(PRWEB via PR Web Direct) October 4, 2005 -- This fall, thousands of homeowners are faced with the unpleasant side effects of seasonal rainfall. Chronic leakage is a serious problem that can destroy personal property, furnishings and appliances and can even cause permanent structural damage to homes’ foundations. Excessive moisture is a huge attraction to wood-eating insects, and leads to wood rot and decay. Despite the pervasiveness of the problem, few homeowners are aware of the causes of water leakage.
“ The dehumidifier will also run less. ”
Common causes:
One common cause of foundation leakage is improper surface drainage, such as a yard sloped toward the home. In many cases, the problem can be greatly alleviated by re-grading the yard to slope away from the home’s foundation, or diverting surface water around the home.
“Other common culprits include poorly positioned rain gutter downspouts and missing, leaking, or clogged rain gutters,” says Robert Clarke, owner of B-Dry System NEPA. “A downspout that is improperly positioned to drain against the side of the home allows water to build up along the foundation wall, until the backed-up reservoir finds a weak spot in the foundation wall.”
The most difficult cause of foundation leakage is a high water table. A high water table problem occurs when the home is built too deeply in the ground, at or below the level where water remains constant throughout the year. A high water table problem can also be caused by underground springs or sustained periods of rainfall that cause the water table to rise during the wet seasons.
Is it leakage or condensation?
Homeowners should try to determine if their problem is actually water “leaking” in or if it’s just condensation forming on the cool surfaces. Condensation occurs when warm, humid air comes into contact with cooler masonry walls, floors, water pipes, etc.
To better understand condensation, take a cold bottle of soda and set it on the countertop. After several minutes, a steam will form on the outside of the bottle. After many minutes pass, a small puddle of water will form at the base of the bottle and beads of moisture will start dripping down. This is a classic example of condensation, not “leakage.” If a basement is actually wet from water leakage, the water should not just “appear”. The source of the leak should be identifiable.
Helpful tips:
Clean rain gutters of leaves and debris at least once per year. Rain gutter downspouts should direct water runoff from the roof, to a discharge point at least several feet away from the homes’ foundation. Use a splash block at the end of the downspout to avoid soil erosion. Homeowners should never bury the downspout lines unless they can empty them out to daylight, above ground.
Buy a good dehumidifier to lower the natural humidity level in the basement. Make sure the dehumidifier is the proper size for the basement. Use a drain hose attachment so you don’t have to empty the water collected every day. Get a unit with a built-in de-icer. Dehumidifiers are actually refrigeration coils and can freeze up and stop working.
“Keep the doors and windows to the basement closed, year round,” Clarke says. “Opened doors and windows allow extra humidity to enter lower levels, causing condensation. The dehumidifier will also run less.”
Waterproofing paints and sealers:
There are several good waterproofing paints and sealers on the market today. Waterproofing paints and sealers can work well for minor dampness on your wet walls and floors. Pay special attention to the preparation instructions from the products manufacturer. Be aware though, interior waterproofing paints and sealers don’t do anything to alleviate the “source” of the problem.
Time for a professional?
A professional waterproofing contractor can offer a variety of solutions, depending on the source of the problem. Methods can include outside excavation, installation of drain tile, parging walls, interior drainage systems or epoxy cove systems.
Prevention is always the first and best approach. Homeowners should look closely at the grading around their property, and make sure rain gutters are in good working order. They should have a good quality dehumidifier to reduce humidity in the home.
If homeowners have attempted to fix a leaking problem without success, it might be best to bring in a professional. Check companies for local references, ask for a certificate of insurance, check the companies warranty to see what’s covered and check them out with your local Better Business Bureau.
About Robert Clarke:
Robert Clarke owned and operated B-Dry System of Northeastern PA, a waterproofing company, for the last 20 years. Visit http://www.b-drybasementswaterproofingnepennsylvania.com for more information. He has also served as President of the B-Dry Owners Association, a nationally recognized group of basement waterproofing contractors. Visit http://www.b-dry.com/ for details.
Please credit Robert Clarke for article reprints.
