A Look at Waterproofing Terminology

In Linthicum Heights and near Baltimore, you may have heard other homeowners talk about waterproofing their basements. There are many different terms that professionals use to talk about both basement waterproofing strategies and the consequences of inadequate waterproofing.

When you hear the term “water table,” it refers to the level where soil and materials below ground are saturated with groundwater in the vicinity of your home. Flooding can happen when surface tension causes the water level to extend above the water table. A “sump pump” is a device that pumps excess groundwater out from a pit below your basement. This water can enter via “water seepage,” that is, by oozing through the soil. Basement finishing requires adequate waterproofing, for which professionals may dig a “drywell,” which is a gravel-filled hole where water drained from sump pumps can go. To prevent water damage in your crawlspace, you may hear a professional talk about “crawl space encapsulation,” which essentially seals this area off from water penetration.

Effective basement and crawlspace waterproofing uses a variety of strategies to keep these below-ground level areas of your home dry and mold-free.