Whether it’s a small puddle or a major pool, any water in your basement following heavy rainfall is a problem – and it’s a problem that’s only going to get worse over time and with each subsequent rainfall. That’s why any sign of water in your basement should be a call to action.
Water intrusion may not just damage property and personal belongings, but lead to mold and mildew growth and indoor air quality issues throughout the household.
We’ll discuss why water may be leaking into your basement after heavy rains, waterproofing techniques and why you don’t want to ignore any water intrusion in your basement.
Causes of Leaks In Basement
If water leaks into and pools in areas of your basement after heavy rainfall, then you have a problem—a problem that can compromise the structural integrity of your home and potentially impact your and your family’s health
Whether it’s through cracks in the basement walls or floor, window wells or at the joints where the walls meet the floor, water entering the basement is never a welcome sight. And it often indicates a problem that’s only likely to worsen over time if corrective action isn’t taken.
Basement problems often arise from issues with hydrostatic pressure. This occurs when soil becomes water-logged around a home’s foundation, causing pressure to build up against the foundation walls. Over time, this can cause cracks in the walls, giving the water its entry point into your basement after significant rainfall.
The only way to stop water from entering your basement is by taking the proper measures to waterproof it, either by tackling the task yourself or, better yet, having a basement waterproofing company assess your situation and address the root cause of your water issue.
How to Stop Water From Leaking Into My Basement
If you’re getting water in your basement after heavy rainfall, know that the problem isn’t going to go away by itself. Corrective action is necessary – and the good news is that there are various ways to properly waterproof your basement to prevent recurring issues. Here’s a look at some of the most common waterproofing techniques:
Water Drainage Systems
One of the most common waterproofing techniques is to install a water drainage system around the interior walls of the basement. These are drilled and installed right into the concrete floor of your basement and designed to capture any water that leaks through the walls. The drainage system is angled toward a sump pit or the main sewer drain so that any captured water can be effectively removed from the system and stay out of your basement. Fiberglass wall panels are typically installed directly above the drains to help water drip down so it can be taken away. Property owners can finish their basements over these panels and drainage channels.
Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are a staple in many basements – especially those in areas with a high water table or in environments that see significant rainfall. They’re installed in the lowest area of the basement and work to safely discharge water outside of and away from the property after enough of it gathers in the weep tiles and makes its way to the sump pit.
However, sump pumps often run on electricity – and this can pose a problem if the power goes out in severe weather. That’s why all sump pumps should also come with a battery backup feature to keep them operational should you lose power in a storm.
Sump pumps should also be regularly inspected to ensure they remain working effectively and efficiently when they’re needed the most. It’s suggested that they be tested at least once every three to four months and maintained as necessary.
Repair Cracks or Gaps in the Foundation
As we said above, water commonly enters the basement through cracks or gaps that have formed in the foundation. Hence, fixing any foundation issues can help prevent basement leaks during heavy rainfall. Cracks can be fixed both from the exterior and the interior, though interior repair is often preferred to avoid any excavation. Cracks and gaps are often repaired by injecting them with epoxy and polyurethane foam, which expands after they’ve been administered.
Repairing cracks or gaps is often done in conjunction with other waterproofing techniques to reduce hydrostatic pressure so that new cracks don’t form.
Addressing Exterior Drainage Problems
Waterproofing of the interior of the basement is one thing. It’s also important to address any drainage issues that exist on the exterior of your home as well. By managing water buildup around the foundation of your home, you can reduce the likelihood of hydrostatic pressure forming against the basement walls. Here’s a look at some ways to address exterior drainage problems:
- Ensure your gutters are in good condition and regularly cleaned: Clogged gutters can cause captured water runoff from the roof to spill over the edges, which may lead to pooling water around the foundation. It’s best practice to clean the gutters at least twice a year – once in the spring and then again in the fall. More regular cleaning may be necessary in areas of dense foliage.
- Consider downspout extenders: If the downspouts on your gutter system are discharging too close to the foundation, there’s a better chance of water entering your basement. Downspout extenders can help ensure water is safely dispersed away from – and not toward – your home.
- Assess the land grading around the foundation: If the soil around your foundation is graded toward – and not away from – your property, any rainwater that falls is going to run toward the basement. It’s best practice to ensure any soil around your foundation drops at least one inch for every foot from the house for the first 5 to 10 feet.
- Address yard drainage problems: Does your backyard look like a lake after it rains? If too much water accumulates near the walls of your foundation, it’s likely to saturate the soil and result in hydrostatic pressure against the walls. One way to resolve water buildup in the yard is to install a French drain in problem spots. French drains collect water and disperse it safely away from your property. Most consist of a system of a drain channel that’s installed underneath the grass that redirects water to the sidewalk or curb of the property.
Why it’s Important to Waterproof Your Basement
The most obvious reason to waterproof a basement is to avoid property damage to building materials and any personal belongings. For example, if a finished basement sustains water damage, any porous contents will likely have to be discarded. This may include clothing, furniture, electronics, books and paperwork, among others. Additionally, porous building materials will also need to be removed and replaced. This may include drywall, ceiling tiles and carpeting.
Avoiding property damage or giving homeowners the peace of mind that they’ll avoid property damage if they finish the basement are major motivators for waterproofing. But there are more reasons why it’s important to waterproof. For example:
- Avoid mold and mildew growth: Mold and mildew thrive in damp conditions and can begin to grow within 48 hours. Mold isn’t just damaging to belongings and building materials, it can also cause health issues and poor indoor air quality. Mold exposure has been linked to everything from respiratory problems to skin irritation. Mold also emits a foul, musty smell.
- Increase overall home value: Waterproofing a basement has about a 30 percent return on investment. It can also be a major selling point when you’re ready to put your home on the market.
- Reduce humidity and save on energy bills: By nature, basements tend to be more humid spaces thanks to their below-ground nature. High humidity is known to transfer to other areas of the home, which can cause your HVAC system to work harder to keep it comfortable. Waterproofing a basement can help lower humidity. If that isn’t enough, installing a basement dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air can also help.
Can I Waterproof My Basement Myself?
It is possible to do some water prevention work yourself. Things like regrading the soil around the foundation, cleaning the gutters and installing downspout extenders are all DIY tasks that can keep water from building up near the foundation of your home. However, more complex waterproofing tasks are best left to the professionals.
Many people will attempt to repair cracks or gaps in their basements with liquid cement or a similar product they can purchase at their local hardware store. And while these products might keep water out for a little while, in the long run, they’re not likely to serve as anything more than a temporary Band-Aid.
For the best results, be sure to consult with a waterproofing specialist. A specialist will thoroughly assess your basement situation and recommend the right strategies to keep water out of your basement.
Common Signs of a Basement that Needs Waterproofing?
Aside from the obvious sign of spotting standing water following heavy rainfall, there are other signs of basement water damage. Here are things to look out for:
- High humidity
- Musty odors
- Visible mold or mildew growth
- Visible gaps or cracks in the basement walls or flooring
- Damp walls or insulation
- Rusting on metal appliances
- Dry rot
Conclusion
If you’re ever greeted by water in your basement after heavy rain, don’t ignore the problem and hope it goes away on its own. If you do nothing, it’s only likely to get worse. This might mean more property damage, more significant foundation issues and a higher repair bill in the long run. Taking the right measures to waterproof your basement can put any water damage or moisture intrusion in the past for good.
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