Why Your Basement Leaks & 5 Easy Ways to Fix It
Basements serve many purposes, offering storage space or functioning as an additional living area. However, basements are not immune to problems and may experience water leaks that cause significant damage.
On this page, we outline the causes of basement wall leaks, the repair pitfalls to avoid, and how our reliable basement waterproofing solutions offer long-lasting results.
Why Do Basement Walls Leak?
Understanding why basement wall leaks happen is crucial for implementing reliable and lasting repairs. Basement walls develop leaks for many reasons, including:
Failing Dampproofing and Footing Drains
During construction, dampproofing solutions such as tar coating and footing drains are applied to the exterior walls to prevent basement water infiltration. However, dampproofing slows water vapor flow and doesn’t fully prevent leaks or flooding. Over time, damproofing degradation and footing drain clogs may lead to basement water leaks.
The Clay Bowl Effect and Hydrostatic Pressure
The clay bowl effect and hydrostatic pressure adversely affect basement walls. Following the construction of your home’s foundation and walls, backfilled soil forms a “clay bowl” and an artificial water table. This soil, particularly if it contains clay, retains water and expands during heavy rain or snowmelt. The expansive soil exerts pressure on the walls, resulting in basement wall cracks and water leaks.
Porous Concrete Walls
Concrete is robust, but it is also porous, allowing water absorption through a network of capillary holes or tiny pores. Accumulated water behind the walls fills these pores, causing basement leaks.
5 Simple Solutions for Basement Leaks
Implementing a comprehensive waterproofing system ensures your home remains dry and leak-free. Groundworks professionally installs vapor barriers, interior drainage systems, sump pumps, and dehumidifiers for a holistic basement leak solution.
1. Vapor Barriers
The optimal approach to addressing basement wall leaks involves employing AquaStop WallSeal™ vapor barriers, a professionally installed liner affixed to the basement walls.
Vapor barriers resist moisture intrusion and water vapor through the porous surfaces of basement walls. By creating a protective shield, these barriers maintain a dry and secure basement environment, preventing mold growth and structural damage.
2. Exterior Waterproofing
Exterior waterproofing involves creating a protective barrier on the outside of your basement walls with tar coating. This method prevents water from penetrating the walls and causing leaks. It often includes specialized coatings, membranes, or drainage systems that redirect water away from the foundation.
3. Interior Drainage Systems
Interior drainage systems are effective in managing water that seeps into the basement. These systems consist of drains along the interior perimeter of the basement, directing water to a sump pump. The sump pump then removes the water from the basement, preventing potential leaks and flooding.
4. Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are crucial in basement waterproofing by effectively managing water accumulation. These pumps automatically remove excess water from the basement, preventing flooding and potential water damage. When a reliable sump pump is integrated into a comprehensive waterproofing system, it maintains a dry and safe basement environment.
5. Basement Dehumidifiers
Basement dehumidifiers are essential components of an effective waterproofing strategy. These devices help control basement moisture levels, reducing the risk of mold growth, musty odors, and structural damage. Basement dehumidifiers extract excess humidity from the air and contribute to a healthier, more comfortable living space.
Mistakes to Avoid When Waterproofing Basement Walls
Basement leak repair requires a careful approach. Here, we highlight two methods to avoid when waterproofing basement walls:
Excavation and Dampproofing Reapplication
Excavating down to the footing for dampproofing reapplication or installing new drainage pipes is costly, time-consuming, and requires extensive restoration afterward. The dampproofing coating is prone to degradation over time, and the risk of clogged drainage pipes still exists, making this method one to avoid.
Applying Interior Paints or Sealants
DIY solutions tailored for issues like a leaking basement wall are insufficient, temporary fixes. Paints, sealants, and other advertised waterproofing products for sealing basement leaks are rarely effective. The drawbacks associated with these big-box retail products include:
- Underlying Issues: Sealants temporarily stop cracks and leaks, but they won’t address the underlying causes of basement leaks.
- Durability: Sealants are brittle and susceptible to compromise from efflorescence or hydrostatic pressure.
- Temporary Fix: Sealants do not offer lasting basement leak repair, as they require frequent reapplication.
How to Prevent Basement Wall Leaks
In addition to professional basement waterproofing solutions, homeowners can take several preventative measures to help prevent basement wall leaks, including:
- Ensure Proper Yard Grading: The ground should slope away from the foundation to divert rainwater.
- Gutter Maintenance: Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs and overflow.
- Downspout Extensions: These disperse water further away from the foundation.
- French Drain Installation: Install a French drain around the perimeter of your foundation to collect and redirect groundwater.
- Landscaping: Avoid planting trees and bushes close to the foundation, as their roots can cause damage.
- Crack Repair: Repair foundation cracks and gaps to prevent water seepage.
- Window Well Drainage: Ensure window wells are clear of debris and drain correctly.
What to Expect During and After a Basement Inspection
During basement inspections, damage such as wet basement walls, leaks, or efflorescence will be identified. To address these issues, a waterproof 12-mil thick plastic wall vapor barrier is recommended. This solution provides mold protection and prevents vapor intrusion through the porous concrete walls.
Once the vapor barrier is in place, seeping water is directed behind the material into the interior drainage system. From there, an installed sump pump removes the water from your home.
For cracked or bowing basement walls, foundation repair solutions like carbon fiber straps and wall anchors are installed alongside the wall vapor barrier for structural reinforcement.
The most significant advantage of these repairs is longevity. In contrast to sealants, which have a mere lifespan of months, certain vapor barriers can provide protection for up to 20 years or more.
With a vapor barrier and all necessary basement waterproofing components installed, your basement will remain dry for many years.
Contact Groundworks for Basement Waterproofing Solutions
Enhance your home’s safety, value, and appearance by addressing wet basement walls with effective solutions. Ordinary store-bought paints and sealants cannot provide a lasting fix.
Trust your local Groundworks company for a reliable, lasting basement repair solution. Our experts diagnose basement issues and recommend the best basement leak solutions.
Schedule your free inspection today!.
Basement Waterproofing FAQs
Basement waterproofing does not have a one-size-fits-all solution. Contact a professional for tailored repairs suited for your home.Common applications for basement waterproofing include interior drainage, insulation, sump pumps, and dehumidifiers. In severe cases, bowing walls and sinking floors are addressed.
Basement leak repairs require attention both inside or outside the home, but mostly on the inside. Exterior forces are pushing in against your home, and the water gets through the cracks these forces create. Waterproofing and reinforcing your basement walls from the inside is the primary action you need to take to effectively prevent basement moisture issues. Exterior waterproofing methods like so-called “french drains” don’t offer a permanent solution to the problem, but some exterior excavation may be necessary to install interior, permanent solutions. It is best to contact a basement professional for waterproofing repairs.
Basement leaks are caused by water accumulation near the foundation, stemming from drainage issues like improper grading, overflowing gutters, short downspouts, or clogged window wells, resulting in pooling problems. Foundation cracks, porous concrete, and the impact of hydrostatic pressure often worsen basement leaks.
