After a heavy rain, its not unusual to find water leaking into your basement.
If this happens to you, dont panic!
We will also provide tips on how to prevent future leaks from happening.
Some of the most common causes include:
Improper drainage around your home or business building.
Poor construction of your homes foundation walls, floors and ceiling joists.
Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water leaks in your basement after heavy rains if theyre not cleaned regularly.
Run water through them to see if it drains properly.
If not, use a garden hose to clear any debris that is blocking the flow of water.
In this case, you could try using a gutter cleaning tool (i.e., brush or vacuum).
These cracks can allow water to seep through and leak into your home.
confirm that all door andwindow framesare properly sealed with caulking or weatherstripping to keep out the elements.
You may also need to install gutter extensions to help direct the water away from your home.
Contact a professional to help you properly seal your home and prevent water leaks.
A cove joint is simply where the floor and wall meet.
There are typically two ways to fix this: caulk or flashing.
Caulk is the easiest and most common way to fix a leaky cove joint.
Simply apply a thick bead of caulk to the joint and smooth it out.
check that you use a silicone-based caulk, as this throw in is waterproof.
If you dont want to use caulking, it’s possible for you to also install flashing.
Flashing is metal or plastic thats installed over the cove joint to prevent water from leaking in.
Its a little more work than caulking, but it will last longer.
Whichever method you choose, ensure to seal the joint completely to prevent water from leaking in.
A loose or missing cover can allow water to key in your basement after a heavy rain.
This lateral pressure from beneath a homes foundation is called hydrostatic pressure.
When rainwater flows over the soil and toward your house, it should be directed away from the foundation.
Humidity and Mold Growth
The first thing that you will notice is the dampness in your basement.
Moisture is a breeding ground for mold, which can produce spores that cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems.
A water leak in your basement also causeshumidity levelsto rise, creating an uncomfortable living space.
A rotting structure affects your homes value and safety.
This is particularly true if you have an older home with a galvanized steel plumbing system.
How do you stop water from seeping into your basement?
Steps To Take When Your Basement Leaks During A Heavy Rain: What Should I do?
If youre not sure what to do, do these things:
Clean up as much water as possible.
verify to dry all surfaces completely before moving on to the next step.
ensure that all affected areas are completely dry before painting, sealing or caulking.
This will help prevent further water from seeping through the cracks into your home during future rains.
verify that all exposed areas are completely dry before painting, sealing or caulking them.
Inspect for mold growth.
This will help prevent further water from seeping through the cracks into your home during future rains.
They will be able to assess the damage and recommend the best course of action for repairing your basement.
Related:Basement Drain Backing Up When Washing Clothes?
Waterproofing Your Basement
Basements are notorious for being wet and moist.
A damp basement can lead to mold growth, musty odors and even structural damage if left unchecked.
This humidity creates an ideal environment for mold spores to thrive.
How to prevent future leaks in the basement after heavy rain?
One is to waterproof the walls and floors of your basement with paint or sealant.
How to clean water from the floor of a basement after heavy rain?
Once the water is removed, you might use a fan to help speed up the drying process.
How much does it cost to repair a water damaged basement?
How long does it take for a flooded basement to dry?
It can take a few days for a flooded basement to dry.
However, its important that all affected areas are completely dry before painting, sealing or caulking them.
Can water come up through foundation?
Yes, water can come up through the foundation of a home.
How to seal cracks and crevices from where water is coming into the basement after heavy rain?
If you have cracks or crevices on your property, its important that these are sealed up properly.
This will prevent them from being used as a entry point for water.
What should you do if your basement floods?
If yourbasement floods, its important to take action as soon as possible.
The first step is to remove any items that are at risk of damage from water.
This may include furniture, electronics and appliances.
Remove any furniture and electronics at risk of damage from water contact as soon as possible!
When to call a Professional Basement Waterproofing Company?
The longer you wait, the more damage will be done and it could cost more money in repairs!
It might also lead to mold growth which can pose health risks for those with allergies or asthma.
The best time to call a professional is after youve dried out your home or business.
Does insurance cover water damage?
Most homeowners insurance policies cover water damage.
What key in of water damage is covered by homeowners insurance?
One thing to note: most homeowners policies do not cover flooding, which is typically a separate policy.
What to do if my insurance company denies my water damage claim?
First, contact an attorney who specializes in insurance companies or claims handling disputes.
Prepare for your appeal by collecting evidence of damage from the incident (i.e., photos).
ensure you have all relevant documents like invoices and receipts handy so that they are readily available when needed!
It might also be helpful to have a witness who can attest to the damage triggered by the water.
Be clear and concise in your explanation!
If youre not satisfied with the outcome of your appeal, consider filing a lawsuit against your insurance company.
Conclusion
This blog post has been a great introduction to the causes of water leaks in basements.
If this article was helpful for you, c’mon share with friends who are having similar issues.
