Basement Flooding 101: Why It Happens and How You Can Get Help

If you own a basement in Raleigh, then you may be familiar with the way that they tend to leak. While basements are designed to withstand a significant amount of force, the materials they are made of seldom are designed to protect against leaks.

Let’s take an in-depth look at why your basement might leak, and what you can do to repair and protect against future basement flooding.

Why Do Basements Leak?

Basements are generally constructed using concrete, mortar or another type of rock-based cement. This material should be strong enough to withstand the force of dirt pressing inward against it while providing a solid foundation for the remainder of your home’s structure.

The problem with these materials is that they become brittle by design. They contract when they dry, which is why rebar and other materials are integrated within them for reinforcement.

While most of these cracks should remain unseen or harmless, some can allow water to seep into your home.

Other sources of leaks include:

Drainage from improperly sealed basement windows.
Splash-up water that sneaks between the foundation and your house’s first floor.
Poor yard drainage that allows water to pool around your basement.
Failure to address leaks that become progressively worse over time.

How Can a Leaky Basement Be Fixed?

Leaky basements can be addressed in three major ways:

Water can be diverted away from the basement. Yard drainage will often help with this. French drains may be employed around the foundation of the property to carry water away.
Cracks and damage should be repaired and sealed. Crack injections using an epoxy-based filler are the most common ways to repair cracks, but more drastic measures may be needed if the damage has progressed.
Water that drains vertically should be diverted underneath the basement. Blocks can be fitted outside the basement and a drain can be added below the basement floor to divert water away from the foundation.

The cost and involvement of these measures will vary depending upon the system required to keep water away from the basement. Smaller basements may require fixing damage and minor water diversion, but larger basements may require a more comprehensive system to ensure that the basement is waterproof.

Is a Leaky Basement Something You Should Be Concerned About?

While a few small leaks may seem like a minor nuisance, the thing to understand about leaks is that they tend to grow larger. Running water erodes the concrete and other materials designed to keep your basement watertight.

Without repairing these issues, water can wear down your basement’s structure until you have serious structural issues. Winter freezes in Raleigh can make these issues progress even further due to the way water expands as it becomes a solid.

The bottom line is that any basement leak should be repaired to prevent future problems.

Waterproof Your Foundation, Home and Basement

If your basement leaks, then let the experts as Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc fix it. We can employ our years of experience and cutting-edge techniques to ensure that water stays out of your home.

Learn more about our basement waterproofing services today.