How to Prevent Basement Water Leaks

Basement Water Leaks

Introduction:

The best way to prevent basement water leaks is to plan to properly waterproof the basement before construction begins. Very often new homeowners find that after they move in their dream house the basement has a water leakage problem. And to make things more difficult the builder is reluctant to correct the problem.

The most common leaky basement problem occurs when water enters the basement through the joint where the basement floor meets the foundation wall. Leaks usually occur after heavy rains or melting snow. This does not have to occur if you know how to prevent basement water leaks and insist that the builder takes the right steps to prevent it.

Basement waterproofing and drainage is required in cases where runoff water increases the water table around the foundation during heavy water runoff. The increase in water level causes hydrostatic pressure to be exerted underneath the basement floor and against basement walls. This hydrostatic pressure forces water through any cracks or joints in the foundation walls. These openings are caused by expansion and contraction of the footing, foundation, and where the basement floor meets the wall. Hydrostatic pressure water leaks can cause serious damage to the foundation walls and create problems related to moisture, mold, and decay.

How to Waterproof the Basement:

After everything is said and done there are three methods that must be taken together to waterproof a basement. These methods involve applying internal and external water sealers and a foundation drainage system.

Interior waterproofing wall and floor sealers can prevent humidity in a basement but they are not permanent protection from water infiltration due to hydrostatic pressure. Interior sealer products are good for preventing water absorption into the porous masonry to prevent water from seeping through the pours concrete.
Exterior waterproofing sealer prevents water from entering foundation walls from the outside which prevents the water from reaching the wall. Most home builders apply a coat of external foundation sealer because it is required by building code. However, in many cases the sealer is poorly applied or is an inferior product that does not hold up very long so there is no certainty that the house is protected.
A foundation drainage system in addition to interior and exterior foundation sealer is absolutely essential to insure preventing water leakage. The drainage system prevents the accumulation of water around the foundation walls, footers, and from underneath the basement floor by drains it away from the house. The foundation drain system consists of a network of PVC pipe and crushed stone installed next to the footing to drain the water off to a safe location. If it is not possible to slope the drain away from the house a collection tank can be installed that incorporates a sump pump to pump the water away from the house.

The most effective foundation sealing compound is a polymer based waterproofing sealer. Polymer sealers last for the lifetime of the building and are not affected by soil acids. For the DIY homebuilder polymer based waterproofing compounds can be easily applied by spraying or painted on with a roller. It is a much more superior sealer than the tar sealers used in the past.

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Installing a Foundation Drainage System

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