What Causes Foundation, Basement, and Crawl Space Leaks?
Your first sign of wetness in your home may be a musty odor coming from downstairs, or perhaps you now have a damp sock from stepping into wet carpeting. Your once-dry home is now being infiltrated by a leak somewhere in your foundation or coming up through the floor. You may need to hire someone to find the leak in your foundation, basement, or crawl space. They can also suggest solutions and implement the repairs that may be necessary.
Foundation Leaks in Iowa and Nebraska
There are many causes of leaks in Iowa and Nebraska. Water needs only a hairline crack to find a way inside your home. A professional will be able to determine if it is merely a crack that can be filled and repaired, or if you have a more serious condition concerning your foundation. Trees and roots can push up against the soil around your home, causing leaks in the foundation. Likewise, if a tree or large roots die near your home, when they decompose, the soil can collapse and your foundation will lose some of the support it used to have.
Weather plays a large role in leaks in your basement or crawl space. If your area receives too much rain or snow, the ground will become oversaturated. That water has to go somewhere. If the water pushes hard enough against your basement wall, it can create a leak and that water will come in.
Plumbing, both inside and outside, can leak, causing water problems in your basement or crawl space. Pipes inside your house can leak inside the walls or ceilings, causing damage. Pipes outside your house can leak for a long time before being noticed, the water pooling under the ground before finally seeping into your home. Damaged plumbing is a two-fold problem: not only does it potentially cause damage, but you are paying for water that is leaking out of the pipes.
Leak Repair Solutions for Basements, Crawl Spaces, and Foundations in IA & NE
Fortunately, there are many options for repairing leaks in your basement, crawl space, or foundation. Depending on the severity of the situation, you may need to hire a professional to perform the repairs. There are interior and exterior drainage systems available.
An expert is best suited to determine the best method of repair. If you have a leaking pipe, a plumber or contractor needs to repair the broken pipe. For other causes, stopping the leak is the number one goal. Cracks need to be filled and sealed shut, then the water needs to be diverted. An interior drainage system uses a sump pump and pit to move the water away from your home. An exterior drainage system keeps the water from even entering your basement or crawl space, to begin with.
If you have a damaged foundation, that needs to be addressed quickly, to maintain the structural integrity of your home. It is better to err on the side of caution when it comes to leaks in your foundation. What may appear to be a small nuisance can be a harbinger of something much more serious. It is tempting to try to patch the leak yourself, but an expert must inspect your property, to make sure the correct problem is addressed. Basement waterproofing and vapor barrier installation are both effective ways to protect your home. If you let water leaks collect in your basement or crawl space, the moisture can cause health problems and structural issues that could be catastrophic. Jerry’s Waterproofing can help keep your basement or crawl space dry and strong.