Western New York State is a beautiful place to live, but it does come with a few downsides. The soil in the area often has high clay content, which can mean reduced drainage and increased water saturation. The result? Basement leaks, water damage, and compromised foundations.
The good news is, your local basement waterproofing contractor can help solve your leaky basement problems. If you live in Rochester, Buffalo, or the region, basement waterproofing is critical to protecting your home and personal property.
The Nature of Clay-Rich Soil
Soil composition varies across locations, even within a single state. Generally, soil falls into a few different categories.
- Sandy Soil: Sandy soil is gritty and often dry, composed mostly of tiny bits of rock and sand. Water drains easily from sandy soil.
- Clay-rich Soil: Clay-rich soil is thick and dense, formed from layers of sediment pressed together over time. Clay soil retains water and impedes drainage.
- Loamy Soil: Loamy soil is a combination of other soil types—it contains sandy and sedimentary particles. Loamy soil retains some water while still providing adequate drainage, allowing water to move through the soil without oversaturating it.
In Western New York, the overall soil composition is more clay-rich. In some areas, this means the ratio of sedimentary particles to sandy particles is higher. In other areas, there are pockets of pure clay underground, some of them hundreds of feet deep.
Clay Soil and Your Basement
Soil with high clay content absorbs water from precipitation, snowmelt, and groundwater without letting it drain away. This absorption increases the hydrostatic pressure underground as the clay expands and presses against surrounding materials. The trouble for homeowners arises when the surrounding materials include your home’s foundation and basement.
Even the most well-built home will be affected over time by intense pressure from saturated clay soil. Hydrostatic pressure can cause cracks, shift the foundation, and force water into your basement through leaks and flooding.
Basement Waterproofing For the Win
Since you can’t change the soil, the best solution to address oversaturation and hydrostatic pressure is basement waterproofing. Waterproofing and proper drainage will keep water away from your home and reduce pressure from surrounding soil.
The Power of Early Action
Basement waterproofing is critical, even if you aren’t experiencing basement leaks or flooding at the moment. Hydrostatic pressure doesn’t cause damage in just one instance. It’s the cumulative impact of repeated high-pressure periods that causes the worst damage.
Waterproofing your basement before there’s a problem is the best way to avoid future issues and costly repairs. Help your home withstand the test of time—reach out to your local basement waterproofing contractor early.
For expert basement waterproofing services in Rochester and the surrounding area, call BelowDry Basement Waterproofing today. Our customer service is second to none, and we’re committed to finding a tailor-made basement waterproofing solution for every situation. Our family-owned company has over 15 years of experience, and we’re committed to being there for you whenever you need us. We’re open every day, and you can call on us 24/7 for emergency service. BelowDry Basement Waterproofing—Solving Your Wet Basement Problem For Good.