Wet Basement Inspections |

Wet Basement Inspections

Basements are like the hull on a ship. Their design should keep outside water from getting into the lower level of your home. But overtime, many things can change that can cause your ship to leak and make a mess. The grade around your home settles, soil pressure, hydrostatic pressure, or simple gutter drainage are some of many causes for wet basements.

Most basement leaks are small and not noticed except for the musty smell that goes along with wet walls. You may not have seen signs of the leak, but you will be able to smell the damage the leak is causing. Other leaks are gushers that require immediate cleanup and can usually be sourced to the cause. Both are a pain that will not get better over time without understanding the cause.

Wet Basement Inspection & Testing | Certified Moisture Testing

A wet basements source can begin at the roof of the home or from the nearby lake. The repairs can be as simple as gutter extensions or as complicated as wet basement water proofing and interior remediation. Putting all the puzzle pieces together is key to economically controlling the water and attaining a dry healthy basement.

Check for signs of dampness if you’re buying a house with a basement. It’s better to find out before you buy than afterward, and you can’t always rely on seller disclosures. If there is a musty smell and the walls are finished, have the basement tested for moisture intrusion by a certified inspector.

Commonly Asked Questions

What causes water in the basement?

The most common causes of basement leaks are cracks in the foundation. The cracks can be from poor construction, soil pressures, ground movement and of course earthquakes. The source of water may also be from a high-water table or from the living space above. Knowing the cause is necessary to prevent future leaks.

Is a wet basement a problem?

Water that gets into living spaces is not good. It can ruin everything it comes in contact with. A leak in the basement can cause damage throughout the entire home, from the attic to the basement floor drain, if not dealt with quickly. Understanding how far the water damage has gone is also part of a wet basement inspection.

What percentage of basements leak?

There’s an adage in the concrete foundation business. It’s not if a foundation will crack, it’s when and where it will crack. So potentially, every home will have a basement leak at some time.

Can water come up through concrete basement floor?

Water entry through the floor is not uncommon. If the home is built on the side of a hill, near a swamp or lake, or in a bowl surrounded by hills, you can have water being forced under your foundation and rising under the basement floor.

How do you fix a wet basement?

Depending on the source of the leak, a basement repair can be as simple as adjusting the grade, a gutter extension or an extensive water proofing project. 99% of basement leaks begin on the exterior side of the foundation walls. To repair a leaky foundation properly, work should be done on the exterior side. Repairs made to the leaks from the interior should be considered as a band-aid to controlling the leak. There are many ways to control leaks and some are very effective.

Can a wet basement be finished?

If your basement is getting wet, fix or control the cause before finishing. Consider the possibility that the leak may reoccur and design your finish work addressing that possibility.

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Preserve and protect your property today!

You can’t always see what’s damaging your home. The longer a problem remains hidden, the more frustrating and costlier it becomes. Get to the bottom of it, before it gets to your bottom line.