Is Basement Seepage Normal?

Having a leak in your basement can be frustrating. This will leave your home exposed to future damage. Today, many homeowners underestimate the importance of preserving and inspecting their basement. Unresolved leakage issues could cost you enormously. We've uncovered whether basement seepage is normal, to help you stay on top of home maintenance.

Basement seepage is a common occurrence; over 60% of homes suffer basement leakage issues whether from high humidity or seepage. But it can be mitigated with proper foundation installation, adequate drainage, waterproofing, and ongoing maintenance.

In this article, you will know more about basement seepage and ways on how you can prevent it from destroying your home. Stay with us!

Basement Water Seepage and the leaks

Whether you have drywall or any other material in your basement, water seepage can cause damage to the entire house permanently.

Most of your basement’s discoloration is caused by mold and fungus growth. So, it is important to know the possible health issues it may cause – be it respiratory or other severe illness. You don’t want to have a household with prolonged water seepage.

The most serious effect of long-time accumulation of water seepage is the structural damage. If water has been prolonged for a long time, housing materials will continue to crack and destroy. So, do not underrate the conservation and prevention of housing leaks.

Pooled water is susceptible to insects such as critters, rodents, and mosquitoes. It is always good enough to fix such issues by contacting pest control experts. The sooner, the better.

What causes basement water seepage?

It is critical to understand the cause of water seepage. If you want to fix such issues, you have to find where and how it happened. If you can’t find the source of issues, then you won’t be able to make good repairs.

Lateral Pressure

Lateral pressure is when the soil absorbs water and expands. It will cause your basement to crack under pressure.

Hydrostatic Pressure

There is an increased pressure in the water table. As the water rises, the pressure will build under your basement causing the water to make cracks on your basement flooring.

Low quality landscaping

Quality landscaping does not cause standing water, rather aids to redirect water away from the house's foundation.

Clogging

Clogged window wells can accumulate water and could drain into the basement over time.

How do you fix basement seepage?

Here are some of the strategies that could help you fix basement seepage.

Know the problem

This is the first thing that any household should do. You have to identify the issue and find the source. Then, diagnose the problem.

There are two sources of water. One, the indoor humidity. The second one is the water vapor. Rainwater or snow can saturate the soil and leak in. Water can leak through cracks and can penetrate the concrete.

To figure out the problem, tape the basement wall with aluminum foil and inspect it after a few days. Once you find moisture inside the foil, then the problem is the high indoor humidity. The moisture that is behind the foil means there is a leak on your walls.

Get Rid of Excess Humidity

To keep your basement dry, eliminate the source of humid air. Seal every leak with foil tape to prevent humid air from entering the basement. Do not use duct tape as it will tear off eventually. Keep your basement closed during humid days.

Install a Drainage System

The best permanent fix for leaks is to install a drainage system. You have to install tubes below your basement floor. You can install it yourself but there is a lot of work behind it – breaking tubes, burying, patching up the floor, etc. It's best to hire a professional to install it for you.

Waterproofing

The waterproof coating should be applied to a bare concrete wall.  Start by getting rid of all the loose materials then clean it off with masonry cleaner. Follow the instructions carefully. Don’t spread it too thin. Your goal here is to create a waterproof membrane.

Check out our post: "8 Best Basement Waterproofing Paints."

What percentages of basements leak?

A leak can develop from 10 to 15 years from the time it's being built. Over 60% of homes have a moisture problem. Older homes with outdated waterproofing materials and methods are considered to be no longer leak-proof.

Is waterproofing a basement worth it?

Your best defense against unwanted mold and moisture is by waterproofing.

By hiring a professional, they can help you maintain your basement. They have effective ways and methods to get it done right. Make sure to get to know the company first before hiring them to ensure quality workmanship.

Through waterproofing, you can protect your basement and help you save time, money, and energy. Here are some reasons why people choose to waterproof their basement.

End Flooding

You waterproof the basement because you want to prevent floods from destroying your house. During severe conditions, flooding is common.

One more thing, waterproofing will prevent the growth of mold. Prepare yourself for such weather conditions.

Sturdy Foundation

Instead of stressing yourself from the cost of repairs, get your basement waterproofed.

Pressure from the ground can damage your basement. So, when this happens, there will be visible cracks from the walls and some other areas where the water got through.  

When it is not waterproofed, it is vulnerable to severe damage which could entirely affect your house. Having a fixed and sturdy foundation can save you time, money, and energy.

Waterproofing is a small investment you want to indulge in, rather than waiting for your house to collapse. Moreover, it makes your home worthwhile.

When it comes to selling, untreated basements won’t help you earn money. Having it repaired can increase your home value.

When you put money into your home especially on repairs, it reflects on how you maintain and keep your house valuable. You do not just pay for your home, but also for yourself.

Check out our post: "How Long Does Basement Waterproofing Last?"

Summary

Basement water leaks are common problems in many households. No matter what basement or foundation type, almost all basements are susceptible to water leaks in due time. These are applied to spaces that are prone to leaks. These leaks can be prevented if you know where to find the cause and how to stop it.

Do not just let your basement get ruined. You may want to hire an expert so they can help solve the issues and problems arising with your house.