Why Is My Basement Flooding?

Water is a source of life. However, there are some cases when it can be harmful such as when your basement has water. If you’re experiencing basement water problems, then it’s time we figure out the causes behind it. There’s never a good time for this to happen. Maybe you’ve just bought your home, and it wasn’t disclosed. Maybe you’ve owned your home for thirty years without a leak. You might even fall into the category of a newly built home that now has water. When this happens, it can cause frustration and confusion, thinking this might be a costly expense or how is this possible. If you’re experiencing basement flooding, then it’s time to take the necessary steps in keeping your basement dry. The first step is figuring out why your basement is becoming submerged and we’ll dive into that below.

FOUR REASONS YOUR BASEMENT HAS WATER

Water can be found in all levels of the ground. In The Great Lakes State, we have an abundance of water sources. The weather is also a major contributor to water problems here. Keep in mind that once you figure out the reasoning as to why your basement has water , it’s vital that you get it fixed with one of our waterproofing methods. If this is left untreated too long, you could be faced with more expensive damage like mold, mildew, rot, staining,settling and a decreased value of your home. These signs and symptoms can cause a dangerous situation for you and your loved ones. At Foundation Solutions 360, we can eliminate those situations and preserve the value of your home.

DETERIORATED WALL SEALING

The first reason that your basement might be flooding is that the walls on the exterior are not protected. This can be from deteriorated material applied years ago or poor application upon newly built homes. Some codes only require a minimum application of spray on material. The proper sealing of the exterior wall should consist of a thick coat of sealer. This is followed by a thick membrane or vapor barrier that can stick and adhere to the sealer. The last part of sealing the wall would be a dimple board that gives the protection from moving soils and protects the waterproofing during backfill. This gives you triple protection and can out last the home itself if installed properly. Poor sealing can cause your basement walls to allow water to come through the cracks. This is a vital process that is done at the construction stage of your home. If not performed correctly or not at all, this is a very extensive process to excavate and repair. Fortunately, there are more options for correcting this problem if not left untreated too long.

EXISTING DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

Your drainage system is the plumbing system that takes the water away from your home. Over the last 100 years of building, the codes change every three years. There’s no argument our homes are built better and more efficient today than years ago. We learn from our mistakes and codes reflect this. One of the top reasons that allow water into your home is the existing drain tile. Some homes were even built without it. The worst part is that it’s buried under the ground or concrete and there’s most likely no way to tell its condition. If your home is older, it most likely has a french drain system. These systems are clay pipes that deteriorate, clog and collapse for many reasons. When this happens the water has nowhere to drain but into the void also known as your basement. Usually you will see the water where the wall meets the floor.

FOUNDATION CRACKS

Another source of water can be very visible to the homeowner. This comes in the form of cracks. Most cracks in the foundation wall can be minor settling cracks that are allowing water in your home. These cracks are mostly vertical and tend to start leaking near the lower 2/3rds of the wall. This is one of the least invasive repairs that are not too expensive when it comes to foundation repair. Make sure you ask about a warranty. A lot of companies can stop the water temporarily but 6 months later the water will be back. However, all cracks should be diagnosed by a licensed foundation contractor to identify the cause of the crack. In some cases, you could have settling that has caused shifting and major damage to the foundation. Foundation Solutions 360 offers a lifetime transferable warranty for crack repairs. This protects you and the buyer of your home. This protects all parties and shows the workmanship behind the company.

DOWNSPOUTS & IMPROPER GRADING

Some of the more simple solutions to protect your home are the downspouts to your gutter and grading around your home. If the downspouts are not extended far enough from your home, then it might drain down next to your basement which can lead to water leaking into the basement. Downspouts should send the water at least 15 feet away from the house. Your gutter systems can also be blocked because they haven’t been cleaned out in some time, which can cause the water to go elsewhere instead of down the system. Improper grading around your home can cause water to flow toward your home and puddle next to the foundation walls. This would definitely cause problems for settling and water in the basement. However, you need to take the proper precautions to make sure that is, in fact, the case.

Now that you know the cause of your leaks, it’s time to have your basement waterproofed. For more information, reach out to Foundation Solutions 360.