Are you experiencing a wet basement? Although moisture in the basement is a common occurrence, it can be dangerous if ignored and remain unfixed.
As a homeowner, you should know that a little bit of moisture can become a major issue. It can cause structural damage and the growth of toxic mold that may impact your overall health negatively.
To avoid this, ensure you regularly check your basement for the signs of leaking and fix them on time to evade a major catastrophe.
If your basement is already leaking, don’t worry, several companies will fix the problem if notified on time. For instance, https://directwaterproofing.ca/ is a Toronto-based company that will assist you in fixing the issue and advising you accordingly on how to notice basement moisture early enough before it turns into a major issue.
The following article discusses some of the signs of leaking, causes, and possible basement leaking solutions. Read on!
Signs Of Basement Leaking
Discovering leaks in your basement on time is vital to prevent further water damage. If you identify them on time, this will save you time and money of calling in a professional to assist you.
Some of the signs you should look out for include:
• Dampness or brown stains on walls and ceiling
• Presence of mold and mildew
• Signs of rusting
• Efflorescence
• Presence of water bugs
• Cracked and damp floors
Depending on the situation, if you can’t fix the leaks, it’s advisable to call a professional immediately.
Causes Of Leaks In Basement
Leaking can be caused by external forces such as spring rain or human factors. Some factors that may lead to leaking include:
1. Broken Gutters And Downspouts
Although gutters and downpipes are designed to sit near the top of your house, a dysfunctional one may lead to leaking.
According to a study from USGS, a home sitting on a half-acre of land and receives one inch of rain, the whole compound will receive an average of 13,577 gallons of water. Using the average roof size in the US, 2500 square feet, that inch of rain deposits 1500 gallons on the roof alone.
Using these statistics, you’ll understand that with a faulty gutter system, the water will be dumped near the house, and some of it may find its way to the basement.
You can avoid this by conducting a regular check and maintenance to ensure your gutter system remains in good shape.
2. Inadequate Sump Pump
It’s important you keep a working sump pump in your basement. A sump pump will collect and dump groundwater found under your house.
The groundwater, if not drained, will expand and force its way into your floor and walls.
This can be evaded by routinely cleaning your equipment to remove any sediments that might be deposited inside. Also, it’s important you purchase your pump from a reputable dealer and always follow the given instructions when using and maintaining your equipment.
3. Condensation
While the main cause of leaking is from external water forcing its way to your basement, sometimes high humidity levels down there may lead to leaking.
Some of the factors that may lead to high humidity in your basement include:
• Installing a poor ventilation system
• Building your home near a water body, for instance, an ocean
• Warm temperatures during summer
One of the major signs of condensation is the ‘sweating’ of your walls, ceilings, or furniture.
You can easily resolve the issue by installing proper ventilation in your basement. You can also fix a dehumidifier to condition air down there.
4. Cracks In Or Around Windows And Doors
Small cracks may allow water to seep through and find its way to your basement. In case of a heavy downpour, lots of water might be deposited down there, leading to a leaky basement.
During the next rainfall, use that time to inspect your doors and windows for any crack or faulty sealing.
Fix the issue, seal any hole or crack and ensure the drainage system dumps the water away from your house.
5. Faulty Plumbing System
Sometimes the problem might be within your plumbing system. A leaky pipe will lead to dampness around your home.
You should conduct a routine check-up for any leaks or blockage. Also, insulate pipes properly for winter to avoid freezing which might lead to a burst pipe and a flooded basement.
Conclusion
When it comes to water, the basement suffers the most as it is located at the lowest point of your home. Conducting a regular check will save you lots of money and time.