Boston’s Coastal Waterproofing Problems
Boston has unique issues when it comes to keeping basements dry compared to other parts of Massachusetts. For what reason? Our placement directly on the port causes special problems with basement dampness.
Boston is the sixth most vulnerable city in the world to floods caused by sea level rise. We experience more flooding than any other American metropolis at regular high tidesโstorms are not necessary. The high tide in Boston Harbor reached 14.4 feet this past January, which is the fourth-highest recorded.
These facts have a direct impact on the state of your basement. Waterproofing techniques that are effective in Worcester or Springfield frequently fall flat in Boston’s waterfront communities, according to B-Dry Boston.
How Saltwater Damages Boston Foundations
The main difference between Boston basements and others comes down to one thing: salt. Saltwater hurts foundations much worse than freshwater, and regular waterproofing methods can’t handle it.
Saltwater does more than make your basement wet – it attacks the basic materials in your foundation. Concrete has many tiny holes that soak up water, and when that water contains salt (common near Boston Harbor), the salt seeps into these holes and starts breaking down the concrete itself.
This happens quicker than you’d expect. Studies show that materials exposed to salty air wear out twice as fast as the same materials used just 20 miles inland. Metal parts in your foundation rust much faster with saltwater exposure – often starting to corrode in days instead of years.
Boston homes also face rising saltwater tables underground. As sea levels rise, these salty water layers move up and push inland. When this happens, foundations that used to stay dry now pull saltwater up through the concrete, causing ongoing damage even without flooding.
Boston-Specific Factors Affecting Your Basement
Boston’s setting creates several special problems for basement waterproofing:
Unusual Soil: Much of Boston was built on filled-in land, so soil types change dramatically between neighborhoods. Some areas have clay that holds water against your foundation; others have sandy soil that lets saltwater move freely toward your home.
Local Weather: Boston’s weather affects basements differently than inland areas. Our freeze-thaw cycles are more extreme due to the harbor’s influence, putting more stress on foundations. Winter nor’easters plus high tides push saltwater inland, while summer brings humidity problems that drier areas don’t face.
Old Housing: The basements of Boston’s old houses are frequently made of brick and fieldstone, which have become increasingly porous over time. Year after year, these materials break down more quickly because they readily absorb seawater.
Rising Water Levels: Between now and 2100, Boston anticipates a sea level rise of around 40 inches, according to Chris Osgood of the city’s Office of Climate Resilience. This means that the basement protection that most waterproofing firms provide is very different from what Boston homeowners require.
How We Create Boston-Specific Waterproofing Solutions
At B-Dry Boston, we’ve developed techniques tailored to the particular requirements of our city. We employ methods created for coastal environments rather than the conventional methods intended for residences located inland.
We use unique crystal-forming procedures for concrete foundations exposed to seawater, which are effective on both new and existing foundations. These substances fill up gaps and block water by forming microscopic crystals that develop inside the concrete when wet. The older, deteriorating foundations that are typical of Boston’s aged homes are also strengthened by this method.
We employ many protective layers, coastal-specific goods, and well planned drainage systems for properties with significant saltwater problems. Even in the cramped quarters of Boston’s highly populated neighborhoods, our techniques are effective.
Why Regular Waterproofing Fails in Boston Homes
Standard waterproofing mainly tries to keep water out. In Boston, we need to do that while also stopping salt damage. This requires:
- Using materials that resist salt damage
- Installing drainage that works despite tidal changes
- Applying sealants that block salt from getting through
- Building barriers against rising saltwater tables
- Fixing specific weak points based on your neighborhood’s conditions
We start by figuring out exactly how Boston’s coastal setting affects your specific home. No two Boston neighborhoods face the same issues, which is why one-size-fits-all waterproofing typically doesn’t work here.
Get Local Experts to Protect Your Boston Basement
If your basement hasn’t responded well to ordinary waterproofing, it may not be a case of poor installation; rather, Boston-specific remedies are probably needed. B-Dry Boston is aware of the unique difficulties posed by the location of our city.
For a free evaluation that focuses on how Boston’s coastal conditions impact your specific house, give us a call at (617) 265-1324 now. We’ll assist you in comprehending the reasons why prior waterproofing may have failed and develop a strategy tailored to the area of your house.
Because Boston basements require a different approach than the conventional techniques employed everywhere else, B-Dry Boston offers waterproofing that is specifically tailored for our particular coastal environment.
