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Tips to fix a leaky basement

basement

basement

A leaky basement is a major issue in most of the houses in Canada. Your basement is vulnerable to water leakage because of its below-grade positioning. Did you know that more than 90% of your basements will ultimately leak? Well, it can have disastrous effects on your house. It can cause mold and mildew growth which is not just hazardous to your belongings but also to your health. It also compromises the structural integrity of your home. Knowing the causes and preventions of a leaky basement will help you protect your family and property and keep the value of your house intact.

Causes of leaky basements

Finding the reason for a basement leakage can be tricky. Hence to prevent the leak, it is essential to follow the source of water. Where is the seepage coming from? The major three sources from which water can be entering your foundation walls are given below:

Condensation: Do you keep your basement windows open during summers for ventilation of the area? When you allow warm, moist air to come into contact with your basement floor and wall, it makes it sweat. This is because of the high humidity level in your basement due to improper ventilation.

Cracks in the foundation: Did you know there are cracks in your foundation? Well, if yes, then you can be sure from where the water is making its way into your basement. Also, did you know that water can be the cause of the cracks too? Water can cause cracks in your basement because of improper drainage in the soil.

Ground or rain water: Rain water or ground water is a major reason for water leakage in the basement. When it snows or rains, more water gets absorbed in the ground. After the soil is fully saturated, it cannot hold enough water which builds a hydrostatic pressure on your home foundation. So, if there is too much water around your home soil, it can enter your basement walls and floors.

Tips to prevent a leaky basement

Basement waterproofing

There are two ways to basement waterproofing- external basement waterproofing and internal basement waterproofing. It is important to hire professionals to know which one is needed. It is also important to find out the estimated basement waterproofing cost before proceeding for it. Take estimates from two or more companies to make a good decision.

  • External basement waterproofing includes repairing cracks by replacing the waterproofing membrane around the foundation and digging your foundation to detect all the problematic areas.
  • Internal basement waterproofing includes repairing cracks in the foundation wall by adding a membrane on the inside and digging a trench to install weeping tiles to drain the water away from the house.

Installing a sump pump

A sump pump is the simplest way to safeguard your basement. It will remove all the water collected in the basement and keep your foundation dry.

Installation of a window well

If you have a high level of soil against your foundation, then a window well can safeguard you from water seepage. It is a structure sited outside the basement to keep water and soil away from your window and wall. The major purpose of a window well is to keep the basement damp-free by collecting and draining water from snow and rain.