Homeowners often have this problem of a damp, wet and leaky basement. The whole house can be affected over time when water keeps on entering a basement. The damage that water can cause to a foundation ranges from mild to severe. It can also create other problems with mildew and harmful molds — especially for adults and children who have problems with breathing including Asthma. You should be aware of the important reasons why stopping basements leaks can help prevent problems associated with water and moisture:
Water Damages All Types of Basements
There are several purposes that basements serve including storage, additional living space, work space and a play area for children. Basements are used only as a place of storage in some homes, while in other homes, basements are used as fully furnished living spaces, with no difference from any other existing living space in the home. All the same, the way you’ve chosen to use your basement still does not change the fact that water can be an annoying disturbance if it enters your basements.
Location, Location, Location
A basement can and will leak because of many different reasons. A common way basements give problem is when water continually seeps into the basement through small and hidden holes or cracks in the walls, joints or floor boards.
Basements are wet and damp by nature, and this is because they’re positioned below ground, close to sources of water and moist soil. Although some homeowners think that using a dehumidifier, which rids the air of excess moisture, is the only way to dry out the moisture and dampness of their basement, the source of the problem is not attacked by this process!
Drainage
Basement water issues can also be caused by drainage systems around the home. Water can easily backup or freely flow into your home’s basement in cases where the drainage system is improperly installed, damaged or clogged. Maintaining and keeping drains clear, or installing a new drainage system are easy ways to fix this problem.
Outdoor Leaks
When homeowners fail to maintain frequently outside spigots and leaky pipes, they tend to drip and leak, and this results in dampness and moisture issues in the basement. As a result of this, homeowners are advised to shut off water to the outside spigots during the winter season. This will protect the pipes from freezing, cracking and breaking, and prevent your basement from getting unnecessarily moist.
Another easily overlooked and common leak is through the basement windows in the home. When the rain or snow fall is too much, drainage problems can occur. This is because the windows tend to leak at ground level where the precipitation is building.
This issue can be countered by installing newer energy efficient replacement windows.
The Lack of Waterproofing
When an unfinished basement is not waterproofed, this can be the greatest problem. It’s okay not to complete the basement like everyone wants. But, no one wants a basement that is messy, damp, and leaky. You can have these very conditions if you don’t call in a basement expert to inspect the basement environment and properly waterproof the basement.
The contractor will likely recommend installing a water drainage system in the floor and a sump pump to properly redirect unwanted water out and away from the foundation.
Whether you have a finished or unfinished basement, waterproofing is important if you want to keep it healthy, safe, and dry. But waterproofing should be done before completion because you can cover up the problem and only worsen it as time progresses when you complete it first. Also, your finished basement could build up some huge damages if waterproof materials or materials resistant to water damage are not used in finishing it. Somehow, when you use these kinds of products and materials to finish your basements, you’re actually waterproofing it too!
Make sure you keep these tips in mind if you practice do-it-yourself or just a concerned homeowner. But, it’s always wise to get a basement waterproofing expert who can evaluate the situation, offer the best options to meet the needs of your home and ensure that the installation is performed correctly to have your home protected.
