Prevent Basement Water Damage This Spring

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

Keep your basement dry and damage-free with our advise on protecting, repairing and waterproofing it.

Fully 98% of Americans’ basements will experience water damage at some point. With the spring comes an increased risk of basement flooding and water damage from melt water and spring rainstorms. The key to preventing that is to keep water away from your home’s foundation and close up any potential cracks or leaks.

Located below grade and surrounded by soil, basements are typically the area of a home most at risk for water damage. Soil releases water it has absorbed during rain or when snow melts, and the water can end up in the basement through leaks or cracks. Among the problems caused by wet basements are peeling paint, mold contamination, building rot, foundation collapse and termite damage.  

Protecting, repairing and waterproofing your basement will greatly reduce the risk of damage caused by moisture or water. The most common causes of wet basements are poor roof drainage and improper site grading. 

Divert Water Away from Your Foundation

Your goal is to prevent basement water from pooling near your home. Water should be able to flow freely away from the foundation instead of toward it, and should not be collecting in pools.

• Install and maintain gutters and downspouts so that they route rainwater and snow melt far enough away (at least 10 feet) from your home.
• The finish grade should be sloped away from the building for 10 to 15 feet. Even out low spots to prevent pools of water from forming.
• If one or more sides of your home faces an upward slope, create shallow ditches (called swales) to direct water around to the downhill side.

Repair Foundation Cracks and Holes

If leaks or seepage is occurring in the basement, water and moisture are most likely entering through small cracks or holes, which may have been caused by poor workmanship during construction, water pressure from the outside or settling of your house. 

Check your entire basement for moisture, leaking or discoloration, indicating where water may be entering through cracks or holes.

• Fill small hairline cracks and holes with a mixture of epoxy and latex cement.
• Fill cracks larger than 1/8-inch with mortar made from one part cement and two parts fine sand, with just enough water to make a fairly stiff mortar. Press the mortar firmly into all parts of the cracks and holes to eliminate air bubbles. 
• If water is being forced through walls or floors by outside pressure, chisel out a bit at the mouth of the crack and all along its length. Then cut a dovetail groove along the mouth of each crack, and apply the mortar thoroughly. 

Seal the Walls and Floor

Once you’ve diverted all runoff away from the foundation and repaired all cracks and holes, apply a waterproof sealant as a final measure. This will also help prevent water vapor or gas from penetrating into your basement. Experts recommend using sodium silicate, a water-based mixture that will penetrate the substrate by up to 4 inches. 

If your home or business suffers a flood or other water damage, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield today at (860)461-7194 for immediate expert water damage cleanup

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The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in water damage remediation, fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, chemical cleanup, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860)461-7194 any time.

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If your home or business suffers a flood or other water damage, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield today at (860)461-7194 for immediate expert water damage cleanup