation

Basement Wall Vapor Barrier

BasementGutter™ Interior Drainage System

Which options are best for repairing my basement?

Is Basement Waterproofing the Right Solution for Me?

FAQs

Resources

5 Ways to Repair Your Basement Foundation

Types of Interior Basement Drainage: Which is the Best?

Basement Dehumidifiers: Essential Guide & Benefits

The Causes & Effects of Basement Moisture

Why is Basement Waterproofing Needed?

Protects Your Home Against Mold and Mildew

Protects It from the Effects of Hydrostatic Pressure

Increases the Value of Your Property

Common Basement Waterproofing Tips & Mistakes

Helpful Tips for Waterproofing Your Basement

Mistakes to Avoid When Waterproofing Your Basement

Providing Expert Basement Waterproofing in Pennsylvania & West Virginia

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