How Can I Prevent Leaks in Foundation Walls?

A flooded basement or crawl space is not only an inconvenience but can also cause serious damage to your home. Basement leaks are especially serious if you have a finished space, as unwanted water can damage drywall, flooring and other furnishings. Foundation wall leaks is the most common reason for flooded basements, and is preventable with proper care.

How can I prevent leaks in foundation walls?

Ensure proper Drainage. Improper drainage from any downspouts or gutters can cause serious erosion of the ground, and damage to your foundation. Water that is not properly diverted will saturate and erode the soil around the foundation, causing it to shift or settle, eventually leading to cracks. When water enters these cracks, especially during the cold winter months, it can freeze and cause cracks to grow, further exacerbating the problem. Avoid this by making sure your gutters are clean and free from debris, and downspouts are properly draining into drain pipes. Also, ensure drain pipes are carrying water away to the storm drain, and are not crushed or clogged.

Repair Visible Cracks. It is important to determine if any cracks are present in the foundation, and repair them if so. Doing an exterior inspection of the foundation can show any large, visible cracks, but may not show any deeper cracks. An examination in a crawl space can help determine if any cracks are present (this is more difficult in a finished basement, as foundation is often covered up with drywall). If any cracks are present, they can often be filled and repaired using special epoxy. Large cracks may require additional anchors and reinforcement.

Preventing leaks in your foundation requires frequent maintenance in ensuring that rain water is properly dealt with, and your foundation remains strong and true. If you are experiencing leaks in your foundation, or need help to ensure it remains leak free, contact 604FixLeak today.