DAMP, WET BASEMENT CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS

 Wetness issues in existing basements are widespread, but they are often misunderstood and mishandled. For example, it might not be a significant issue in a rarely used basement and isolated from the living areas above. Wet basement Toronto; however, most basements are connected to the rest of the house through ductwork or other openings. In addition, basements are now increasingly being used as finished living and sleeping areas.

 

Moisture issues are not only annoying and uncomfortable in these situations, but they can also lead to serious health issues. Mould and mildew can grow in damp carpets and behind wallpaper. Finishing a basement without first resolving moisture issues may cause health problems and cause substantial property harm. Waterproofing services can solve basement water problems, but doing so the right way comes at a price.

 

The good news is that not all leaking basements necessitate waterproofing or a new drainage system for the foundation. The water source is often located on the outside of the house, above ground, and is easily remedied.

 

Here are some of the most common causes of a wet basement and some Wet basement solutions.

 

Causes and Solution of Damp, Wet Basement: 

 

• Analyze the Landscape Grading:

 

Cause: 

Backfilling the areas around the base with loose soil is a regular thing when houses are built. And the backfill will settle faster than the undisturbed soil around it. The backfill compresses over time, forming a downward-sloping grade toward the base. Water will drain toward the house and pool against the floor, looking for a way in through cracks.

Solution:

Ensure the grade (dirt or lawn) falls away from your foundation and basement walls by walking around the entire house with a critical eye. For the first 2 feet of horizontal distance from the foundation wall, the ground should slope away from the foundation with an 8-inch vertical drop. In many cases, regrading the soil around a base solves the issue.

 

• Identifies Patios and Walkways for Slope

 

Cause: 

Patios and walkways made of concrete or brick pavers, if poorly sloped toward the building, can also contribute to the wet basement issue. Paved surfaces can drop away from the base by at least 1/4 inch per horizontal foot of distance when entirely constructed.

Large patios are often built in a funnel, directing rainwater toward the middle and into a drain there. A pop-up relief valve is often used to link the drain to an underground perforated drain pipe that leads out to the lawn.

Solution:

It can be a challenging issue to resolve. Solid concrete slabs may be mud-jacked to adjust their pitch and slope away from the building if they are small enough. Patios and walkways made of brick pavers can be repaired and rebuilt after the foundation has been regraded to the proper slope. Basement waterproofing Toronto may also be possible to build a small curb or dam along with the patio or walkway’s edge where it reaches the building.

 

• Check the Slope of the Driveway

 

Cause: 

Water can direct against the foundation by paved driveways that slope toward the tower, where it flows downward and finds entrance into the basement. Near roof gutter downspouts, recessed areas in driveway slabs are usual. Each rainstorm would spill water onto the driveway from both roofs.

Solution:

If your driveway is draining into your home, having a concrete contractor pour a small curb against your house where the driveway meets it might be a solution. A downspout will direct water against the curb instead of hitting your foundation or basement wall. This downspout will allow the water to flow back down the hill and into the street.

 

• Examine the roof’s downspout discharge:

 

Cause:

An improper discharge of the roof gutter downspouts will add to improper drainage outside the house. Roof downspouts can cause a flood of water in areas that are vulnerable to drainage issues. Downspouts also spill water right at the foundation’s base. They may be designed to channel water to the footing drain system and sump pump through a vertical drain pipe running along the foundation wall.

Solution:

Downspouts with long horizontal extensions that channel roof water away from the base and into a part of the yard where it is drained or guided away from the house are the best option. Also, check to see if the gutters are clean and running freely.

 

Conclusion:

To prevent rain from destroying the exterior finish, the top of the base should be at least 8 inches above the soil for proper landscaping. In addition, plants should plant at least 2 feet away from the bottom and deep enough in the ground to prevent water from flowing into the foundation. When landscaping, don’t overwater the field.