4 Basement Problems Plaguing Baltimore

Flooded Basement or Crawl Space after Heavy Rain or Snow Melt

When it comes to your home, nothing is more important than its foundation. However, many homeowners overlook foundation care. From the heavy rainfall and flooding to frigid winter weather and humidity, Baltimore’s conditions can silently impact your foundation, often without warning.

This page explores the four common basement problems plaguing Baltimore, MD, and why waterproofing your basement is crucial.

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4 Reasons Why Baltimore Basements Are at Risk

Baltimore homeowners expect the area’s varying weather conditions, including harsh winters. However, they may not know how these conditions impact their basements. Here are four common reasons Baltimore, MD, foundations are at risk:

1. Unstable Soil

3D image of loose soil surrounding a basement

Soil causes foundation damage in Baltimore. Maryland’s state soil, Sassafras soil, covers over 500,000 acres and contains organic matter, clay, and “parent” material suitable for agriculture and construction. This soil is well-drained, moderately permeable, and reacts to seasonal weather changes, which causes instability if not properly identified and addressed.

Since clay soil expands and contracts with moisture changes, proper shoring, bracing, erosion control, and design must be implemented to ensure safety and structural integrity. Basement sealing and waterproofing safeguard against water infiltration and damage, especially in Baltimore’s historic homes, where foundation soil has provided support for many decades. Here’s how soil affects foundations and how to address it:

How Soil Impacts Basement Foundations

How to Fix Damage from Unstable Foundation Soil

2. High Humidity Levels

Copper pipe with condensation droplets against a wooden background, subtly hinting at indoor humidity levels.

Humidity significantly impacts basements, often causing mold growth and structural deterioration. When Baltimore’s summertime temperatures rise, it affects basement humidity levels, which weakens wooden supports, drywall, and insulation. Left unaddressed, it can cause unhealthy living conditions and costly structural repairs. Here are more ways high humidity affects basements and how to address it:

How Elevated Humidity Affects Basements

Mold Growth
Musty Odors
Peeling Paint
Damage to Personal Belongings

How to Address Basement Humidity

3. Poor Drainage Systems

Inefficient or outdated drainage systems can cause basement water problems. Poor drainage allows water accumulation around foundations, leading to seepage through walls and floors.

Homes without proper drainage systems, particularly historic homes like those in Baltimore’s Federal Hill, Fells Point, and Mount Vernon neighborhoods, are especially vulnerable. Routine gutter, downspout, and drainage system inspections help prevent water pooling, basement water infiltration, and flooding.

Here’s how poor drainage systems affect your home and how to address issues:

How Poor Drainage Affects Basement Foundations

Basement Water Infiltration
Flooding
Hydrostatic Pressure on Foundation Walls
Structural Damage

How to Address Drainage Issues

Proper Gutters and Downspouts
Interior Drainage Systems (French Drains)
Proper Landscape and Yard Grading
Sump Pumps
Regular Inspections

4. Outdated or Substandard Construction

Efflorescence on the interior basement wall.

Older homes were constructed using the methods and standards of their time, many of which are now outdated. For example, porous concrete and insufficient rebar placement were common practices we now know lead to structural issues.

Modern solutions, like JES Foundation Repair’s basement sealing and waterproofing and structural reinforcement techniques, restore and preserve these properties while meeting today’s safety standards. Here are the common issues older homes face and how to address them:

Basement Issues in Older Structures

Crumbling Foundations and Walls
Outdated Waterproofing Materials

Restorative Approaches for Baltimore Basements

Modern Waterproofing for Basement Areas
Structural Reinforcement and Upgrades
Professional Inspections

Adhering to Baltimore’s Historic Preservation Design Guidelines ensures that renovations respect the architectural integrity and historical significance of these homes. Working with a professional for proper basement sealing and waterproofing assures proper handling and a long-term outcome.

JES Foundation Repair: Expert Basement Waterproofing Solutions

CFI meeting with customer on front porch of house

Baltimore homeowners don’t have to tolerate a compromised basement. Professional waterproofing for basement areas safeguards homes, ensuring safety, security, and compliance regardless of age.

If you need foundation repair in Baltimore, contact JES Foundation Repair. Our certified experts provide free inspections and detailed information, offering peace of mind.

For more information or to schedule your free inspection, visit our Baltimore service area page.

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Basement Waterproofing FAQs

Is Waterproofing Necessary When Finishing My Basement?

Basement finishing has become more and more popular in recent years as homeowners seek to make the most of every square inch of space that their home has to offer. There are many regulatory requirements around what is needed to class a basement as a ‘habitable space’. For example, you will need an egress window of a certain size. However, waterproofing is not technically necessary to finish your basement fully.

However, it is a very good idea to waterproof your basement before you begin any finishing work. After all, nothing is certain to ruin your hard work and furnishings quite like dampness, flooding, and mold. The benefits of waterproofing your basement before finishing it are many, and the process itself should be very straightforward and cost-effective, unless there are serious underlying issues that must be addressed first.

Generally speaking, waterproofing your basement will start with clearing all obstructions and debris from the space. After this, insulation will be cut to size and installed alongside vapor barriers to prevent moisture from seeping through the bare concrete walls and into your home. Depending on the space you have, a professional may also suggest perimeter drains and a sump pump system to make sure that your finished basement stays safe and dry in even the worst weather. Waterproofing your basement before you finish it will not only protect your hard work, but will make your finished basement more comfortable to be in.

How Long Does Basement Waterproofing Last?

As mentioned, some waterproofing solutions are temporary, whereas others can last longer if they’re more comprehensive. The type of waterproofing that involves interior drainage installed by a reliable contractor is a more permanent solution. Comparatively, sealant waterproofing lasts between one and two years, depending on the type of sealant you used.

What are the Top Basement Waterproofing Solutions?

JES Foundation Repair offers a wide number of drainage systems that can be installed within your basement for efficient moisture and water control. Arguably one of the most important drainage systems are sump pumps: basins that can intake large amounts of water found in and around your home and redirect this water elsewhere so that you do not experience leaks or floods. The SafeDri™ ProPlus 330 is the most basic model, and the SafeDri™ UltraPro Triple Sump Pump System has an additional pump for heavy duty jobs. Homeowners also have the option of the SafeDri™ ProPlus with Battery Backup System, which includes a battery backup that kicks into gear in the event of a power failure.

If you notice that water is entering your basement from any doorway openings, the BasementGutter™ Grated Drain Pipe is the solution for you. It is installed directly into the floor at any entryway, therefore capturing any water that may enter your basement through them. The holes of the grate are also small enough to block larger pieces of debris from entering, and even then, the drain pipe is easy to clean. Another option is the BasementGutter™ Interior Drain System, which lines the perimeter of your basement that is both resistant to being clogged and non-invasive to your space.

JES Foundation Repair also offers a basement dehumidifier that can remove 4 times the amount of water from the air than the commercial brands. It is also highly efficient since it drains on its own and can be adjusted to remove as much or as little moisture as you deem necessary.

Shaye Glisson

Shaye is an SEO Content Writer for Groundworks with over twelve years of experience creating helpful content across various industries, including home services and retail. She is a Gulf Coast native and writes from her firsthand knowledge of the area's hurricane and flood impacts on the local community. In her free time, Shaye enjoys exploring the local food and music scenes.

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