Why You May Need Basement Waterproofing
Many homeowners find they must invest in basement waterproofing. They often assume it is because the house was poorly built, but that may not be the case. Numerous things can lead to a wet basement. Knowing the cause of the dampness is the first step in resolving the issue.
Poorly Graded Soil
The soil around the home needs to slope away from the building. If the soil is level or actually slopes toward the house, water will sit alongside the foundation. That water may then seep into the house and lead to dampness. By having the soil sloped away from the home, a homeowner can prevent this issue.
A Failing Gutter System
If the gutters on the home are blocked, water may pour over the sides and land next to the foundation. It might be that the downspouts are missing sections and can no longer direct water away from the home. Either situation leads to water near the foundation. Fixing the gutters is the first step. Once this has been done, look into Basement Waterproofing to reduce the risk of damage to the home if a similar situation arises in the future.
Window Wells
Window wells are those pockets around window basements. If they fill with water, it may be time for Wet Basement Repair. These window wells should have covers to stop water from coming in through the windows. However, the covers are loose or missing, water can make its way into the home. Never assume that having window well covers is enough. They must be inspected regularly to ensure they are fulfilling their purpose.
Drainage System Issues
A home may have a Basement Drainage System and still have water coming into the home. It could be a French drain that is blocked with soil or roots so water cannot escape as it should. A sump pump can only drain water when it is operational, so this device must be inspected regularly.
In addition, if the water rises high enough, water may enter the home through the sump pit. These are examples of drainage system issues that can lead to water in a basement. A blocked or crushed pipe in the drain tile system can also lead to similar issues.
Structural Cracks
If the home has one or more structural cracks, water may enter the home through these cracks. Call for a repair immediately upon finding one of these cracks to minimize the damage and keep the cost of repairs down.
A basement waterproofing project should be completed as soon as possible. The longer water is allowed to enter the foundation of the home, the greater the damage will be. This leads to higher repair costs. It’s best to have the foundation of the home inspected annually to prevent these issues and detect problems. Doing so saves time and money in the long run.
