Determining where the water intrusion source is can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Learn about basement leak detection in Idaho. The post Basement Leak Detection In Idaho appeared first on Twin Home Experts.
We get so many calls from worried customers that have water intrusion issues. First, they call a plumber and once they find out it’s not a plumbing leak, they don’t know who else to call, and that is frustrating.
Well, here in Post Falls, Hayden, Spokane Valley, Coeur d’Alene, Rathdrum & Sand Point Idaho, the Twin Home Experts have detected many water leakage issues in basements and rooms below ground level.
Call the Twins today if you’re experiencing any basement issues 208-818-8388.
Top signs that you have a leak in your basement :
- Musty damp odor
- Wet carpet, or wet drywall
- Signs mold growth
- Water stains on materials
- Carpet is damp
- White powdery substance on concrete or brick walls
- Health issues every time you’re in the room
Determining where the water intrusion source is can be like finding a needle in a haystack. But, with proper knowledge, the process of elimination, and state of the art equipment, they can be found.
One of the biggest culprits in water intrusion inside basement rooms is foundation cracks. Most people think it’s a sprinkler line or too much watering in the planter beds, and it’s not. That does feed the crack to allow water, but the issue really is the compromised foundation, it’s either needing damp proofing or most likely, waterproofing.
What is the difference between damp proofing & waterproofing?
One test you can do to determine your moisture issue is to take a piece of foil about 18” by 18” square and take tape it directly on your wall. Let it sit there for 24 hours or so. If the foil on the outside has condensation, then you have a humidity issue, if you peel the foil off and there is moisture inside (between wall & foil), then you have a water intrusion issue.
Damp proofing: If you have moisture on the outside of the foil, damp proofing with a dehumidifier, our damp proofing the exterior part of the area with an emulsifier, will be needed.
Waterproofing: If you have water intrusion from outside, this is where you’ll need to expose entire exterior wall(s) and completely waterproof, and repair any cracks to the foundation as well as add drainage.
Case study in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho:
Steve & Colleen just purchased a home that was built in the ’70s. The home inspector noted moisture & mold in the corner of the basement floor.
We were called out to not only treat the mold contamination and dry the structure but most importantly, determine water intrusion source.
We started with testing all nearby plumbing using our acoustic, infrared and using our helium we found no plumbing leaks.
We then put the room under containment using 6 mil poly plastic, placed air scrubber with pure HEPA filtration.
We then opened walls, bagged & disposed of all materials. Once the concrete wall was fully exposed, we performed hydrostatic water tests and found a long hairline crack that went from top to bottom. Water immediately intruded.
We notified Dig alert, 811 and they came out prior to us trenching outside, marked all underground utilities.
We trenched outside the corner of the planter bed and exposed the foundation and crack.
Thoroughly cleaned using concrete cleaner and wire brush. We repaired the crack with a hydraulic concrete water stopper. It’s important to inject as much as possible when filling in the crack. Once that is dry for about 4 hours, then we applied a coat to the remaining foundation that was exposed, waterproofing the wall from top to bottom.
Protecting that application with an asphalt emulsifier after 24 hours of dry time is a great finishing touch.
We added drainage using NDS products and sloped the planter bed towards the front yard away from the foundation. Then we re-tested and solved the issue.
How much does basement leak detection cost? – Bill in Post Falls
A Basement leak detection in Idaho will range in cost depending on the severity and how many locations water is intruding from, it can range from a high of $2,800 to a low of $350.
How much does waterproofing cost? – Melissa in Hayden
Waterproofing can consist of several applications – such as three coats, drainage, foundation repairs, bolting, etc.
Cost factors are determined by the depth of trenching, length, how difficult or easy digging the soil is. You can expect a high of $25,000 to a low of $3,800.
How long does it take to waterproof? – Barbara in Coeur d’Alene
Waterproofing takes a minimum of three days and depending on the size of an area it can take up to 2 weeks.
How much does mold treatment cost for my basement? – Ben in Sand Point
When it comes to cost to remove mold in a basement, this can vary depending on the contamination, which walls are wet and if it affected the wood framing and insulation.
We’ve completed mold removal in a basement from a high of $15,000 to a low of $ 890, again it really depends on how severe it is.
Conclusion
We specialize in basement leak detection in Idaho.
If you’re seeing or smelling dampness in your basement room, you should really seek out a professional before more damage occurs. You also want to find the source of the moisture prior to doing any repairs. Consider a contractor that can solve all your issues – leak detection, mold & water damage, as well as completing water/dampproofing project.
If you need more information, please call the Twins today, we’re here to help. 208-818-8388
As always, Thank you for visiting our site.
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