How Does Moisture Gets to Your Basement

Water in the basement is a serious hazard that can lead to mold, mildew, and structural damage. If you suspect your basement is damp, take immediate action before damage occurs.

But first, understand the different ways water can enter your basement so you can take measures to prevent the problem from happening in the first place.

Foundation Cracks

Numerous aspects may cause the foundation to crack, as follows.

Soil Movement

The soil around your foundation is constantly moving. When water saturates the soil, the soil may expand. This expansion puts pressure on the foundation walls and may cause cracks.

Poor Drainage

Water will pool next to the foundation if you have poor drainage around your home. This pooled water will seep into cracks in the foundation and cause a damp basement.

Tree Roots

Moisture attracts tree roots, so the roots will grow towards damp areas. As tree roots grow, they put pressure on the foundation walls and can cause cracks.

The cracks allow moisture to seep in and cause dampness in your basement. The best solution, in this case, is to have a professional fix the cracks and waterproof your basement.

Faulty Gutters

Your home's gutters play an essential role to keep your basement dry. The system collects rainwater and directs the water away from your home through the downspouts.

If the gutters fail, they will not be able to direct water away from your home properly. This issue can cause water to pool next to your foundation and seep into any cracks, which may lead to a damp basement.

Inspect your gutters regularly for damage. Additionally, clean the gutter system to eliminate debris that can cause clogs. If you have a lot of trees near your home, you may need to clean the gutters more often to prevent leaves from clogging the system.

Ineffective Window Wells

Window wells aim to prevent water from seeping in around your basement windows. If the window well lacks proper installation, water will head towards the window instead of away from the window and building structure. Consequently, water will seep in around the window and cause dampness in your basement.

Ensure proper window-well installation and maintenance. Ensure the window well is free from debris that may accumulate over time and compromise water flow.

Inefficient Sump Pump

A sump pump is installed in the lowest part of your basement. The sump pump contains a float that activates the system when the water level rises. When you activate the system, the sump pump will pump the water out and away from your home.

If the sump pump loses efficiency, water may accumulate in your basement. If you suspect your sump pump is faulty or the drainage pipe has clogs, contact a professional for system inspection and repairs.

Inadequate Grading

The grading around your home helps direct water away from the foundation. However, if the grading is inadequate, water will pool next to the foundation and seep into any cracks in the foundation walls. And over time, the moisture may dampen your basement. To prevent this problem, ensure an adequate slope around your home to allow water to drain away from the foundation.

Whatever the cause of your damp basement, waterproofing is the best way to prevent moisture damage in your home. Waterproofing the basement will help to improve the air quality and make your home more comfortable.

You can count on us at Rite-Way Waterproofing to provide you with the best basement waterproofing services. Our team of experts will help identify the moisture source in your basement and offer a personalized solution to keep your basement dry all year long. Contact us to schedule a consultation.