Ever thought what causes damp or wet basement? Why it is always the basement that needs some work done? Although modern homes are constructed with advanced features to prevent water from accumulating in the basement, chances are still high that they may end up having some serious issues.
Keep in mind that moisture in the basement is always responsible to create mildew and mold following by ruining wall materials and flooring. Leaky foundation can always make the space useless and inefficient since water weakens home’s base. This problem can always be treated by only one option i.e. basement waterproofing right from the beginning.
Treatment to Avoid Water Leakage
So, how to make it happen? What are the methods to waterproof the basement? To begin with, it is necessary to work on the walls and then add a few drainage features like a sump pump and drain tile to reduce water accumulation. Ideally, they should be added at the time of home’s construction since it will save a lot of money as well as inconvenience. However, if someone forgot to do that and now wants to make the basement waterproof, then be sure to spend extra money than usual. Not only this, the process would also lead to landscape repairs and extensive excavation.
Here, the worth mentioning fact is that not all leaky foundation or basement need waterproofing or new drainage systems. Normally, it is the source that should be treated in order to avoid further problems. Sometimes, it’s improper ground slope, neighbor’s drainage or improper roof drainage that is causing trouble to the home.
Find Another Way Around
What turns out to be an important factor is to be sure that standard waterproofing methods cannot always give the desired outcomes. Sometimes, the force of gravity may cause water to flow down while, if there is a patio, lawn or driveway sloped towards it, be sure to see water flowing downward till it causes leaky foundation. Once waterproofed, the basement wall will start to work as a dam that can cause wet earth pressure and reservoir to work against the wall. The pressure pushes water into the wall and even through the small gaps. Even worse, the pressure may also create cracks on its own so, always be sure about what could go wrong if one inappropriate step is taken.
Leaky foundation and basement problem may also get worse as the outside elements become intense. The problem may go to an extent where there will be structural failure or erosion of the subgrade. This is the moment when the entire basement wall may collapse and need expensive underpinning or repair depending upon the condition. In order to avoid this pressure from affecting the basement wall, it is recommended to fill the space with water so that it can equalize pressure on either side of the wall.
Apart from this, there are many more measures or precautions that homeowners can take to save the foundation house Toronto before it’s too late. It’s just about making the right move at the right time.
