Yikes! You have water leaking in your basement when it rains!
Sorry to hear that! There’s nothing quite as unsettling as discovering that your basement leaks every time it rains. Not only can this issue lead to property damage, but it can also pose health risks due to the growth of mold and mildew. If you’re facing this predicament, don’t worry—there are effective solutions to address and prevent basement leaks. Let’s explore the causes of basement leaks, their potential consequences, and the steps you can take to tackle this issue head-on.
Causes Basement & Crawlspace Leaks
- Poor Drainage & Landscape Grading: If the ground around your home doesn’t slope away from the foundation, rainwater can accumulate and seep into the basement.
- Cracks in Foundation Walls: Over time, foundation walls can develop cracks due to pressure from the surrounding soil or shifts in the ground. These cracks become pathways for water to enter.
- Inadequate Sealing: If the basement wasn’t properly sealed during construction, water can find its way through gaps, joints, and openings.
- Faulty Gutters and Downspouts: Gutters and downspouts that are clogged or improperly installed can lead to water overflowing and pooling near the foundation.
- Bonus Downspout Advice: A lot of times, our Liftech estimators encounter Colorado homeowners lift their downspouts to move their lawn mowers between front & back lawns – and forget to put their downspouts back down. Which effectively directs all the water your roof collects directly next to your home’s foundation. They’re called downspouts, not upspouts. Keep those downspounts down and directing water away from your home foundation.
Consequences of Basement Leaks
- Mold and Mildew Growth: The damp environment created by leaks provides the ideal conditions for mold and mildew to flourish. This can lead to health problems and decrease indoor air quality.
- Structural Damage: Water can weaken the foundation and cause further cracking, compromising the structural integrity of your home.
- Damage to Belongings: Stored items in the basement can be ruined by water damage, leading to financial loss.
- Installing The Indoor Pool You Never Wanted: Yuck, right?
Don’t Wait Till You Need Restoration Services
Steps to Address & Prevent Leaks
- Inspect and Repair Gutters and Downspouts: Regularly clean and maintain your gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water drainage away from the foundation. You know when it’s best to check? When it’s raining. You can see where the water is running, pooling, or being directed around your house.
- Improve Landscaping: Ensure that the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation. If necessary, re-grade the area to direct water away. Fixing the grading near your home isn’t rocket science, it’s hard work.
- Seal Foundation Cracks: If you notice any cracks in the foundation walls, seal them using appropriate materials. For larger, persistent growing, or leaking cracks consult Liftech.
- Waterproofing: Consider applying waterproofing materials to the interior or exterior of your basement walls. From innovative french drain systems to ironclad encapsulation services, Liftech is Colorado’s go-to for all things basement waterproofing. Consult Liftech for an honest & effective Waterproofing analysis of your home.
- French Drains and Sump Pumps: Installing a French drain system or a sump pump can help manage and redirect groundwater away from your basement. Liftech offers a “good, better, best” tier of sump pump setups. Liftech’s Foundation & Waterproofing Exerts will help you determine what’s best for your home.
- Interior Drainage Systems: Interior drainage systems, such as a perimeter drain or a baseboard drain, can collect and redirect water that enters the basement. Liftech outlines our comprehensive & effective approach to drain installation on our website.
- Get A Peace-Of-Mind Estimate From Colorado’s Basement Waterproofing Professionals: If the issue persists or seems complex, just call us. Liftech’s Foundation Experts can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action. Check our Google reviews, we provide honest evaluations. And since we’re local, we’re the experts in Local Colorado weather, building codes, home foundations, and soil.
