Residential Waterproofing & Foundations
Expensive renovations costs and problems can make any homeowner scared stiff. However, preventing these problems and possible future problems is the ultimate dream come true. Waterproofing your basement is the first step to living a life without worries. By getting this done prevents water from leaking into your basements causing water damage which could cost a lot of money to fix afterwards. What’s better is that Residential Waterproofing can be done from the inside or outside of your basement!
Why Do Basements Leak?
There are a few different reasons why your basement might be leaking. As homes get older and more worn down, the foundation becomes weaker as well which requires more maintenance. Other factors include:
- Foundation Cracks
- Failed Weeping Tile
- Window Wells
- Leaking Mortar
- Joints
- Leaking Penetrations
- Tie Ride Holes
- Sill Plates
- Construction joints
What Are Foundation Cracks?
Foundation cracks are a prime cause of wet basements. Cracks in the foundation of your home can come in many different shapes and sizes. However, they are not uncommon in new or old homes. A majority of the cracks are caused because the foundation not yet fully settled, so this shouldn’t be a cause for concern. However, if a crack increasingly becomes bigger, to the point where water is leaking through, it would be a sign to call for help as soon as possible. If you have suspicions for a crack, measure and date it and then check back some time later to see if it has expanded dramatically. Through this, you will be able to assess for yourself if there is indeed a serious problem that needs professional help.
How Do They Happen?
Natural Causes
Natural causes are unpredictable and unpreventable to the creation of the crack. Causes like earthquakes of frost quakes can cause a lot of damage to homes in regard of cracks. Frost quakes are common occurrences that happen when water accumulates in the soil and freezes when the temperature drops suddenly. As the water freezes quickly, pressure and stress are applied to the surroundings. The pressure then accumulates and causes cracks.
Soil Condition/Settlement
There are numerous conditions that soil can be, in order for a crack to happen. There could be high water tables, over saturated soils, dry days, or natural settlement in which soil would just settle under your house.
Poor Construction
When the foundation is actually being created, various things could go wrong during the process. Small things such as if the temperature was hot or cold could change the way the cement dries as it could cause the cement of expand or contract. If cement is poured on a cold day, it could cause the water to freeze and cause it to expand. If it is poured when it’s hot outside, the cement could dry too fast and shrink in size.
An obvious but looked over factor could be the quality of the cement mix used. If it’s too runny, dry or not mixed well, problems will arise quickly. If there’s too much water, the cement won’t dry well and the result will be brittle and weak foundations.
Backfilling and the condition of the equipment used is another key factor. If backfilling was done when the concrete was still soft, it would easily crack. Equipment damage could occur if the user was too rough, or if a machine accidentally hit the side of the foundation. Large debris could also damage the foundation by hitting it.