Basement Waterproofing vs. Foundation Repair: Understanding the Difference
Water in your basement? It might be a waterproofing issue, a foundation issue, or both. Here's how to tell the difference.
Water in your basement can be a waterproofing issue, a foundation issue, or both. Treating the wrong problem wastes money and leaves the real issue unresolved.
Waterproofing Issue
Water enters through walls or floor but the structure is sound.
• Water seepage through wall cracks
• Condensation on walls
• Water pooling on floor after rain
• Musty smell / mold growth
Solutions: Interior/exterior waterproofing, sump pump, drainage
Foundation Issue
The structure itself is compromised — walls are moving or cracking.
• Bowing or leaning walls
• Horizontal cracks in walls
• Stair-step cracks in block walls
• Walls separating from floor/ceiling
Solutions: Wall anchors, carbon fiber straps, piering, bracing
When It's Both
Often, water intrusion and foundation damage go hand-in-hand. Water weakens the foundation, and foundation cracks let more water in. In these cases, you need to address both issues — ideally with a contractor who handles both waterproofing and structural repair.
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