What to do if your Basement Leaks

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  • Author Norman Ford
  • Published May 4, 2010
  • Word count 780

More often than not a basement leaks when there is a lot of rain, your house is on a slope or in a low area or there is lots of snowfall. If you find that your basement is leaking during all times of the year without having it be due to the common flood, hydrostatic forces are probably at work.

And one of the major problems that frustrate property owners are leaky basements. A large number of basements become waterlogged as a result of common flooding, however you could also be interested to know that almost all of basement leaks are do to common forces that occur directly below and around your basement foundation. The following is information on why basements leak.

Hydrostatic forces are the steps involved in water being pushed up against your concrete or stone foundation as the water level rises and falls. Most people really don't understand that concrete is porous and when hydrostatic forces push against the basement foundation, it forces water to seep through the basement floor causing your basement to become water logged.

Basement sealers are among the simplest methods to waterproof your basement. Basement sealers are products that you or a contractor can usually brush onto the foundation walls of the basement to shield it against water seepage.

The following should be noted that basement sealers are not a permanent solution and pretty much a band aid type fix. Many homeowners who apply basement sealers need maintain with constant maintenance to prevent water leakage and seepage from occurring.

Basement sealers come in a variety of products which include sealers that are brushed on similar to polyurethane. There are sealers also known as corks that require someone to make holes in the concrete so that you can pump sealing agents into the wall. Basement sealers, although not the most perfect solution, can stop the occasional leak and seepage and therefore are very economical and easy to apply. If you are looking to stop some kinds of basement leaks and wall seepage, look into basement sealers.

Yet another way to waterproof your basement is by installing a drain tile. Almost all people will need to hire a contractor to put in the drain tile. A drain tile is really a trench constructed underneath or around the basement which can help reduce the forces that cause water leaks and in addition help remove water away from your home. . Drain tiles can cost several thousand dollars to install but if you want to have a dry basement they are absolutely worth every penny.

Installing a drain tile takes a great deal of work and is not for novices or intermediate do it yourselfers. In case you are experiencing a leaky basement or seepage through your basement walls, look into the above suggestions for the ways which you can waterproof your basement.

If you are a home owner looking to prevent your basement from water leaks and seepage, there are lots of precautions that you can take to keep water away from your home. Here are some straightforward tips for preventing a leaky basement.

One of the simplest methods to reduce the chance of basement flooding and leakage is to filter out water and remove it away from your home. Usually this can be achieved with clean and effectively working drainage. Most people have gutters that collect water and then remove it from their home, make certain these gutters are clean and in working order.

You should also make certain in case your gutters do not go into a drain that they have got a ground extension to go out and away from the home six feet is a minimum at that point water can safely drop into the ground without damaging the home

It is also smart to make sure that the area surrounding your basement foundation is sloped upwards, making sure that water moves away from the foundation. It is possible to easy landscape your property to cause water to flow away from your property instead of creating pockets and puddles that can promote basement flooding.

Another tip is that your basement windows should not be obstructed by bushes or other items. In case your basement is very humid, it can cause lots of dangerous mold growth. Make sure you open your windows every once in awhile to air out and dry out your basement, especially if it has leaking issues. For anyone who is wanting to prevent a leaky basement, follow the above simple tips.

Leaking basement are more than just a head ache they are causing damage to the foundation of the house and as the old saying goes without a good foundation !!!

Semi retired remodeler and builder with over 25yrs experience in all phases of home construction

http://www.handymanwork.net

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