Basement Waterproofing Photo Album: Leaking Brick Foundation in Granite City, IL
Brick foundation walls have more mortar joints than, say, block basement walls. Because of all the mortar joints involved in brick basement walls, brick foundations can leak without any cracks at all. No matter how well-constructed, the once beautifully-built masonry walls become tarnished with efflorescence. When leaky basement walls are painted, they may even begin displaying signs of mold growth.
One great solution is the CleanSpace Wall System. The clean, white vapor barrier is installed along the walls. CleanSpace works as a vapor barrier and wall covering, provides a clean look and—when installed with a perimeter drainage system—prevents leaky basement walls from flooding your basement floor.
Wet Basement in Granite City, IL
This brick foundation is leaking through the mortar joints and at the wall/floor joint.
Eliminating Humidity, Mold, and Odors
Hygrometers can be used to measure the relative humidity in basement environments. This hygrometer reading displays nearly 70% relative humidity in the basement. 55% or higher relative humidity in a basement is a mold playground.
Leaking Brick Basement Walls
Before even considering remodeling a basement that has brick foundation walls, it is critically important to consider how leaky the walls can be. For example, the mortar joints in this wall have obviously been repaired several times in an attempt to seal the water out. Unfortunately, it just hasn't worked.
