Whether water is seeping into your home through cracks in the foundation, basement floor, roof, siding or even through windows, it’s important to act now. Water is the second most damaging element in a home, right after fire.
If the problem is addressed immediately, damage caused by prolonged exposure to moisture—such as mold—will not have time to form, thus reducing repair costs. On the other hand, if the problem is ignored at the beginning, whether through neglect or simply because it is completely invisible to the naked eye, the damage can spread quickly. It only takes a few weeks for mold to form and spread. By avoiding a problem of this magnitude in the first place to save some money in the short term, you will most likely end up with an expensive bill a few months later. The longer you wait, the more time the problem has to deteriorate, and the more you will end up spending.
A home without any moisture or water infiltration will definitely be healthier, safer and more comfortable for all residents. It will also allow your home to be more energy efficient and protect its resale value from decreasing.
How to determine if you have water infiltration
Finding the source of your water infiltration can be complex. As unexpected as it may seem, water damage detected in the basement can actually be caused by the roof: water can start from the roof, penetrate the walls and leak into the basement. In this case, the skills of a building expert will be needed to correctly find where the water has leaked.
If you have any doubt about water infiltration in your home. You should pay particular attention to these signals:
- An excessively wet basement
- Abnormal amounts of condensation in your windows
- Dark mold stains on the bottom of your walls or ceiling
- Water accumulation on your floor
- Musty smells
- Peeling or wet paint under your windows
- Water stains on the ceiling
- Visible cracks in the foundation
- Weakness in the brick joints
- Bulging brick wall (also called arched brick)
- Damaged roof
- Weakened foundation
- Deformation of the floor.
Common Causes of Water Infiltration
Water can make its way into your home in many different ways. Here are some of them:
- Cracks in the foundation or concrete slab
- A faulty sump pit drain
- A sewer backup
- Poorly installed windows
- Ineffective exterior siding
- Damaged roof
- Loose flashings
With the multiple freezes and defrost periods that our foundations go through in a single year, they are under a lot of stress. If your foundation is cracked, these cycles only worsen the situation and the foundation no longer resists the water in the soil—which will then cause water to penetrate your basement walls. If your land slopes downward—facing your home—these types of problems will only get worse as gravity will push water into your foundation walls.
Solution to prevent water infiltration
If you are concerned about your property due to water infiltration in the foundation or basement, you will find these tips very helpful. It will help you know exactly what to do and who to contact. This will ensure that you are able to take the necessary steps to protect your home and property.
Today’s French drains consist of a PVC pipe covered with a fabric membrane to prevent dirt from entering. This type of drain has a trench filled with gravel or pebbles that redirect water flowing on the surface and drains it away from the area surrounding the house. A French drain is advantageous because it prevents water from coming into contact with the foundation, which inevitably prevents major damage. These drains are also used with retaining walls, which reduces water pressure on the surface.
The waterproofing membrane is an essential element of construction. It forms the structural foundation of a building, preventing water infiltration and providing balance by greatly extending the life of your concrete foundation. Whether your structure is new or older, a waterproofing membrane will prevent damage that would eventually be harmful to your health and your building.