BASEMENT FOUNDATION REPAIR

Understanding Causes & Problem Signs

Q: WHAT CAUSES BASEMENT WATERPROOFING PROBLEMS?

A: Basement water problems are caused by a host of factors such as soil settlement, clogged footing drains and hydrostatic pressure.

CAUSES – CLOGGED FOOTING DRAINS

Why Are Clogged Footing Drains Trouble?

A footing drain is installed just outside of your home’s basement foundation. This drain is meant to keep water away from your foundation but it can easily clog. The footing drain is a thick pipe that has holes drilled into it to allow water to drip into the pipe.

CAUSES – HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE

What is Hydrostatic Pressure?

A clogged footing drain will not collect any more water. So the water puddles up into the backfill and starts pushing against your home. The weight of the water creates pressure which pushes against your foundation – this is also called hydrostatic pressure.

The hydrostatic pressure pushes the water into the porous concrete and through cracks in the block or mortar. Over time hydrostatic pressure, soil settlement and seasonal changes can result in basement wall cracks or cracks in the poured concrete.

CAUSES – SOIL SETTLEMENT

How Soil Settlement Affects Your Basement

The backfilled soil around your basement foundation will settle. As the soil settles it will sink towards your foundation. This creates a slope which allows water to run next to your basement foundation, eventually causing hydrostatic pressure.

If your gutters don’t point away from your basement foundation then this can add to the soil settlement problem. You can help prevent some of the hydrostatic pressure from soil settlement by adding dirt to the sunken soil.

Q: HOW DO I KNOW I HAVE A BASEMENT WATERPROOFING

PROBLEM?A: Look for the following problem signs

PROBLEM SIGN – BASEMENT CONDENSATION

Condensation on the pipes in your basement can invite mold and

mildew into your basement. With mold comes that musty smell that

you can’t get rid of.

Why Do I Have Condensation?

Condensation forms when the relative humidity in the air reaches 100%. When the air can no longer hold the moisture it has to let it go. Condensation on cold pipes and metal in your basement is often the result.

Your condensation problem is a sign that you have another, larger problem: basement humidity. Basement humidity is water vapor, or moisture, in the basement air. When your basement humidity is over 50% it’s holding up a welcome sign to mold, mildew, musty smells and dust mites.

PROBLEM SIGN – MUSTY BASEMENT SMELL

A musty smelling basement means you have mold growth and

a moisture problem.

Musty Basement Smell:

Don’t assume that bleaching down your basement will get rid of the musty smell. Mold can be toxic! Don’t put your health at risk trying to get the mold out of your musty basement.

PROBLEM SIGN – EFFLORESCENCEWhat Causes Efflorescence To Form?SaltsYour concrete or block basement walls are made of a variety of natural sources like clay, sand and limestone, which contain salt. A Water SourceWhether there’s water outside of your basement foundation from poor grading, heavy rain or ground water; the hydrostatic pressure will find a way to push the moisture into your basement . An Entry PointWater can enter your foundation through the joints where your foundation wall meets the floor, wall cracks, or pores in the concrete.

Efflorescence is a white chalky powder made up of the minerals found in concrete, soil and water. Although

efflorescence isn’t toxic and can easily be brushed off, it’s a sign of moisture

intrusion.

PROBLEM SIGN – POOR DRAINAGE

Overflowing gutters, clogged gutters, poor drainage grading and ineffective yard grading contribute

to a wet basement. 

Why Does Foundation Drainage Matter?

If your foundation drainage isn’t draining the water away from your foundation – it is not working. As the water flows next to your basement foundation it can seep into your basement through cracks, creating structural problems and a wet basement.

PROBLEM SIGN – WET FLOORS

The Severity of Leaking Basement Floor Cracks

While water in your basement seems like the problem, it’s the water vapor that creates the biggest problems.

As water evaporates it becomes water vapor, or basement humidity. Basement humidity can create a variety of expensive problems like:

A wet basement is the perfect environment for insects, dust mites,

mold, mildew, & wood rot!

• High electric bills• Mold, mildew, and dust mites• Pest, rodent and insect infestation• Uncomfortable and damp living

space• Decreases home value by 10-15%

PROBLEM SIGN – SUMP PUMP ISSUES

A broken basement sump pump leads to an expensive mess to

clean up.

If you don’t have the right sump pump for your basement, you’ll

continue to have water problems.

PROBLEM SIGN – WET DRYWALLIf you don’t combat the moisture or safeguard your home from water intrusion, you’ll waste a lot of time and money replacing the drywall when that’s not the source of the problem.

Wet drywall in your basement is either a sign of moisture or water

intrusion, or a water leak.

PROBLEM SIGN – LEAKING BASEMENT WINDOWS

A basement with a leaking window well can make a big mess. Water from your sprinklers, rain and snowfall can

all leak into your basement. 

Why Do I Have A Leaking Window Well?

Your basement window wells can easily clog with leaves and other debris, which lets water build up and leak into your basement. A heavy rain can build up the water pressure and push the water in through a window gap, and even flood your basement.

A wet basement creates other problems like high indoor humidity, mold growth, and high electric bills. 

WHY FIX YOUR WET BASEMENT?

Your basement is your home’s foundation, and a dry basement is important to your home and family’s health. A wet basement is uncomfortable, can increase your energy bills, and even cause health problems.

Improve Your Home’s Air QualityProtect Your Family’s HealthIncrease Your Home’s Value Lower Your Energy Costs

Q: WHAT DO I NEED TO DO NOW?

A: Contact a trusted and insured basement waterproofing expert.

CONTACT JES FOUNDATION REPAIR

At JES Foundation Repair our team of in-house basement waterproofing experts have warrantied solutions for basements and foundations of ALL types.If you would like a free quote, we’re ready to help you! Contact us TODAY to schedule an on-site consultation and written quote!We’re proud to serve all of Virginia including Virginia Beach, Richmond and throughout Lynchburg, Roanoke and Charlottesville.