What to do in case of water infiltration in the basement?

If you are worried about your property because of water infiltration in the basement, these tips will be very helpful. This will let you know exactly what to do and who to contact. This will allow you to take appropriate measures to protect your home and your investment. In doing so, the situation will appear more clearly and the solutions more obvious.

What to do if you notice a water infiltration in the basement?

Any amount of water in the basement should be of immediate concern. It only takes 24 to 48 hours for the water buildup to turn into mold. Check for warning signs of water infiltration.

Certain signs may reveal, among other things, an infiltration of water due to the settlement of the foundations. The first step is to inspect your property and pay close attention to the following clues:

  • Cracks in foundations
  • High humidity
  • Concrete marks
  • White powder
  • Marks at the bottom of the basement walls
  • Water on the walls
  • Mold

If you see one or more warning signs, it is recommended that you call a foundation expert. This expert will confirm your concerns or reassure you about cracks or potential water infiltration. It is better not to wait before consulting, because in the event of water infiltration, the problems are likely to worsen with time.

Here are some situations that could cause water to enter your home:

Large landscaping and gutters to avoid water infiltration in the basement

If the soil around the foundation is saturated, excess water will seep into the basement through cracks in the walls and floor, or by seepage through untreated walls.

Make sure the soil is leveled away from the basement wall at a rate of about half an inch of slope per foot. Check that the gutters are free of debris so that rain does not overflow and flow along the wall of the house. The downspouts should direct the runoff from the roof and drain it away from the foundations. If the downspout does not do its job, the water collects along the foundation wall and eventually infiltrates into the basement.

Prevent climbing vines from growing along the foundation walls and place the foundation plantings (shrubs, etc.) far enough from the walls so that air can circulate in the house and in the cellar. Keep the lower gravel surface of the skylights free of debris.

If your basement is damp, it is wise to call in a professional for an on-site inspection. Failure to fix the problem can damage the structure and resale value of your home.

Windows

If the basement has windows, it is extremely important to check the caulking around them. A small opening can collect enough water to create mold behind the gypsum wall. You may not notice it, but the air now has more mold than normal.

Brick walls

If your house has brick walls, it is essential that there is an opening at regular intervals in the drainage holes on the lower level of the masonry. As the brick is porous, it retains a high level of humidity (water). The drainage holes allow water to escape from the back of the masonry. The water is guided by a membrane under the lower rows of masonry. If the membrane is broken or if the holes are blocked, the water (looking for its own leveling) will flow on the base plate (at the top of the foundations and in the basement walls, behind the walls in gypsum stone). This water will then continue to flow under a raised floor. These areas do not dry out and as the water becomes moldy after 24-48 hours, this area is unlikely to pass an air test.

Terraces

If a terrace is attached to the house, it is recommended to install a flashing behind the separation board to make sure that water does not seep above the base plate, otherwise it penetrates to the underside. ground. This results in a higher than normal number of molds in the basement.

Find peace of mind!

In case of water infiltration in your home, rest assured, there are solutions to prevent and counter water infiltration. Minor solutions can help repair cracks when they are quickly fixed by professionals. There is no one better than a foundation expert to help you resolve this kind of situation. Contact an expert as soon as possible before the situation escalates and you are dealing with mold problems! This specialist can solve your problem by finding the right solution and give you peace of mind.

In case of water infiltration in the basement please contact us, in order to clean up and decontaminate molds possible