Water seeping into a basement can be obvious, such as when the basement floods, or it may be a much more subtle problem that results in overall dampness and mold growth. Both types of water incursion can cause major damage if repairs and waterproofing aren't completed. 

1. Crack Sealing

One of the more obvious leak causes is foundation cracks. Your contractor must thoroughly assess the damage to make sure the foundation is not compromised and in need of more in-depth repair or replacement. If all is well, then epoxy can be used to fill and seal the cracks against future water leaks. Crack sealing is often used in conjunction with other waterproofing methods to ensure future cracks don't form. 

2. Interior Membrane

An interior membrane can be used to seal the concrete basement walls so moisture doesn't seep all the way through. The membrane is typically only used when moisture tends to move through the concrete foundation, but there are no active water leaks. An interior membrane is not suitable for major basement damp issues because too much seepage will simply collect behind the membrane until it eventually begins to leak through.

3. Exterior Membrane

More extreme damp issues are better treated with an exterior membrane. Your contractor will excavate around the perimeter of the basement to reveal the foundation, then they will apply the membrane to the exposed concrete before replacing the soil. Exterior membranes are highly effective, as they prevent both damp seepage and they can protect the foundation against cracks caused by water in the soil pressing against foundation walls.

4. Sump System

Sump systems are a great option when actual flooding is a concern. A sump pit is installed in the basement, along with trench drains designed to route any incoming water to the sump pit. The pump automatically kicks on when water is in the pit. The sump pump safely pumps the water out of the basement so that a flood doesn't occur.

5. Drain Tiles

Drain tiles are sometimes called French drains. They consist of perforated drain pipes that are installed around the exterior perimeter of the basement foundation. Water flowing toward the basement seeps into the drain tiles and is routed away from the house before it has a chance to leak in. Drain tiles are commonly used in conjunction with other types of sealing, including both membranes and sump systems.

Contact a basement waterproofing company for more help, like ACCA.