A leaking basement can be a nuisance, and the last thing you want to deal with is that. Unfortunately, several fundamental problems might be causing leakage in the basement you may not know. The health of your basement has an impact on the overall health of your home. So, if you ignore the basement for a long time, you will deal with other complications that might need expensive repairs. You might also deal with mildew and molds that may be the source of allergies in the house. Furthermore, a leaky basement reduces the value of your property. It is thus essential to apply basement waterproofing to eliminate such issues. Here are the main origins of basement leaks and how to fix them.
1. Inadequate Grading
Rainwater can often find its way to the basement due to poor grading. During construction, the builder should build the foundation sloping away from the house. This way, the water will flow away from the house and not accumulate around it. Ineffective grading happens when the soil is not compacted well. Eventually, the slope changes with time. The best way to deal with this is to hire Direct Waterproofing to assist with proper grading.
2. Condensation
Sometimes the origin of the basement leaks is not external but internal. If there is high humidity in the basement because of poor ventilation, the result is usually condensation. This dampness can lead to the growth of molds in severe cases. You might also have a problem with internal leaks like leaks from the toilet, bathroom, sinks, washing machine, or dishwasher. If you notice such, call an expert for basement waterproofing to find the source of condensation and internal leaks.
3. Cracks in the Foundation
If your foundation has cracks, which is a rare case, be sure that rainwater will find a way to get to the basement. This happens when the floor joints are not attached properly to the foundation. Actually, water can similarly cause cracks if there is poor drainage. So, fix any crack on the base and direct water away to avert its accumulation around the foundation.
4. Ineffective Drain Tile or Sump Pump
A drain tile and sump pump are two crucial elements in your basement. The tile is meant to channel the water away from the house. If the excess water cannot be directed away from the house, especially if the house is on a slope, it is collected into a sump pump that pumps it away. Basement leaks happen when these two elements are ineffective. So, you ought to get a professional to check this problem and solve it.
5. Damaged or Misplaced Gutters or Downspouts
Downspouts and gutters are other essential elements since they help in directing water away from your home. However, if these two are faulty, clogged, or don’t exist, it is impossible to channel the water from the house, and this is how it finds its way to the basement. So, install the gutters and downspouts and clean them often.
Conclusion
You don’t need to worry about a leaky basement if you do the things revealed above. One thing you need to know is that basements are susceptible to water issues. So, catch these problems early enough and don’t ignore the basement for too long.