Why do Basements Leak?

One of the problems that frustrate homeowners are leaky basements.  Many basements become waterlogged due to common flooding, however you might also be interested to know that the majority of basement leaks are do to common forces that occur underneath and around your basement foundation.  Here is information on why basements leak.

Many times a basement leaks if there is lots of rain, your home is on a slope or in a low area or there is lots of snowfall.  If you find that your basement is leaking during all times of the year and not due to the common flood, hydrostatic forces are probably at work.

Hydrostatic forces are the process of water being pushed up against your concrete or stone foundation as the water level rises and falls.  Most people don’t realize that concrete is porous and when hydrostatic forces push against the basement foundation, it forces water to seep through the basement floor causing your basement to become water logged.

Another way basements leak is through capillary action.  Capillaries are tiny crevices inside basement walls.  If your basement is made from cinder blocks or other materials, your basement walls can be hollow, allowing water to seep in and build up.  Once water is built up in your water, they seep through to the inside through crevices and seams.

It is important to first understand why basement leaks to come up with strategies to stop the basement leaks and seepage.

Basement Sealer

It is extremely frustrating when you find that your basement is wet and leaking. Many people store valuable items in their basement or furnish it to house their home office.  A leaky basement can cause lots of damage and health risks including black mold and mildew.  Here are some tips on basement sealers.

Basement sealers are one of the easiest ways to waterproof your basement.  Basement sealers are products that you or a contractor can usually brush onto the foundation walls of your basement to protect it against water seepage.

It should be noted that basement sealers are not a permanent solution and pretty much a band aid type fix.  Many homeowners who apply basement sealers need to keep up with constant maintenance to prevent water leakage and seepage from occurring.

Basement sealers come in a variety of products which include sealers that are brushed on similar to polyurethane.  There are sealers in the form of corks that require you to make holes in the concrete in order to pump sealing agents into the wall.  Basement sealers, although not the perfect solution, can stop the occasional leak and seepage and are very affordable and easy to apply.   If you are looking to stop the some types of basement leaks and wall seepage, look into basement sealers.

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