Although basement water damage is incredibly common, it is not something you should overlook. Instead, it is crucial to learn the signs that your basement has water damage and understand what you should do about it. If you are currently experiencing issues related to excessive moisture in your basement, allow this article to serve as a brief guide on what you need to know about resolving basement water damage.
Signs of Water Damage in Your Basement
Having a handle on basement water damage begins with noticing the signs that you have water damage in your basement. By learning these main signs, you’ll be better able to identify water damage right away and begin searching for the right solution. The top signs that you have basement water damage are:
- Standing water in your basement
- Accumulations of mold and mildew
- Rotting wood
- Damage to stored items
- Condensation on walls and windows
- Peeling paint
- Staining on basement walls
While there are other signs that your basement is getting too wet, those are some of the most common visual cues you should keep in mind. If you notice any of those signs, you can reasonably assume that you likely have water damage, and you should begin seeking a resolution.
Causes of Basement Water Damage
Knowing the signs of basement water damage is a good start, but it is also important to begin learning about what causes a basement to have water damage. Identifying a specific cause makes it easier to find the best possible solution to your basement water problem.
Damaged Drainage System
Most foundations include some sort of drainage system that helps prevent water from entering your basement. These systems can include drain tile, sump pumps, and other features that are well-suited for conveying water out of (or away from) your basement. When any part of your basement’s drainage system fails, it can result in water in your basement.
Cracks in Your Foundation
One of the more obvious causes of basement water damage is cracks in your foundation. When your foundation experiences a crack, that small opening typically allows water to seep in. The larger the crack is, the more water will be capable of causing damage to your basement.
Faulty Gutter System
Another somewhat unexpected reason why water may get into your basement is a faulty gutter system. Your gutters and downspouts are meant to collect water from your roof and convey it away from your home. When that system does not operate correctly, water can pool next to your home and eventually work its way into your basement.
Improper Grading
Hydrostatic Pressure
Hydrostatic pressure can also result in basement water damage. The soil that surrounds your foundation contains some amount of water. The combined weight of the soil and the water can place immense pressure on the outside of your foundation. Since concrete foundations are slightly porous, the hydrostatic pressure can eventually cause water to seep in through your basement walls.
Resolving and Preventing Basement Water Damage
After learning the signs of basement water damage and some of the main causes, the next step is to take action to resolve your basement water damage. The specific resolution you should follow depends on what caused the water damage. Regardless of the cause, if your basement has standing water, the first step will be to remove it.
Once any standing water is gone from your basement, it’s time to address the cause and prevent it from happening in the future. If your basement water comes from a damaged drainage system, then fixing, replacing, or upgrading that system may be enough to fix the problem.
Similarly, if you have water in your basement due to faulty gutters or improper grading, then replacing your gutters and downspouts and regrading the land around your home so that it slopes away from the foundation should prevent water from entering your basement in the future.
However, water can also enter your basement as a result of foundation damage. For instance, if you have cracks in your foundation, you’ll want to find a way to patch and fill them to block water from seeping in.
It may also be wise to invest in a complete basement waterproofing service. Comprehensive basement waterproofing can effectively eliminate any future basement water issues.
Have Basement Water Damage? Leave the Repairs to the Pros
Discovering water damage in your basement is something that no homeowner looks forward to. If, however, you find yourself in this predicament, then it helps to have a professional team of experts you can trust to fix your basement water damage issues.
At Regional Foundation & Crawl Space Repair, we have plenty of experience with basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, and many other foundation-related services. If you are a homeowner in the Eastern North Carolina region and you have basement water damage, reach out to us to learn more about how we can eliminate your water damage and prevent it from returning.
