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.
Schedule Free InspectionBasement 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.
Wet Basement Causes
There are two important factors that contribute to basement leaking:
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.
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.
Award-Winning Service
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We are so pleased with Baker's. We recently had to do a major foundation repair, and while this is never fun project, Bakers made it much…
We are so pleased with Baker's. We recently had to do a major foundation repair, and while this is never fun project, Bakers made it much less stressful. From the beginning when we met with Angus, he assessed the job and set expectations appropriately. He was honest and straightforward and answered all of our questions.When it was time for the work to be done, Eli, Bill, and Matt were professional, attentive, and extremely hard working. Throughout the day they checked in with us and it was clear they were experienced and took pride in their work. When a question came up during the job it was evaluated strategically and saved us money and time. I feel that Baker's is a trustworthy and reputable company and I am very glad we chose to use them for this project. Thanks!
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We had some subtle foundation wall bowing at our home and contacted Baker to see what our options might be. Chuck and James S did a great…
We had some subtle foundation wall bowing at our home and contacted Baker to see what our options might be. Chuck and James S did a great job installing the Carbon Fiber wall reinforcing system. Their work along with Bakers warranty gives us peace of mind that our home will be structurally sound for as long as the home is still standing!
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The guys did a great job and were very professional
The guys did a great job and were very professional
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The men were very professional. Would hire them again. Clean, had a great system. Chris Snyder, Evan Fry, Frank Diebler. Great team
The men were very professional. Would hire them again. Clean, had a great system. Chris Snyder, Evan Fry, Frank Diebler. Great team
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Shannon sisk was incredibly informative and knowledgeable about all aspects of the crawl space sealing. He was a gentlemen!
Shannon sisk was incredibly informative and knowledgeable about all aspects of the crawl space sealing. He was a gentlemen!
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The guys were awesome, clean, prompt and communicated all step in the process.Very neat and friendly ☺️R Rupp, D Bowen and J Lowe
The guys were awesome, clean, prompt and communicated all step in the process.Very neat and friendly ☺️R Rupp, D Bowen and J Lowe
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We are very pleased with the work that was done. We had our garage floor lifted and foundation piers installed. Both of your teams were…
We are very pleased with the work that was done. We had our garage floor lifted and foundation piers installed. Both of your teams were very professional and very careful with our property. Chad, Bert, Rhan, Chris, Toby, and Dawson are the kind of employees you need to hang on to!!!
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Super easy process from consultation to installation and all done in under a month! Cliff M., Bill R., and Adam B. were all friendly,…
Super easy process from consultation to installation and all done in under a month! Cliff M., Bill R., and Adam B. were all friendly, professional, timely, and did a great job installing our new basement waterproofing system. They went through and explained everything very clearly when they were done. It all looks good and we would highly recommend them!
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Sorry, I'm really bad with names, but the two workers that came to my house to fix cracks on my porch and raise concrete slabs to level,…
Sorry, I'm really bad with names, but the two workers that came to my house to fix cracks on my porch and raise concrete slabs to level, they were awesome, professional and respected my concerns and property.Great job Bakers Waterproofing…
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We are very happy with the service we have received from Bakers. ***** was super nice and very professional.
We are very happy with the service we have received from Bakers. ***** was super nice and very professional.
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Basement water proofing advice and support post and anchors for my basement walls.Lukas and Steven Selleck, as well as Dalton Bardole did…
Basement water proofing advice and support post and anchors for my basement walls.Lukas and Steven Selleck, as well as Dalton Bardole did an amazing job. Was very friendly to my kids, clean the basement, and put my landscape back exactly how it was.
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Brendan with the North Pittsburgh division of Bakers is extremely responsive and he even visited the home on the day after Thanksgiving! …
Brendan with the North Pittsburgh division of Bakers is extremely responsive and he even visited the home on the day after Thanksgiving! He is extremely thorough in his assessment and his plan and report is complete and well thought out. I have used Bakers Waterproofing on many occasions and have found them to be professional, timely, and respectful of the job site on every occasion. They are a company you can trust and their warranty gives you and others piece of mind that their work will be done right or backed up over time by the warranty.
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Hired to mitigate water seeping in basement. Efficient, professional and responsive. Tidy job site. Jacob M, Hieu, and James S were…
Hired to mitigate water seeping in basement. Efficient, professional and responsive. Tidy job site. Jacob M, Hieu, and James S were pleasant and respectful of the home's contents. We will have to see how well it works but so far a great experience with Baker's.
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Very professional crew. Always called before visit, kept us updated on progression of repair, and even when leaving for day with scheduled…
Very professional crew. Always called before visit, kept us updated on progression of repair, and even when leaving for day with scheduled next day and time. A+ crew esp. Lukas Selleck, Jason Shaeffer, Dean Hollenbach, and Kyle Brookes!!! Great team!!!
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Would definitely recommend Lukas Selleck, Jason Schaeffer, and Dean Hollenbach. Not only did the team do a wonderful job, I enjoyed having …
Would definitely recommend Lukas Selleck, Jason Schaeffer, and Dean Hollenbach. Not only did the team do a wonderful job, I enjoyed having them at my home. They went above and beyond. Thanks guys!! 💖
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We used Baker's Waterproofing to inspect and install water & moisture control systems. They were very professional from our initial meeting …
We used Baker's Waterproofing to inspect and install water & moisture control systems. They were very professional from our initial meeting to the finishing of the project. They were very through and responsive. They did a wonderful job. The team of R. Rupp, D. Bowman, B. Rose and Billy R. had this job finished up early. Being a dental office, we were also very impressed with how respectful the team was to our office and patients.Thank you all again!Everyone at Main Street Dental PLLC
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I used Baker’s Waterproofing to fix my foundation. Chuck and James were very professional and helpful. They went out of their way to…
I used Baker’s Waterproofing to fix my foundation. Chuck and James were very professional and helpful. They went out of their way to replant a tree removed from the escalation. Very pleased with their work
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Baker’s Waterproofing did a great job installing a sump pump & basement waterproofing system. Their crew was very professional and…
Baker’s Waterproofing did a great job installing a sump pump & basement waterproofing system. Their crew was very professional and extremely efficient. A two-day project turned into a one-day project as they sent extra guys out; this was super helpful to us, by freeing up the second day. Before this project, everyone told me how dusty/dirty this installation could be, but Bakers did a great job cleaning up, as well. I highly recommend them! Thanks again Gary, Deontae, Norm, Camron, Hieu, and Jacob for excellent work!
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I received a courtesy call 45 minutes before they arrive. Eric Davis, Kyler Crawford and Darvon Durham worked efficiently and very clean as …
I received a courtesy call 45 minutes before they arrive. Eric Davis, Kyler Crawford and Darvon Durham worked efficiently and very clean as the job went along and they were very courteous. They answered all my questions and no one ran any power tools while I was talking. The finish work looked perfect and final finish work walk trough was perfect as well. Now all I need is the rain to put the final stamp of approval which I know I’ll be satisfied as well. Bill Paul
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Brendan Byham came over and gave a very thorough inspection of our property. He explained what was happening with my porch settling and the …
Brendan Byham came over and gave a very thorough inspection of our property. He explained what was happening with my porch settling and the options I had available. The prices were good and competitive
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
Baker’s Waterproofing offers energy-efficient dehumidifiers, ensuring your home remains dry and comfortable throughout the year.
Basement Sump Pumps
Get a dry basement permanently with Baker's Waterproofing and our AquaStop™ Sump Pumps. Learn about our cutting-edge solutions.
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.
FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Find your service area
Morgantown, WV
Leaking water and cracking walls are common in homes in Morgantown, but they are not beyond repair. Trust our team at Baker's Waterproofing for quality, long-lasting solutions.
Pittsburgh, PA
Your home's foundation, basement, concrete, and crawl space can all be damaged by Pittsburgh's clay-like soil and damp environment, resulting in dangerous structural instability.
Clarksburg, WV
Call Baker’s Waterproofing today for your no cost, no obligation estimate for concrete lifting, leveling and concrete repair in Clarksburg!
Wheeling, WV
Call Baker’s Waterproofing today for your no cost, no obligation estimate for concrete lifting, leveling and concrete repair in Wheeling!
Altoona, PA
Altoona has a mix of sandy and silty soil, which constantly expands and contracts when it absorbs water. This puts pressure on your foundation and damages the structure of your basement, crawl space, and concrete. Baker’s has solutions to protect your home from issues.
Harrisburg, PA
Leaking basements and cracking foundations can happen in homes in Harrisburg that are not properly protected. Baker’s Waterproofing has you covered with trusted, long-lasting basement, foundation, crawl space, and concrete solutions.
Johnstown, PA
Johnstown’s environment and native soils aren’t a great combination for your basement, crawl space, or concrete foundation. Above-average precipitation and silty clay soil create unstable ground beneath your home, and lead to water damage in the long run.
Lancaster, PA
While leaking basements and cracked foundations are common in Lancaster, they are not normal for healthy homes. Baker’s has world-class solutions that keep your home dry and stable.
State College, PA
State College has silty loam soils which don’t drain water very well. This is a big problem for your foundation because the area receives above-average amounts of yearly rain and snow. Eventually, water breaks down the soil and damages your foundation, but Baker’s has solutions for the problem.
York County, PA
York County receives high amounts of annual precipitation and has silty loam soils that are easily washed away and eroded. This combination easily causes damage to your foundation, and Baker’s has world-class solutions and experience to keep your home protected.
Central PA Metro Area
Wet basements and cracking foundations in Central PA homes are common but dangerous. Baker’s Waterproofing is known for our expertise and reliable solutions that will keep your home permanently dry and stable.
Scranton, PA
Factors far from your control, like rain and soil type, are the reasons for your foundation problems. Baker’s Waterproofing has more than 45 years of experience repairing these types of problems. Let us show you the solutions developed for homes like yours.
Wilkins Township, PA
Wilkins Township has sandy loam soil that easily washes out with the area’s above-average precipitation. Baker’s Waterproofing has solutions to protect your basement, crawl space and foundation from damage.
