The one headache that will make every homeowner shake
in their boots is when they either find themselves ankle deep in water
or, their basement is constantly leaking water in through the base of
their foundation, up from the concrete floor or, cracks in the
foundation walls.
This can definitely escalate into an expensive
problem especially if you have turned that once unoccupied area into a
finished and furnished living space. We can't stop the rain from
falling and the snow from melting, however, before you call in a
contractor and get hit with a repair bill to make your head spin, it's
best to try and determine how severe the leakage might be. More than
likely it will prove a chore you can take care of yourself at a price
you can well afford.
The key is to determine which of the three
major problems you have which commonly cause basements to get wet:
condensation, runoff, or subsurface seepage. Condensation is sweating
and caused when moist, warm air hits a cool foundation. Take foil and
place over/around a damp spot. If moisture droplets appear on the
outside the next day, moisture is condensing from the air. Installing a
dehumidifier ($150 - $300 depending on output) can correct the problem.
When
rain/snow runoff isn't routed away from the house, hydrostatic pressure
forces it through gaps and cracks in the walls and footings. You can
seal cracks yourself and add gutters to alleviate the bulk of the
runoff.
Subsurface seepage is basically contending with a high
water table. You will probably need to install a sump pump, and that
will require a professional. Take the time to investigate the cause
first before you call in a professional. More than likely you will
determine that you can fix it all by yourself.
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