Causes of a Leaking Foundation in a House
Leaky foundations are a major headache for many homeowners, particularly those who live in older homes. Foundation leaks have a number of causes. Some leaks can be repaired with a simple fix while others require extensive time, effort and expense to remedy. Ignoring a leaky foundation can result in structural problems over time. Does this Spark an idea?
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Improper Grading
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The soil grading around the home should lead water away from the foundation. When the ground slopes toward the home, it causes water to pool around the foundation when it rains or snows. As the soil becomes saturated with water, moisture eventually makes its way into the home's foundation.
Home Settling
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As a home settles, hairline cracks can form in the foundation, which can widen with time. Although concrete appears to be dense and impenetrable, it is actually a porous material. Moisture can make its way into a basement as water vapor evaporates through the concrete.
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Lack of Waterproofing
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Moisture barriers should be installed between the ground and the foundation during construction. A waterproofing sealant should have been applied to the basement floors and walls and reapplied as necessary. Gaps around utility pipes installed through exterior walls can also allow water to seep into the home.
Solutions
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Start by checking the home's gutters and downspouts. Make sure that downspouts lead water away from the home. Attach downspout extenders if necessary. Check crawlspaces and unfinished basements for cracks in the walls and floors and patch them as necessary. Coat the concrete with a quality sealant. Apply caulk around pipes that enter or exit the home. Regrade the soil around the home so that water flows away from the home's foundation. Consider installing an external drainage system or, at a minimum, put down plastic sheeting and a few inches of gravel around the home's perimeter to prevent water from penetrating the foundation.
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