How Do You Seal Basements and Keep Water Out?

Leak Detection of Atlanta has seen it all. Because they are built below grade, basements take on a great deal of water and have limited ability to release it. Water, even moisture, in the basement can mean mold, mildew, black mold, and fungus. It can also mean damaged walls, foundation, and flooring. Waterproofing your basement can protect your bank account as well as your health and it does not have to be rocket science. As your local leak detection experts, Leak Detection of Atlanta wants you to know how you can seal basements and keep water out. If you have any questions or would like to schedule your leak detection appointment, then call Leak Detection of Atlanta today.

Causes of Basement Leaks

Your basement is designed and built to keep water out, but, over time, these defenses wear away, exposing your basement to water from the outside. Some of the common causes of basement leaks include:

Hydrostatic Pressure: Water weighs a surprising amount. When the soil underneath your and around your basement is saturated with water, hydrostatic pressure applies thousands of pounds of force against your foundation, pushing water into your basement.
Settling Cracks: As your building settles, water can leak through the stress cracks of the concrete.
Water Seepage: Concrete is naturally porous. Water penetrates through these pores in the concrete and even enlarges the pores in the process.
Worn Plastic Barriers: Your foundation is fortified with plastic barriers that keep water out. Over time, however, these barriers disintegrate, allowing water to seep in.

Keeping Your Basement Dry

For beginners, we recommend that you apply a layer of waterproof membrane or coating to your basement. Though these coatings do little against leaks coming in from cracks, they reduce water seepage through pores. These sealants can be bought at your local hardware store. They often come premixed and are applied just like paint. Brush or roll the coating on your walls thickly enough to cover the pores. Allow it to fully dry before considering a second layer.

Getting to The Source

Applying a layer of waterproof membrane is a game of attrition, but proactivity is the best way to deal with basement leaks. Over time, the coating will wear away. Let’s get to the source of the water leaks if we want long-lasting change.

Direct Water Away: Gutters, downspouts, and splash plates should be installed and functional to guide runoff water away from the foundation of your building.
Repair Cracks: Leaks through pores can be resolved with waterproof sealants, but cracks must be repaired. Large and deep cracks can be difficult to repair, so fill them while they are still shallow.
Install A Sump Pump: If water does end up infiltrating your basement, you want it to be discharged as soon as possible. A sump pump is a device specially designed for this task.

Call the Professionals

If you notice your basement is allowing water but cannot get to the source of it, then call Leak Detection of Atlanta for a professional leak detection. This can save you hundreds and even thousands of dollars in the long run on water bills and leak repair costs. Our professionals are ready to take your call.