Selecting the Right Basement Waterproofing Method

There are three ways to waterproof a basement:

• Exterior Excavation — this requires that the earth around the foundation of a home be dug up to expose the footing and then a pipe or footing drain be installed around the full exterior perimeter of the home. This is not only a huge project that causes much disruption to your yard, landscaping, deck, patio, driveway, etc.; but also costs a lot, and if it doesn't work, the solution is to re-dig the earth again and fix or unclog the footing drain. This is typically the waterproofing systems that failed to begin with and not your best option for repair.
• Negative-side Sealant — this is a waterproof paint or cement that may solve a small leak in the short term, but since it doesn't address the water that sits around the foundation, is akin to the dutch boy who stuck his thumb in the dyke... eventually this water sitting against the foundation is going to find its way into your basement.
• Interior Subfloor or Baseboard System — this is the proven method for success that Quality 1st Basement Systems uses in New Jersey and Staten Island, but only with the WaterGuard and DryTrak basement waterproofing systems. These patented solutions are only available to authorized Basement Systems dealers. These collect the water at the perimeter of the house and drain it away, thus alleviating the water around the foundation. The systems are also easily accessible from the inside so they can be maintained to prevent any problems with the system arising. However, there are other interior sub-floor drainage systems, typically referred to as a French drain that don't work so well. You can read about French Drains at Basement Systems Inc.'s Web site.

Cutaway of a Water-
Guard Installation.

The best method is to install the WaterGuard basement waterproofing system or the DryTrak drainage system at the interior perimeter of the basement floor. There are a few challenges to this method however. One is to keep the drain from being clogged by mud over the years, which WaterGuard and DryTrak readily do, but other interior systems, such as a French drain can not do. French drain or drain tile systems sit down in the mud and are difficult to access without jackhammering the floor and replacing the clogged pipes. Many homeowners go years without a water problem and then develop one due to the existing sub-floor drains clogging with mud.

The flange on the WaterGuard
system captures wall leaks
while keeping debris out.

Another challenge for subfloor systems is to set up the system to accept water from the walls without leaving a large unsightly gap at the edge of the floor which can collect dirt and debris from the floor – another potential for clogging the drain. WaterGuard and DryTrak both accept water from the walls with clean, finished looks and are extremely clog resistant.

Basement Systems patented basement waterproofing systems are designed to meet and surpass all these challenges and keep your basement dry ALL of the time. For the best solutions for basement waterproofing in New Jersey and Staten Island, call Quality 1st Basement Systems or Schedule a Free Estimate and Inspection online.