Stop Your Wet Basement from Becoming a Larger Problem

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For homeowners, one of the worst problems to encounter is a wet basement. Whether it be caused by a storm or a leaky appliance, a wet basement is not only an annoyance, it can become a much larger problem, one riddled with mold, mildew and more.

The Causes of a Wet Basement

Whether a home is new or old, wet or damp basements are a common problem.  However, the problem does tend to be more prevalent in older homes. If a basement is wet, it is most likely caused by surface water that is not properly draining away from the foundation wall. This can happen if:

  • There are no gutters to take away rain water, or if the gutters and downspouts are clogged. This will cause the rain water to leak into the foundation walls.
  • If there are flower beds or shrubbery around the foundation of the home, this can lead to a wet basement.  Over watering can cause the soil to become filled with water; the excess water can then seep into the ground next to the wall. This water may eventually make its way into the basement.
  • Rainwater runoff from the lawn, walks, or driveway areas. This water can run into the basement if the landscaping forces it to drain towards the home.
  • If the home is built at the base of a hill, there is a greater opportunity for runoff water to become groundwater and flow down towards the home. While the home’s foundation walls will intercept and trap this water, it can cause pressure to buildup and actually force water through joints and cracks in the basement walls.
  • Improperly installed, leaky or clogged drains can lead to a wet basement.

Problems

When your basement is wet, it can lead to mold and mildew throughout.  Mold and mildew are actually health hazards, and if not cleaned, the entire home may need to be professionally treated, costing thousands of dollars. In addition, while the professionals remove the mold and mildew, the home cannot be lived in.

Additionally, a wet basement can ruin a home’s flooring and wall materials. Water damage can rot interior walls, studs and drywall and cause countless dollars in damage if left untreated for too long. In some cases, a wet basement can become a structural liability if water damage has done excessive damage to key structural framing of the building. As well, a wet basement can cause damage to the valuables and personal items stored indoors!

Why Basement Waterproofing is Important

Basement waterproofing is an important part of the home building process, and an integral aspect of any home’s foundation. Over time, a house’s foundation can become damaged from roots, extreme temperature fluctuations, and shifting of the ground itself. At which point water can get into the basement and begin causing further damage to your foundation, and begin to damage the interior of your basement.

Waterproofing is in place to prevent water from entering the basement, and often needs to be replaced on older homes with outdated materials and weathered waterproofing membranes. Older forms of waterproofing that was used on homes many years ago simply is not as effective as today’s materials, therefore it is often necessary to have an entire foundation’s waterproofing replaced to prevent any future water penetrations.

For more information about waterproofing and how to A Marco Plumbing can fix a wet basement, contact us today at 905-619-9700 (within Durham) or at 416-972-6222 (within Toronto).