Water seeping into a basement is actually a common issue. And there are different culprits that can cause this leaking. But though the causes may be different, one thing is for certain: You have to get help from an expert in emergency waterproofing, Atlanta, Georgia (and other related services) in order to effectively address the issue.
In this article, we’ve compiled the six most common causes of basement leaks and how they can be addressed.
You have a water-related issue inside your house. Most of the time, water seeping into your basement comes from another part of your home — it can be your bathroom or kitchen or your laundry room. If it’s an interior leak, make sure you find where the water source is so you can appropriately address both water damage in the source and in the basement.
You have damaged gutters and downspouts. Your gutters and downspouts are designed to redirect rainwater away from your home. If these components become dysfunctional (due to clogs, cracks, or any other issue), one of the first areas that will bear the effect is your basement. Regular gutter system maintenance and cleaning are therefore essential in preventing basement leaks.
Your foundation has cracks. Many companies that provide emergency waterproofing, Atlanta, Georgia point to foundation cracks as the culprit behind leakage in the basement. When cracks appear on your foundation over time, there will be excessive moisture. If this is not addressed, even a moderate storm can cause your basement to leak.
Your window well has collected too much water. Speaking of storm and rainwater — if the water collected by your window well located near your basement becomes excessive, it can cause pressure on your basement window and seals. If they weaken, it will only be a matter of time until seepage can occur. You can invest in quality window well covers to keep water from accumulating.
You have loose soil. When your soil is loose, it will absorb more water than usual. This excessive water can cause your soil to expand, giving rise to what is called lateral pressure. Much like the hydrostatic pressure, this can also cause water seeping into your basement.
There is hydrostatic pressure. Experts in emergency waterproofing, Atlanta, Georgia have also encountered basement leaks caused by the so-called hydrostatic pressure. This pressure develops when the soil surrounding your home becomes too saturated with water that they can’t absorb them anymore, causing the water table located way below the ground to rise. As water needs a place to go, it is highly likely to deep into your basement.
Waterproofing Your Basement
An effective way of preventing basement leaks is to waterproof this part of your home. Through waterproofing, you can alter the way water flows into your home — it will keep water away from your foundation and redirect it in safe ways.
This process, in the long run, can also reduce the overall moisture in your basement. As it keeps your basement dry, you can even turn it into a more functional space (like a gym or an entertainment area). Waterproofing your basement can also boost the value of your home.
Our team at D.O.N.E. ATL is ready to help you with your emergency waterproofing, Atlanta, Georgia needs. Contact us today and we’ll get to you fast and we’ll get it done right!