Now that we’re moving into storm season, some homes may be bracing for the potential of a wet basement. Whether they’ve been dealing with it for a few years or have seen small signs of water intrusion in their basement, there are solutions to preventing this type of damage in the home.
When a home is first constructed, the foundation will be built a few inches above ground level to help protect it from the elements. Plus, the soil around it is contracted in a way that it guides water away from the foundation. As the ground settles, however, the foundation will naturally sink and the ground around it will flatten and even start to sink in. Typically, it takes a couple decades for it to get low enough that it needs corrective grading. When a homeowner has had to deal with a wet basement, we inspect and come up with our solutions, which usually involve two main jobs.
Corrective Grading
Essentially, corrective grading can also be called exterior waterproofing. By creating an environment that will guide water away from the home, it can better avoid issues with flooding or damage on the foundation. Even if water does not enter your home, it can become trapped in tiny cracks in the exterior of the foundation and cause the concrete to expand and contact more than the usual wear and tear.
Drain Tile
Another way to divert water away from the home is having a drain tile installed. Luckily most homes have them by now, but that’s not always true for old, vintage ones. If your home has one, then its job is to collect any water around your basement foundation and channel it to a sump pump where it will be pumped away from the home. It can stop working due to damage, faulty parts, or clogs, however, which is why it’s important to give it a quick check every year.
If you have been dealing with water intrusion headaches, our experts will help you narrow down the problem and find a solution. Call Concrete & Foundation Solutions to have our experts come by for an assessment of your property and see how our services can help.