Wet Basements, Inside Out: BIG 550 KTRS

Join John Shea and Jim McMillan on St. Louis' BIG 550 KTRS every Saturday from 11 AM to 1 PM for Inside Out—local expertise from gardening and landscaping to home improvement projects and handy tips.

In the St. Louis area, the combination of last year’s drought and the excessive moisture from this past season has created a one-two punch to our local foundation walls. The drought relieved pressure against the foundations, leaving many with the potential to bow outward. The heavy snow and rain caused the opposite effect, increasing pressure against the walls and increasing the chances of inward flexing, cracks, and foundation shifting. Many of our local homeowners are now noticing water seepage through the foundation due to these dramatic changes in seasonal moisture.

With these significant temperature changes it is important to check your water removal systems. Sump pumps need to be checked for full functionality, such as checking the valves and the exterior drainage ports. With the uniquely cold season that is just now starting to pass, many drainage and evacuation ports are at risk of freezing, preventing the sump pump system from effectively relocating water buildup. Woods Basement Systems uses the patented IceGuard ejection ports, which provide a backup drainage location in case the normal drain point has frozen over.

The high wind experienced locally has also contributed to increased water in the home. Fallen twigs and leaves will clog the gutters, especially the pin oak leaves commonly found throughout our area, which tend to fall late in the season. Being loaded with debris will prevent the gutters and downspouts from effectively relocating water, and as such it will build up around the base of the home and foundation.

Woods Basement Systems uses the award winning WaterGuard system to capture and evacuate excess water in the basement. This perimeter drainage system is set on top of the foundation footing and channels all water seepage to the sump pump, which safely and effectively empties the water away from the home. This installation requires very little to no outside work at all and can be done very quickly. The only time Woods Basement Systems will do any outside work is when the situation specifically calls for it, potentially from extremely high water levels that are spilling over the sill plate.

Woods Basement Systems hopes all homeowners understand how changes in temperatures and other outside factors might contribute to additional basement waterproofing and foundation repair issues.  From St. Louis to Champaign and throughout their Service Area, they have repaired many basements and foundations with award-winning products and excellent customer service.  They offer free estimates and no-obligation written quotes.