If you own an older home, chances are you’ve experienced foundation seepage to some extent. Whether a wall or floor crack has begun to show signs of moisture, or you’ve got a steady stream of water coming in whenever it rains, you all know how much of a hassle it can be.
In the short term, finding and patching cracks and leaks as they occur can be a good to keep your basement dry for the time being. However, the best way to prevent foundation seepage over the long term is to actively seek to identify sources of water, and take steps to redirect it wherever possible.
For example, if you’ve got a crack that just seems to keep leaking, no matter how much masonry caulk you slap over it, take a walk outside. Is there a downspout somewhere near the source of the leak? Has it disconnected at any point or is it not extended away from the home? Does the grade of the ground outside point toward or away from your home? If you’ve got water coming in near the top of foundation cracks, or over the top of your foundation walls––an exterior solution may just do the trick.
Water coming up from the floor is a bit trickier. If you’ve got an existing sump pump, make sure it’s working properly. In many cases, a fully operational sump pump is the difference between a dry and a wet basement during a rain storm. Checking your pump regularly and investing in a battery operated backup are great ways to prevent foundation seepage.
If you continue to get water coming up through your foundation floor and just can’t seem to identify a water source you can control, you may be dealing with a high water table. If this is the case, you’re going to want to have interior drainage installed along with one more more sump pumps. If you’re unsure about investing in this type of professional waterproofing solution, have a foundation professional come out and inspect your home anyway; you may just gain some valuable insight.
