Top Causes of Basement Leaks

Most homes will experience a basement leaks at some point or another. For your home to be healthy, your basement needs to be maintained. If basement issues are not addressed, they may affect your home and necessitate expensive repairs. A few causes are more likely than others to result in a basement leak. Find out some typical reasons basements flood and get tips on keeping yours from doing the same.

Low-Quality or Ineffective Grading
Your home’s foundation should slope away from the building rather than toward it if it was built correctly, as seen by the way the dirt beneath it was graded. But often, because of inadequate or poor land grading, homes in Ontario, Toronto, and the surrounding areas require basement repair.

If water starts to flow in the wrong direction—towards your house—it will build up against the foundation of your home, which will cause leaks in the basement. Fortunately, it’s possible to have a dry basement in Ontario, Toronto.

If improper grading is the root of your basement leak, a Crackmasters waterproofer contractor can identify it and offer a suitable, effective basement waterproofing solution.

Ground Pressure Around Your Foundation
The pressure that water exerts in the soil around the foundation in one of two ways is the most frequent reason for basement leaks.

• Lateral Pressure
  One of the main reasons for leaky basements is lateral pressure, the force produced by water traveling in a horizontal direction and formed by the soil around your home. How does lateral Pressure work? Well, loose soil can expand as it collects liquid from rain, snow, frost, or even resting dew around your property. The soil can periodically expand and push up against the walls and foundation of your basement. The basement’s structural integrity is at significant risk due to the lateral pressure that starts here because it can lead to cracks that inevitably let in further leaks from the outside.
• Hydrostatic Pressure
  There is water in the ground everywhere, even though it may not always look that way. It can be found underground, even in arid locations, albeit at a considerably lower level than elsewhere. The term “water table” refers to the level at which this groundwater is present and can be found in many different places. The distance from water bodies is one element that affects the height of the water table. When there is prolonged or heavy rainfall or snowmelt, water is absorbed by the soil closest to the surface. When the surface soil gets saturated, the stormwater that is not absorbed raises the water table. The hydrostatic pressure created when the water table rises beneath a foundation can force water into the basement and opportunistically cause leaks.

Defective Window Wells
The goal of a window well is to prevent dirt and pressure created by rainwater in the soil from coming into direct touch with foundation fractures, which are frequently the most vulnerable areas. Window wells that are rusty, broken, or have holes or cracks can quickly cause basements to leak. Replacing an old window well or strengthening these locations with sealant can avert future basement leaks.

Patch or Existing Sealing Work
Wet basements are more common in older homes. If you recently moved into a house over ten years old, consider checking the basement for patched areas. Patchwork may temporarily halt basement leaks, but the underlying issue is still the water pressure applied to that location, making a leak through that same region likely. It would be prudent to take measures in this situation and have the area assessed. The price of water damage in the case of a leak could be higher than the cost of preventative maintenance.

Give us a call, and we’ll come out and assess your basement for free if you live in Ontario, Toronto, or the nearby areas and have a leak in the basement. Always take extra precautions to avoid problems.

Cracks in the Foundation Wall
Your foundation wall likely has a crack if water is seeping into your basement. It’s not unusual for your home’s foundation to have cracks, but they may be why your Toronto City home’s basement is flooded. Occasionally, the water in your basement may result from cracks.

Water development along your basement foundation pressing against your foundation walls is known as hydrostatic pressure. With constant water pressure, concrete will become exceedingly complex and develop cracks. For a waterproof basement in your home, Crackmasters can then offer qualified wall and foundation repair.

Condensation
Condensation is frequently the result of warm, humid air in contact with your home’s cool basement walls and floor. In some circumstances, you may be concerned if this condensation causes your basement to get significantly moist.

When the furniture, pipes, walls, or ceiling feels “sweating,” this is condensation. Installing adequate venting, particularly for your dryer if you have one in your basement, and employing a dehumidifier to condition the air, are two simple solutions that can address this issue.

Dysfunctional Downspouts and Gutters
The gutters and downspouts, which, when it rains, carry all the water away from the foundation, are other essential elements of every building. Nevertheless, gutters and downspouts are absent or malfunctioning. In that instance, you risk directing water toward the base of your property, where it could enter your basement and cause excessive moisture inside your house.

Insufficient Sump Pump
The sump pump may not be able to deflect water away and will almost certainly leak into your basement if it is not frequently cleaned and adequately maintained. Invest in a quality sump pump, clean it regularly, and keep it operational annually by adhering to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

It is a vital gear that you should install in your basement. It will handle the collection and drainage of groundwater beneath your home, which is essential because if the earth absorbs too much water and builds up or expands, it may force its way into your floor and walls.

How to Prevent Basement Leaks

You may stop water from seeping into your basement in several methods, some of which are listed below.

Waterproof Interior Basement Walls
Applying sealant to the walls can stop condensation from forming on basement walls. Basement walls can be waterproofed with concrete coatings, concrete adhesives made of silicate, waterproofing paint, or plastic sheets or panels. Instead, waterproof the basement’s outer walls to close holes in the foundation.

Get a Sump Pump Installed
It would be best if you placed it in your basement because it is an essential piece of equipment. These devices prevent flooding by pumping out water accumulated in the sump basin. The sump pump will automatically release water outside your home when the water level on the basement floor rises.

Get Your Gutters and Downspouts Clean
It is possible to stop leaks from occurring downstairs by routinely maintaining the gutters at the top of the house. At least twice a year, clean your gutters and downspouts to avoid obstructions. Ensure that downspouts direct water away from your foundation and add extensions if necessary. Moreover, make sure your gutters are in good shape and securely fastened.

Fix the Footing Drains
Your issue is hydrostatic Pressure forcing water up from the ground if water leaks into your basement low on the walls or at the seams where walls meet the floor. Check if you have installed footing drains and underground pipes, which built the house to direct water away from the foundation. If the gutters are clogged, open the cleanout and use a garden hose to cleanse the pipes. If that doesn’t work, speak with a Crackmasters expert.

Who Can Help In Preventing Basement Water Seepage?

At Crackmasters, we take pride in our ability to stop water seepage in your home and fix the harm brought on by leaks. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you think it’s time to add another layer of protection to your home against basement flooding or if you require some critical repairs to the damage brought on by a previous basement flood.

Crackmasters is your go-to source for basement waterproofing services for people living in the Ontario region. We provide foundation repair, basement waterproofing, and basement crack repair.