Uh-oh. Did you walk downstairs to a surprise? Moisture in basements takes many forms, from a puddle of water in a corner to a dripping ceiling, but judging by appearance alone, one of the most alarming is a damp wall.
How can water possibly come through the wall into my seemingly watertight basement? Don’t panic.
Read on to learn about wet basement wall solutions for your home …
What Causes a Wet Basement Wall?
A wet basement wall, or a “weeping” wall, is a result of moisture from the ground penetrating through the seams or cracks in the wall, around pipes or in weak spots in the wall. Wherever water meets a porous area of a wall, you are more likely to find wet basement walls.
Potential causes of wet basement walls include:
- Exterior pressure or soil erosion that creates small leaks in the walls.
- Faulty building materials.
- Repeated freeze-and-thaw cycles.
- Saturated ground – when the ground surrounding your basement is saturated or consistently wet, there’s a greater chance for wet basement walls.
How to Stop Water from Seeping Through Basement Walls
A wet basement wall leaves your basement (and its contents) open to damage and mold growth. Even a small amount of moisture can cause big problems. If you’ve discovered that your basement walls are weeping, take action.
Sealing existing wall cracks
Apply a coat of hydraulic cement to fill any wall cracks that may be allowing water to seep through. Follow product instructions for a quality finish. This fix may only be temporary as shifts in the foundation may cause additional cracking. Consult a local contractor to learn about professional applications and more permanent solutions.
Reroute exterior water sources
Water from large amounts of precipitation, faulty gutters and even leaking hoses may cause water to seep into your home. You can prevent water from leaking into your basement by:
- Regularly inspecting and cleaning gutters.
- Installing gutter extensions to guide water farther way from your home’s foundation.
- Inspecting hoses and spigots for leaks.
- Grading soil away from the foundation (so heavy rain rolls away from the home).
- Planting trees, shrubs and bushes well away from your home’s foundation (to prevent foundation cracks).
Waterproofing windows
Basement windows (regular and egress) are a potential avenue for moisture into your basement. Resealing or replacing old windows may help prevent the intrusion of water into your basement walls.
Waterproof the walls and the basement
There are many commercially available waterproofing solutions. Additionally, a local contractor may be able to provide further relief by suggesting and installing French drains in or around your home.
Solutions for Wet Basement Walls
The wet basement walls solution right for your home may be as simple as cleaning your gutters or as complicated as installing a full waterproofing system. We recommend trying minimally invasive solutions first and moving on to larger solutions if necessary. Your Rainbow Restoration service professional can help you narrow down the possible causes of your wet basement wall.
Choose Rainbow Restoration® for Water Damage Restoration You Can Trust
Before you can prevent new damage, it’s time to clean up the mess! If you’ve discovered water damage in your basement, don’t wait. Rainbow Restoration’s local experts are ready to help you recover from water damage disasters, big or small. Call (855) 724-6269 or request an appointment online to get started.