How to Seal a Basement in Deerfield, IL 60015
So, how’s life in Cadwell’s Corner?
Oh, sorry, I meant Leclair. How are things there lately?
Have no idea what I’m talking about? Maybe you should brush up on your Deerfield history because the village in southern Lake County was first named “Cadwell’s Corner” after its original settlers in the mid-Nineteenth Century. Shortly after that, the name changed to “Leclair;” “Deerfield” was chosen a few years later, narrowly beating out “Erin” in a popular vote.
Regardless of the name, the town we have long known as Deerfield has had an interesting history, having at various times within its boundaries a stop on the Underground Railroad for escaped slaves, the world’s largest bakery and a briefly controversial “No Kissing” zone at its commuter rail station.
Interesting as all that may be, the history that is most important to Deerfield homeowners is that of their homes, two-thirds of which are more than 30 years old. As homes age, maintenance problems begin to arise and it is common for older homes to shows signs of foundation damage and/or water in the basement. When this happens, the Deerfield homeowner needs to seal his or her basement against further water infiltration.
3 Ways to Seal a Basement in Deerfield
Just as in nearby Northbrook and Glenview, the right way to seal a basement in Deerfield must be determined by a thorough inspection and recommendation for the home’s specific problems but most basements can be sealed permanently using one of three methods.
Crack Repair – The most common type of foundation in Deerfield is one constructed of poured concrete and these foundations most often leak because of non-structural cracks in the walls. The best way to permanently repair these cracks is to inject them with expanding polyurethane from the inside of the basement. The polyurethane fills and seals the cracks all the way to the outside soil and remains flexible when it cures to prevent re-cracking from minor foundation movement.
If the crack can’t be accessed from inside it can be repaired on the exterior by filling a small hole dug next to the foundation at the site of the crack with sodium bentonite clay. The clay creates a pliable, permanent barrier against water.
Interior Drain Tile – Another common source of seepage in Deerfield homes is through cracks in the basement floor or the cove joint, caused by hydrostatic pressure under the foundation. Interior drain tile, perforated pipe installed under the basement floor in a bed of washed stone, relieves this pressure and carries ground water to a sump pump to be discharged from the house. When installed properly, interior drain tile will be maintenance-free.
Exterior Waterproofing – Poured concrete foundations can leak over the top of the foundation wall and through porous patches; masonry foundations through cracked or deteriorated mortar joint or porous masonry. The best way to seal basements against these problems is to apply an exterior waterproofing membrane, a thick coating of asphalt-modified polyurethane that is applied with a trowel. The membrane seals the foundation walls against water intrusion.
When extreme amounts of groundwater are present, the membrane can be bolstered by installing exterior drain tile and heavy-duty drainage board to protect the membrane and channel water downward.
No matter what the appropriate type of repair, the Deerfield homeowner who needs to seal his or her basement will need the services of a professional basement waterproofing contractor that knows the village and its homes. At U.S. Waterproofing, we have sealing basements around Chicago for 56 years and have already helped hundreds of Deerfield homeowners keep theirs dry. Why not ask for our free advice?