Leaking Basement Strikes Again, But Why Now?

Why do basements leak when they do? Sometimes it seems totally unpredictable. Last year, we experienced record rainfall in June. Of course, some homeowners were troubled with water leaks then; but many homeowners called in October questioning why water was leaking into their basements now. It doesn’t seem to make sense, right? How could your basement be safe during record rainfall, but leak later in the year?

Well, there are many factors that play a role in whether or not a basement is safe from water leaks. Weather, age and condition of the home all play a role. During those record rainfalls the ground soaked up the water. As the ground absorbs vast amounts of water, the pressure in the soil increased. This pressure pushes against the foundation. While there may not be leaks at the time, the high pressure could erode the foundation slightly. When the water evaporates, the soil begins to pull away from the foundation.

Of course, after the record rainfalls, months pass by with no rain. During the time of no precipitation, your basement may stay dry, but there are other factors waiting to strike. The soil is retracted from the surface and suddenly rain comes again. The rain has easy access to the foundation. If the condition of the foundation is poor (possibly from erosion earlier in the year), then water can flow through cracks into the basement.

The expanding and contracting of the soil is natural. As we experience periods of draught and seasons of heavy rainfall, the soil expands and contracts over and over again. Over time, this movement can take a toll on your foundation. Not only can water leak in, but the foundation walls may bow under pressure and compromise the integrity of the home’s support. Thankfully, there is a solution to bowing and cracking foundation walls.

The best way to keep water out of the basement is to waterproof first. Installing WaterGuard and a great sump pump system like TripleSafe will keep your basement dry. Water is bound to find its way in, but it is unpredictable when it will; so it is best to have a waterproofing system in place before nasty conditions strike. To learn more or for a free estimate, call 1-866-627-6475