Warning signs of water damage in your basement

To avoid water damage in your basement, or to prevent it from getting any worse, a few warning signs to look for are water pooling or puddles forming, wet or damp walls, mold, damp insulation, or condensation on pipes. If you, unfortunately, find any of these early indicators, it may be time to have a professional take a look!

Why my basement may be flooding

The most common reason your basement may be flooding is due to hydrostatic pressure (water pressure) pushing against the walls of your basement. This could be due to a few reasons. 

On one hand, if your house is built at or below the water table, water could be pooling around the walls of your basement looking for a place to go. On the other hand, if your house is built on the side of a hill where water runs down, the force of that water may be pressing into your walls. Both of these scenarios can lead to cracks in the walls of your basement and potentially lead to a flooded basement.

Other reasons your basement is flooding can be attributed to underground pipe leaks, HVAC systems, sprinklers, concrete flooring laid improperly, or non-hydrostatic pressure such as clay or soil expanding and contracting with water content.

DIY fixes for Hydrostatic Pressure

If you are facing an issue with hydrostatic pressure you may be able to combat the issue on your own. A “french drain” can be constructed to draw water from the soil around your home and alleviate the pressure on your walls and foundation.

A french drain is a long, sloping trench that contains a long expanse of perforated pipe, which is surrounded by a layer of gravel, small rocks or stones. By replacing dense, compacted soil with rock and draining water away from the basement walls, the pressure is reduced significantly.

Although doing this project yourself might work, it would be wise to contact a professional to do it so that it is done correctly with little liability.

Professional Fixes for Basement Water Damage

The most common way basement leaks, whether current or impending, are combated is using crawl space encapsulation or basement waterproofing. Having either of these done to your crawl space or basement can help prevent health issues in addition to structural and cosmetic issues. 

• Crawl space encapsulation is the dividing of your living space from your crawl space. When done properly, encapsulation will prevent airflow from your crawl space up into your living area. This will decrease the spread of mold, mildew, and damp air. Additionally, it allows you to use your crawl space for storage since it will be relatively clean.
• Exterior basement waterproofing is the process of excavating around the exterior walls of your basement, power washing the walls, letting them dry, then applying a sealant to them to prevent water from permeating through the walls. 
• Interior waterproofing is the most affordable waterproofing project. This is the process of using sealants on the interior walls of the basement as well as encapsulating the basement to prevent a damp environment. It’s also worth knowing that this is typically a reactive method and won’t fix the underlying cause of a flooding basement.

Conclusion

Ground Up Foundation Repair has offered the best waterproofing and encapsulation services in the Nashville area since 2004.

Contact Ground Up Foundation Repair today for more information about our basement waterproofing and crawl space encapsulation services in Middle Tennessee. Our waterproofing services: include interior drain systems, exterior drain systems, and encapsulation to ensure your home can be free of water damage.
If you believe your basement or crawl space may be at risk of flooding give us a call to set up a free inspection.