concrete water prevention waterproofing

Concrete and Water Prevention: Waterproofing and Accessories

As anyone who has dealt with concrete damage issues like cracks or settlement in the past is likely well aware, one of the top culprits in these kinds of issues is moisture. When water seeps into various sub-surface areas of a concrete slab, particularly during the winter period we’re in right now (which comes with risks of expansion and contraction), it presents major risks in terms of cracks forming or worsening in the slab.

At Lift-Up Concrete Lifting LLC, we’re happy to provide a wide range of commercial, municipal and residential concrete lifting and leveling services for those dealing with concrete repair needs. We’ve helped numerous clients deal with moisture-related issues in concrete areas, including those that may impact your foundation or other structural areas. We often provide tips on stopping water from entering the home and these important foundation-related areas, and this two-part blog series will go over several areas of expertise we recommend.

Waterproofing Basement Walls

One of the first steps here involves waterproofing basement walls, which are important features because of the way they connect ground-level concrete slabs like the garage floor, driveway or patio with the basement and home foundation.

Keeping moisture from seeping into these walls in any format is very important, as it will protect the foundation in case your upper slabs have leaking or related issues. The easiest way to do this is through basement waterproofing, which can be done professionally or on a DIY basis if you have the right skills.

Add a Catch Basin

For homes or buildings that have dealt with standing water in the past, or if you feel there’s a risk of this in the future, one great addition is known as a catch basin. Catch basins may also be referred to as storm drain catch basins or similar terminology depending on where they sit in the building.

If you’ve noticed standing water in any major area, contact our pros about a catch basin. These include your yard, your landscaping, your driveway or main parking lot, or any other area that connects to concrete.

Downspout Extension

Another major cause of moisture issues in concrete areas is improper gutter downspouts that don’t properly direct water away from the home or building. Particularly during the Utah winter that features significant snowfall and then melting, you need gutters and downspouts that work properly and send water away from your building, rather than allowing it to drip or even pool up around important concrete surfaces like your patio or driveway.

For more on how to ensure water doesn’t make its way inside your home and into important concrete surfaces, or to learn about any of our concrete repair services, speak to the staff at Lift-Up Concrete Lifting LLC today.