Is A Wet Basement A Problem In Your Home? Take It Easy

Things You Should Know About A Wet Basement.

One of the most dreaded thing by homeowners is a wet basement. The reason is apparent. First, it means that your home will not be comfortable to live in, and the second thing is that this could be a sign of a more serious problem yet to happen. So, if you notice a damp basement, especially in areas like the UK, you should seek basement waterproofing in Manchester as soon as possible. Some of the potential causes of a damp basement are clogged tiles, misdirected water gutters, gaps in blocks, and loose concrete, among other causes.

When you call a waterproofing expert, the professional starts by assessing your basement to get the real cause of the leakage before choosing the right solution to deal with the problem. A wet basement is dangerous since apart from affecting the appearance of your home, it can lead to more serious issues in your home, such as structural damage; that is when you delay taking action. 

• Waterproofing Specialists

When you have a wet basement, the best thing to ensure that the problem is dealt with once and for all is by choosing a professional basement waterproofing company to do the work for you. Wet basement repair is not something you can DIY, or you can give to fly-by-night contractors and expect to get the best results. You should opt for a specialist who has a good reputation in basement waterproofing and one who uses the latest technology and materials to carry out basement repair. 

• What Causes Leaky Basements?

Many smaller issues can exist under three main categories which we will highlight here;

• Poor Drainage System

When you install a drainage system, you should make sure it is well installed and nothing left to chance. Poor drainage installation later results in serious issues that end up costing you more. When drainage is poorly installed, it starts to leak and eventually that water gets into walls and your basement floors. 

There should be proper drain channels under the basement and walls which don’t allow water to stagnate. A sound drainage system should also include systems like sump pumps that will not allow water to stay anywhere near your basement.

• Gaps and Cracks in the Basement Walls

I know you have seen cracks and gaps in your walls or sometimes on the basement floor. When you see them, you should seal them immediately using fillers which are readily available in the market. The gaps should be ultimately filed using concrete. If you don’t fill them, then you should expect groundwater to get into your basement. Cracks and gaps could be a sign of a much bigger problem, like issues with foundation, so it’s best to contact a foundation specialist if you notice any cracks in your walls.

• Failure to Control Ground Water

If you want to avoid future wet basement repair when you build your house, choose the preventive measures, and one of those measures is controlling groundwater. There are many things you can do to make sure that the underground doesn’t stagnate anywhere near your home. For instance, make sure you have correctly working gutters so that the water doesn’t overflow. You can ensure that by regularly cleaning your gutters and getting rid of any debris that may clog your gutters.

You should also make sure that the downspouts direct water far away from your house. Another natural way to control surface water from accumulating around your house is by planting plantation so that the plants utilise all the water that pours around your home. 

Though those are some of the main causes of a wet basement, there are other reasons why your basement may get wet. It is not easy to know the condition of your basement and choose the right solution for that problem without the help of a professional. So when you suspect a damp basement, call a professional to come and inspect your basement.

Some Mistakes Homeowners Do

• Not inspecting your basements regularly- when you keep off from your basement for so long, you may get surprised when you check it and meet mildew and mould everywhere. So always inspect your basement.
• Opting for DIY- failure to hire a professional can end up being expensive for you.
• “I am moving soon, so I don’t need wet basement repair” before you say so, think about the value of your home.
• Not doing your homework when hiring a basement waterproofing company.