Sweating or Seepage Through Basement Walls
Hydrostatic pressure is created when excess moisture in the soil looks for a place to flow to. That pressure can cause new cracks or find its way into pre-existing cracks, making them into tiny faucets that spigot water into your basement tiny bit by tiny bit. This is one of the most common causes of basement leaks in older homes.
Solution Link >Window Wells
Window wells can retain excess moisture, which eventually leads to basement leaks.
Solution Link >Leaking Cracks
Concrete and cinder block walls can often provide a pathway via cracks between blocks for excess moisture in the soil to “sweat" through, causing water to pool inside.
Solution Link >Under the Footer
Common construction methods may leave a small space between the footer and the poured basement floor. Excess water under the structure may create pressure and cause water to leak through those small cracks and into your basement.
Solution Link >Floor Cracks
Excess water in the soil under your basement floor can sometimes create pressure, causing the water to find its way through cracks and leak onto your basement floor.
Solution Link >Over the Footer
Where the wall sits on the footer is another common entryway for water to find its way into your basement. Sealing these cracks keeps your space clean, fresh smelling and ready for your family's storage and recreation.
Solution Link >Sweating or Seepage Through Basement Walls
Hydrostatic pressure is created when excess moisture in the soil looks for a place to flow to. That pressure can cause new cracks or find its way into pre-existing cracks, making them into tiny faucets that spigot water into your basement tiny bit by tiny bit. This is one of the most common causes of basement leaks in older homes.
Solution Link >Window Wells
Window wells can retain excess moisture, which eventually leads to basement leaks.
Solution Link >Leaking Cracks
Concrete and cinder block walls can often provide a pathway via cracks between blocks for excess moisture in the soil to “sweat" through, causing water to pool inside.
Solution Link >Under the Footer
Common construction methods may leave a small space between the footer and the poured basement floor. Excess water under the structure may create pressure and cause water to leak through those small cracks and into your basement.
Solution Link >Floor Cracks
Excess water in the soil under your basement floor can sometimes create pressure, causing the water to find its way through cracks and leak onto your basement floor.
Solution Link >Over the Footer
Where the wall sits on the footer is another common entryway for water to find its way into your basement. Sealing these cracks keeps your space clean, fresh smelling and ready for your family's storage and recreation.
Solution Link >Tie Rod Hole Leaking
Tie rod injection
Solution Link >Leaking Around Pipes
Pipe penetration
Solution Link >Downspout Pooling Around Home
Underground downspout extension
Solution Link >Signs You Need Basement Waterproofing in the Chicago Area
Detecting the signs that you need basement waterproofing earlier rather than later can save both your possessions and your home from damage. When left alone, water can compromise your home’s structure as well as your family’s health. Foundation cracks, bowing basement walls, mold growth, and wood deterioration are all expensive consequences of not getting basement waterproofing for your Chicago area home. Though smells, heightened allergies, rust, bugs, and rot can indicate that water has already caused structural damage, the following signs of water in your basement can help you step in early to prevent further damage.
How to Tell if a Basement has Water Problems
Here is a list of the top 7 indicators that a basement has water problems.
- Basement Window Wells: Window wells, if not properly drained, can collect water, allowing it to get in through the seam between the window and the concrete stem wall. If water is seeping into your home, it can be a sign that you need basement waterproofing.
- Under the Footer: If not properly drained, excess water under the structure may create pressure and cause water to find its way through those small cracks and into your basement. Quality basement waterproofing can keep water away from your home.
- Over the Footer: Common construction techniques leave a space between the foundation wall and the spread footing, allowing water to seep through. This often causes damage to the inside of your home or makes the basement space unusable for storage or recreation.
- Cracked Floors: Excess water in the soil under your basement floor can sometimes create pressure, causing the water to find its way through cracks and onto your basement floor. Our Chicago area sump pump installation services can help with this problem.
- Leaking from Basement Walls: Just like a towel becomes heavier when it’s wet, so does soil. When excess moisture oversaturates the soil surrounding your home, it can place thousands of pounds of pressure on your foundation walls. This phenomenon is referred to as “hydrostatic pressure.” As moisture looks for a place to flow to relieve this pressure, water can seep through existing cracks in your foundation and cause new ones to form. This is one of the most common causes of basement leaks we see in older homes that have cracked and settled over time. Additionally, most older homes have old exterior drainage solutions, making it more likely for hydrostatic pressure to build up due to improper water management.
- Basement Walls Sweating: If your concrete basement walls are sweating, it’s an indicator that you’re dealing with a leaky basement. Condensation forms on cool surfaces such as windows, pipes, and concrete when indoor humidity is high. If your indoor humidity is high, it’s likely that water has made its way into your home.
- Water Pooling Around the Home: When your exterior water management system fails to properly divert water away from your foundation it can lead to water pooling around your home, which can lead to an increase in hydrostatic pressure. Your home's exterior water management system may need updating in order to prevent basement flooding and structural damage, which can include installing underground drainage extensions from your home's sump pump or downspouts, or repairing or replacing failing gutters and downspouts. Atlas Restoration will design a drainage system that complies with your city or village's requirements and is tailored to your home's unique needs.
Call Atlas Today for Basement Waterproofing Solutions in Chicagoland
If you’ve noticed any of these signs of basement water problems around your home, call Atlas Restoration today! We’ll help you find the right basement waterproofing solutions in the Chicago area to protect your home from the elements.
