Wet
Basement
The houses that are 10 to 15 years old sometimes may
develop basement leaks. Fixing cracks is an easy job
but once the water starts seeping through the concrete
the house owners are going to face huge repair bills.
So if the basement is damp, musty odors or minor leaks
fix it before it becomes worse and more expensive.
What Causes Wet Basements
Main source of wet basements are the surface water that
is not drained away properly from the foundation wall.
The sources of the dampness are the water from the roof
if no gutter is present. Another reason is the clogged
gutter that stops the roof water from running down the
pipes smoothly leading to the water to seep into the
soil next to the foundation wall. Excessive watering
of flowerbeds and shrubbery around the foundation wall
can also be a cause for wet basements. When the upper
soil layer is filled with water, the excess water either
runs off or seeps into the ground next to the wall. During
rainy season the rainwater runoff is directed towards
the foundation wall, the water may pond and eventually
soak into the soil, thereby creeping into the basement.
How to Prevent Wet Basement
Proper drainage of surface water is a primary element
in preventing wet basements and possible failure of a
foundation system. Surface water drainage should be directed
from all sides of the house and this will minimize the
possibility of dampness in basements and crawl spaces.
This will also prevent soil erosion and ponding of water
on the site. Walks around the house should not be used
as drainage channels. Maximum slopes around the house
will prevent erosion or unstable banks. The roof water
should be directed to a downspout and it should flow
away from the foundation wall towards a drainage pipe
or a ditch. Another way to prevent subsurface moisture
penetration and dampness is to use waterproofing of foundation
walls. You can also prevent excessive moisture from entering
a basement from the walls by installing the wall insulation.
How to Dry Wet Basement
The leaky and wet basement can be repaired using concrete
sealers. These sealers penetrate deep into concrete and
react with alkali, expand into pores and harden as a
mineral. The sealers seal the concrete against water
leaks and dampness. Always seal the whole basement -
both the floor and walls. If you seal only the leaking
area, water will find another way.
our fixture
section. There
is more specific information in the links at the beginning
of this article. They can guide you where you need
to go.
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