When buying a house with a basement be sure to check for signs of dampness in the basement. You are better off understanding any possible water problems before you buy the house than after you buy. At the very least understanding, the water problem will help you decide on the type of wet basement repair that will best fix the problem.
If you are thinking about square footage of your new home keep in mind the basement can be used for additional space in your home if it is dry. A leaky basement is wet and damp and it will become wasted, possibly unhealthy space.
Some common causes of a Wet Basement:
1.Groundwater penetrating through foundation cracks or window wells
2.Plugged gutter system
3.Failed Tile system
4.Not enough gutters
5.Poor grading of land near the house. Water should flow away from the house and not toward it.
6.Condensation from pipes. In areas of high humidity pipes can form condensation and drip. This is not uncommon from air conditioner units without release valves.
When you are reviewing the property pay attention to tell tale signs of possible water dampness
Signs of Dampness might be:
1.A musty or damp smell
2. Efflorescence it is a condition that produces a white or sometimes grayish ash on the walls. It is caused by salt deposits left behind by evaporating water.
3.Water stains along the walls or floors.
4. Spalling is when water gets inside the surface of concrete, brick or stone, salt deposits from the water cause the surface to flake away, peel or pop off.
Some common causes of a Wet Basement:
1.Groundwater penetrating through foundation cracks or window wells
2.Plugged gutter system
3.Failed Tile system
4.Not enough gutters
5.Poor grading of land near the house. Water should flow away from the house and not toward it.
6.Condensation from pipes. In areas of high humidity, pipes can form condensation and drip. This is not uncommon from air conditioner units without release valves.
Some Solutions:
1. Make sure all of your downspouts are connected and directed properly.
2.Attach extensions to downspouts if needed to channel water away from the house
3.Clean out gutters
4. Regrade the landscaping is necessary to slope away from the house
5.Install a dehumidifier
6.Install drain tile
7.Install a Sump Pump
8.Install a French drain
9.Install a floor drain
10.Waterproofing
Basements are built into the ground and it is reasonable to assume that they could become susceptible to water penetration over time. Water in the ground or soil can put constant pressure on the basement walls and water will follow the path of least resistance and could result in a leaky basement.
If you are experiencing water problems and you are looking for a wet basement repair call an expert for advice. In most cases, the cost of wet basement repair is less than you expected and a dry basement is healthier, less worrisome and you may recapture unused space that can be refinished for your family enjoyment.