Wet Basement Walls

Moisture intrusion is to blame if your basement walls are wet. When excess water infiltrates your basement, your foundation is at risk, compromising your home’s entire structure.

Caulking and wall-sealing paint might temporarily solve this problem. However, these DIY fixes don’t address the underlying cause of moisture intrusion, like ineffective drainage, hydrostatic pressure, or compromised footing drains.

Experts recommend a comprehensive basement waterproofing solution with a dehumidifier, sump pump, and wall vapor barrier. Matvey Foundation Repair, which serves homeowners in Seattle and across Western Washington, installs these products in your home, resulting in a drier and safer living environment.

What Are Wet Basement Walls?

When moisture enters your basement, its walls get wet, with the middle and lower sections usually displaying the most moisture.

Wet basement walls are a severe issue. Ignoring the problem leads to the following:

Common Causes of Wet Basement Walls In Seattle

Basement walls get wet for various reasons, including:

Rain or Snowmelt

Heavy rain and snowfall are common in Western Washington. This adverse weather causes water to collect around your foundation, making basement walls more susceptible to moisture intrusion.

Inefficient Drainage

Your home’s gutters and downspouts remove water from the basement. However, when these systems become clogged or damaged, water accumulates beside your home and dampens the basement walls.

Failing Footing Drains

Footing drains installed around your basement commonly fail because of soil compaction or sediment accumulation, contributing to wet basement walls.

Hydrostatic Pressure

If moisture saturates the ground around your home, hydrostatic pressure against foundation walls will cause walls to crack and bow inward, allowing water to penetrate your basement.

Porosity of Concrete Walls

Concrete is a common building material in Seattle and one of the most robust materials in the world. However, it’s not immune to water intrusion. When moisture enters pores in concrete surfaces, your basement walls will get wet.

Identifying the root cause of your wet basement walls can be difficult without a professional. Matvey Foundation Repair will identify the problem and offer proven solutions during your free inspection.

Can You Restore Wet Basement Walls?

Yes, water-damaged basement walls are repairable. However, to permanently fix them, you must resolve the underlying issue. DIY solutions like caulking and wall sealing will only work after homeowners take this step.

Matvey Foundation Repair in Seattle offers a custom-engineered basement waterproofing solution far beyond makeshift repairs. Our vapor barriers, interior drainage systems, and other patented products remove unwanted moisture and prevent its return for good.

How to Fix Wet Basement Walls

After inspecting your home to pinpoint the source of moisture, our installation process is as follows:

• Installing an interior drainage system to capture and redirect accumulated water to a sump pump
• Setting up sump pump in the lowest point in your basement to remove water
• Attaching vapor barrier to your basement walls to prevent moisture intrusion
• Using a high-efficiency dehumidifier to control humidity and improve air quality in your basement
• Utilizing advanced methods to strengthen damaged walls and reinforce your home’s structure

Why Address Wet Basement Walls Now?

The sooner you deal with wet basement walls, the better. Swift action offers the following benefits:

• Preventing moisture from damaging the structural integrity of your home
• Avoiding more expensive repair bills in the future
• Reducing health risks from mold and mildew growth
• Detering pests from entering your basement
• Preserving or even increasing your property’s value

Unlike hardware store products, our proprietary products guarantee reliability and longevity, safeguarding homes all across Seattle from water damage. We also offer long-term, transferable warranties.

Contact Matvey Foundation Repair for Basement Waterproofing You Can Trust

Wet Basement FAQs

What if I can’t afford to waterproof my basement?

Many homeowners’ insurance policies cover basement repairs. Otherwise, Matvey Foundation Repair offers flexible financing options that spread out the cost of basement waterproofing.

Can I repair wet basement walls myself?

Experts don’t recommend it. Store-bought products provide temporary relief but won’t address the underlying moisture issue in your basement. Hire a professional instead.

How can I identify the cause of wet basement walls?

Insufficient drainage, compromised footing drains, and other problems lead to wet basement walls. However, without training or experience, it’s difficult to determine the exact cause, so contact a professional like Matvey Foundation Repair for help.