Preventing Basement Water Leakage And Costly Foundation Repairs

Being able to recognize a foundation problem before repairs are necessary will help you protect your investments value, and stop costly foundation repairs in their tracks. Use these following tips to spot potential problems. Some issues are easier to find than others, However, If you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to call our Edmonton office directly to book a no charge, in-person evaluation & estimate.

Tips To Recognize Foundation Problems

Signals of basement leakage or foundation seepage:

• Water entering the basement through cracks in the walls or floors.
• General dampness or a musty odor in the basement (usually after heavy rains or spring runoff).
• Tiles lifting from the basement floor.
• White powder (efflorescence) on the basement foundation around cracks in walls or floors.
• Warped paneling or dry rot in the basement.
• Signs of mildew or fungus in the basement walls or floors.
• Significant frost build-up under floors, or around foundation cracks during winter months.

Signs of foundation movement (Settlement or Shifting):

• Significant Cracks in concrete or drywall (walls, ceilings or floors) that seem to widen as time passes.
• Certain rooms with windows or doors that stick when opening.
• Windows and doors that are out of square.
• Floors cracking, sinking or that are not level in certain rooms.
• Significant cracking in brick foundations.
• Foundation/basement walls bowing or buckling.
• A fireplace or chimney leaning away from your house.
• Any horizontal cracking in foundation walls, or on the outside (stucco) of your home that widens over time.
• If you notice these significant signs of settlement occurring, costly underpinning repairs can be avoided if you have a foundation specialist analyze your building early. As settlement is a natural cycle, we can establish a baseline measurement in your home with the use of laser levels to keep a close eye on the degree of settlement occurring throughout your building over time.

 

Tips To Stop A Leaky Basement, and Keep Your Basement Dry

• Make sure your eavestroughs and downspouts are in good working order.
• Extend downspouts away from your house at least three feet and preferably to splash pads that lead the water away from your property.
• Build up the soil grade around your home or building to slope water away from your house.
• Water the soil around your house at least twice a week in dry years to stabilize the moisture in your soil, this can help prevent shifting and settling in extreme conditions.
• Water your trees (big trees require significantly more water) especially in dry years to help keep the soil at a stable moisture level year-round.
• Be careful when moving trees as it affects drainage.
• Do not over-flood flowerbeds or other plants near your foundation walls.
• Make sure your window wells aren’t filling up with water during heavy rains. *Look for water lines on your windows that indicate a clogged window well drainage system. Also, remove any debris like leaves, soil, sand, or garbage from clogging your window well. The ideal window well has an abundance of clean stone to act as a filter for water to move all the way down to your footing’s weeping tile system.
• If you have an underground sprinkler system or in-ground pool, underground valves and joints can often leak, check them frequently.

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Author: Randy Bilyk