Most wet damp basement, garage, crawl space and lower level conditions could be alleviated with minimum effort and expense. This is due to the fact that most water penetration occurs because its major causes (rain water from the roof and surface water) are not attended to and water accumulates around the
perimeter of the house and eventually seeps in. This HouseMaster Information Guide will deal with the causes of water penetration and our recommendations to correct them.
The causes of water penetration can be minor, readily apparent and fairly easily corrected or, in those few cases. they can be serious. The most common causes of water penetration are:
- Rain water funnelled down downspouts exits at the foundation causing a build-up and seepage through cracks in walls, doorway, windows and window wells.
|
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MINOR CONDITIONS
The HouseMaster Technical Staff suggests that a home owner start with the following inexpensive remedies first to see if the water condition can be eliminated:
- Make sure the gutter system is not clogged and leaking. Be certain that all downspouts are clear and terminate onto a splash block. If possible, pipe water to the curb or a storm sewer to a lower spot on the property. Drywells tend to clog up unless they are large enough and drain properly.
- Check any underground lines. They tend to clog and should be checked regularly in season.
Be certain that window wells are clean, of proper height and have plastic covers to shed water.
- Sub-grade entries should be covered and have a working drain.
- Install a dehumidifier and run it during the damp season.
- Install a berm at the end of the driveway to minimize stromwater run-off.
- Raise the grade adjacent to the house (but not over or too close to siding) to a slope of 3 inches per foot for about three feet (that's a 15 degree angle).
- Encourage a good stand of grass and grade the lot to direct the water away from the house.
Install a sump pit and pump at the low level of the basement and divert the discharge away from the foundation.
- If the water penetration has subsided afer any of these steps, then prepare interior walls to receive a coat of quality waterproof paint. Clean the walls of efflorescence, mildew, peeling paint, etc. and seal all joints, cracks and holes with a waterproof caulk. The paint will not hold back water but will help control
dampness.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SERIOUS CONDITIONS
The steps above should correct most typical water conditions. However, if the house is on the side of a hill. or there is area ponding of surface water. or the soil has slow permeability, or in a marshy area. or the rains have raised the water table, then additional steps must be taken, such as:
- To control excess run-off, especially on the side of a hill, develop a thick turf, terrace the slopes to slow the run-of and/or create a swale around the house about ten feet away.
- Install sub-surface drains or ditches to channel off the water.
- If the water table is high, the foundation exterior can be dug up. The walls are sealed and drain tile installed inside below the floor to collect and divert the water to the sump pit.
Since this guide can only provide recommendations of a general nature, it is suggested that professional advice be obtained for serious water conditions. In any situations involving major expense, always obtain several estimates so that an intelligent decision can be made.
|
