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Mike Lane, director of corporate sales training of Basement Systems in Seymour, Conn., explains that when a new home is built, a tar or dampproof coating is applied and footings or exterior drains are installed around the exterior of the foundation. "Over time, when it rains or snow melts or the ground thaws, water seeps into the loose soil around the foundation and the dampproof coating can deteriorate," explains Lane. "The water seeping in brings little pieces of dirt [silt] and the silt clogs the footing drain. The water builds up on the outside of the wall, and the hydrostatic pressure forces the water to squeeze its way through every nook and cranny in the wall and footing/wall joint." If this catastrophe happens once, it is most likely going to happen again.
Simply extending your gutters out might help, but it doesn't solve the problem. Lane says that sealants alone won't do the trick either. "The coating on the inside simply gets pushed off because it can't handle the pressure of the incoming water," he says.
Solutions
There are a variety of options to fixing the problems, ranging from simple to complex and affordable to expensive, depending on your do-it-yourself abilities, budget and time.
Start by caulking any potential cracks or openings on the inside. "Concrete is susceptible to cracking and nothing you can apply to a wall will eliminate it," says Bob Kodner, CEO of The Crack Team in St. Louis, Mo. "We always say it's not ‘if' the concrete will crack, it's ‘when.' There's no way to determine when a house will start to develop cracks, but as soon as you notice a crack, address it."
Successfully waterproofing your basement is a three-step process involving removing soil around the foundation, installing a waterproofing membrane and applying an internal sealant on unfinished basement walls.
"This is not an option for finished basement walls," cautions Rose. "These products also require constant maintenance or they will stop working."
If the water is coming through the foundation or a floor drain, you may need a pump. While some homeowners can install a sump pump kit on their own, you may need to consider a professional, who should provide a free installation estimate. Lane says that his company installs pumps with a battery backup in case of power failures. Sump pumps also need to be tested at least once a year.
Jennifer Johnson of Salt Lake City, Utah, knows all too well the damage that basement floods can cause. After a sudden flash flood in 2002 that dumped six inches of rain in her basement, her home was later damaged after a fire when vandals entered it while it was being rebuilt, smashing pipes and leaving water running. She hired a disaster company to pump water from the room. In 2006, her plumber accidentally misconnected a dishwasher, sending water all over the basement again. Although she's a self-proclaimed "pro" at drying out the basement space, she's considering installing a sump pump.
Rose suggests another option—a drainage system around the perimeter of the home or at least in areas subject to frequent flooding. Again, the process starts with removing the soil and waterproofing the foundation wall.
"Ensure that the drain has a method for diverting the water," says Rose. "The drain should empty into the primary storm drainage system, a retention pond or other source."
If you have been experiencing water problems, get started fixing the problem sooner rather than later.
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Text by Lisa Iannucci
© 2008 BobVila.com
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