Home & Garden
How To Waterproof And Seal Your Foundation In Maryland
Enlist the help of a HomeAdvisor professional with knowledge of local building code.
Foundation sealing is a very localized process, thanks to varying soil composition, annual rainfall and yearly temperatures across the country. Maryland has very specific building codes when it comes to waterproofing foundations. For example, foundation walls of habitable rooms below grade must be waterproofed with membranes extending from the edge of the footing to the finish grade line.
Reputable local contractors will be knowledgeable of these details and will work through proper steps to ensure your foundation will last a lifetime. Depending on the soil, moisture and gasses can be prevented through construction techniques like a special mastic coating and drain board on the exterior of the foundation wall.
In new construction, drain tile is installed at the foundation footing to redirect water away from the house. Before pouring your basement floor, gravel fill is used beneath the slab with a poly membrane to resist moisture and gasses released from the soil.
Find out what's happening in Across Marylandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
If executed properly, these modern techniques will prevent cracks or gaps in the foundation. Where problems can exist, however, is in older homes. This can be thanks to obsolete building techniques or prior owner neglect. If you have an older house, there are some warning signs to look out for. Keep your eyes peeled for any cracks in the foundation, sloping floors, or misaligned doors and windows. This can suggest a structural issue that requires immediate attention.
If you spot any of these red flags, hire a structural engineer on HomeAdvisor to help. Don't try to seal cracks or gaps on your own or with the help of a handyman before a professional diagnosis. You might make the problem worse by obscuring the issue. A structural engineer isn't going to repair the damage, but they are best equipped to diagnose the program and advise how to properly resolve it.
Find out what's happening in Across Marylandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Once you have a prognosis from a structural engineer, a professional contractor can help take next steps to maintain your home's structural integrity. If you only need to fill gaps to prevent further damage, there are several foams, caulks and fillers on the market that can cheaply and easily get the job done.
HomeAdvisor is a Patch promotional partner.