Already got your basement waterproofed? Great! But don’t think it will stay dry forever, and there will be no leaks, no musty smell, or water stains. You have to understand – things do not always go as you want them to. There are times when your protected space starts showing damp spots again.
This is when water might seep in through the walls, bringing back the unpleasant odour. Even after putting in the time, effort, and money to fix it, seeing the issue come back can be disappointing.
Now, the question arises – what makes leakage issues come back even after waterproofing? In the article, we’ll go through some common reasons this happens and what signs to watch for, so you know where to focus your next fix.
Reasons Your Waterproofed Basement is Still Leaking
You’ve Used the Wrong Waterproofing Method
When it comes to waterproofing basement, there are many methods available. But not every method works for every type of basement problem. But the two most common methods are:
- Interior Waterproofing: As the term itself suggests, this kind of waterproofing includes sealing the inside walls or adding a drainage system inside your basement.
- Exterior Waterproofing: Then comes exterior waterproofing. Here, an expert seals the outer walls. Also, he installs a drainage system around the foundation to prevent water from entering.
If water is seeping in from outside through your foundation walls and you have only used an interior sealant, it may not work. It’s because the pressure from outside can still push water in.
The Problem Hasn’t Been Cured At Its Root
To prevent the problem permanently, you need to address the source of the water, not just its signs. Maybe this is where the company or the people handling waterproofing did something wrong or missed something. If they only focused on fixing the interior of the basement, without addressing the exterior, the leaks would come back.
Here’s an example: If the person has done waterproofing on the wall, but the water is actually seeping in through the floor joint or from under the foundation, the job won’t fully solve the problem.
Improper Installation
Look, leaks will come back if improper installation is done. Let’s say, drainage pipes are not installed correctly, sealants are applied unevenly, or maybe the professional has used low-quality materials; the chances of water seeping in increase. It does not matter how minor the mistake is; it can still compromise the complete waterproofing system.
There’s an Exterior Drainage Issue
Most of the time, what people do is go for interior waterproofing only. Of course, this is necessary, but sometimes there are issues outside, like downspouts releasing water too close to home, poor grading, or clogged gutters. All these issues cause water to collect around the foundation, forcing it into your home.
New Cracks Development After the Work is Done
The fact remains unchanged – you cannot prevent new cracks from developing in your basement due to factors like changes in moisture levels, settling of the foundation, and soil shifting. These cracks further result in water coming inside the basement again, reducing the effectiveness of the basement waterproofing.
Aging or Damaged Waterproofing Materials
It does not matter how great the quality of the material used is; it will still wear out over time. This is because of constant exposure to moisture, soil pressure, and temperature changes that cause coating to peel, seals to weaken, and membranes to crack. Again, leading to the entry of water into the basement.
Hydrostatic Pressure is Too Strong
So, what exactly is hydrostatic pressure? Well, when the ground around your home stays wet for a long time, there is water buildup that pushes hard against the foundation walls and floors. And to tackle this, you will need to use a strong waterproofing method. If ignored, the water will make its way through joints, cracks, or other weak points in the structure.
Excessive Humidity in Basement
Even if the leaks are not visible to you, chances are moisture is very much there, but in the form of excessive humidity. The reason?
- Poor ventilation
- Water vapour passing through the walls and floors, or
- Hidden seepage, adding moisture to the air
So, how do you think you can avoid this? Here’s what you can do –
- Make sure the basement is properly ventilated
- Walls and floors are sealed effectively, and
- You use a dehumidifier
What Steps Should You Take to Prevent Basement Leakage Issues?
Are you one of those who is going through leakage issues even after waterproofing? That is frustrating! So, you can at least check the walls, floors, windows, and even the ceiling for signs of moisture. Additionally, you can make sure that the gutters and downspouts are clear and are able to keep water away from the foundation.
And if you have already had waterproofing done, and the issue persists, you must consider a different method. For this, seek professional help from experts, and you are sure to get a permanent solution.
Final Thoughts
Here’s a thing – even though waterproofing basement is crucial for protecting your home, it does not guarantee that the issue will not come back. If you see leaks coming back again, chances are that something was overlooked during the process. Or maybe the process chosen was not right.
It is important for you to know what is causing the problem and act early accordingly. By doing so, you can save yourself from major problems later and help you enjoy a dry, usable basement for years.