Waterproofing

Moisture problems inside the home can be very frustrating for a homeowner. The damage and possible mold growth caused by unchecked water problems can be extensive, invasive, and more expensive to repair the longer the homeowner waits. Determining the source of the water problem and then consulting a professional on the most effective solution – or combination of approaches – is an essential course of action to avoid additional problems.

The presence of excess water saturating the soil around or beneath a home’s foundation may be due to many issues; however, it is the resulting hydrostatic pressure, or water pressure, exerted against the foundation’s walls or floor that causes the seepage of water into a home. The pressure and seepage may also weaken the foundation and compromise the home’s structural integrity.

There are several effects saturated soil may have on a foundation. Water will often begin to seep through cement block foundation walls or through the gap between the basement wall and floor. Seams around pipes entering the foundation as well as cracks in the walls and floor also serve as entryways for water. In addition, basement window wells may fill with water and lead to flooding if the windows are not properly sealed.

Structural issues may also arise from the presence of saturated back fill soil around foundation walls. The hydrostatic pressure can fail a wall by causing it to bow or lean inward. The presence of water under the concrete footing that supports the walls can soften or erode the soil supporting the footing. The result is the footing’s loss of bearing capacity, which may cause the foundation to settle and cracks to develop in the wall supported by the footing.