It is common to find basements that are frequently wet or damp. A wet or damp basement is not a good sign since humid conditions are associated with several negative effects.
One example of the negative effects of a wet basement is the growth of mold or mildew, which is associated with health problems such as allergies and asthma. A wet basement also indicates that water may be seeping through the basement wall, which can cause considerable damage to the foundation. Wetness in the basement also renders the basement relatively unusable.
It is important to understand the causes of wet basements as well as how to fix the problem. Below are details about two causes of wet basements and their solutions.
- Basement flooding
Basements are prone to flooding because of their location below or partly below the ground level. This means that any water that finds its way near the basement is likely to enter the basement. As a result, a basement can become flooded at any time. The causes of basement flooding include surface runoff, water that seeps through the walls or floor of the foundation, groundwater, and storm sewer backup.
How to fix the problem of basement flooding
The best way to address chronic basement flooding is to install drainage facilities in the areas below the basement floor. It is important to have a professional contractor do the drainage installation work since a lot of work is involved.
The tasks that are carried out include breaking the concrete, excavating the soil that surrounds the foundation wall, installing the appropriate drainage devices, and patching up the excavated areas. Your contractor should ensure that any water that could potentially enter the basement is directed away into areas such as the sump pit where it can be pumped.
- Foundation leaks due to cracks
Foundation cracks are notorious for letting water seep into the basement through the walls, which can cause flooding. Foundation leaks are likely to be common in areas where the soil that surrounds the foundation frequently comes in contact with water. Some of the water that the soil holds will then percolate into the basement through the cracks in the foundation wall. Cracks exacerbate the level of foundation damage caused by water.
How to fix the problem of foundation leaks
Basement and foundation wall leaks can be addressed by repairing the cracks that cause these leaks and waterproofing the wall.
Contact the professionals at Ohio State Waterproofing today! (330) 467-1055
Ohio State Waterproofing has provided quality service with over 80,000 successful waterproofing and foundation repair installations and satisfied customers since our inception in 1978.
Ohio State Waterproofing’s philosophy for success is to provide honest, courteous and guaranteed service to every customer. Our reputation reflects this. Our well-trained waterproofing technicians are dedicated to complete customer satisfaction. This is achieved through fast, efficient processes as well as teamwork throughout this organization. You will always find a friendly representative willing to meet your needs at Ohio State Waterproofing.
We are a full service company that handles problems ranging from patching cracks to rebuilding basements. In addition, we hold three patents related to waterproofing that make us unique in the industry. These patents and our experience allow us to be able to do what every other waterproofer can do, but no one else can do what we do.
We are actively involved in the industry and community, including the National Association of Waterproofing Contractors, BHA, NARI, NAHB, NHIA, the BIA, the FHA and a number of consumer advocacy groups, as well as playing leading roles in a number of charitable functions.
But, most importantly, our highest degree of praise comes from the thousands of referrals we get from satisfied customers. Together they’ve made us a leader in the basement waterproofing and foundation repair industry.