Is it just us? We often freak out when April’s heavy showers approach – probably you do, too. Like many homeowners in Canada, you constantly deal with a wet basement. A wet basement might a common issue in most homes in the country, but this doesn’t mean it isn’t a serious one.
Table of Contents
What Are the Consequences of a Wet Basement?
Small cracks or little water in the basement might not be a major problem to you but this sign of leakage may result into serious issues in the future, if not now. Consistent wetness, regardless of where it comes from, may lead to structural water damage that can greatly incur you a lot of repair and replacement costs. Harmful impacts of water damage may include mildew or mold growth, which are difficult to see especially when they grow beneath the flooring or drywall. Living with these problems for a long time may potentially cause health issues and sickness.
Signs of a Wet Basement
Generally, wet basements leave tell-tale signs you can see and observe. If you observe either of the following warning signs, hire an expert to fix the issue and find a better solution to prevent the problem from happening in the future:
- Bowing walls
- Musty smells
- High humidity
- Wet or damp walls
- Efflorescence
Effective Solutions for a Dry Basement
The good news is that most solutions are effective and easy enough to help you keep your basement dry. Examples of these solutions include the following:
1. Invest in Drainage Filtration
Unprotected drainage systems can fail when soil particles and sand enter perforated pipes. Basically, infiltration of these unwanted particles will restrict and prevent water from flowing through your pipes, resulting in overflows and waterlogged areas. The solution is to invest in high quality filters at Carriff Engineered Fabrics Corporation, which are often made of technical materials.
2. Patch Cracks/Holes Early
Many homes gets cracks with time as foundation wears out either due to shrinkage or regional issues, such as frost heave. So, if you notice these cracks early, patch them immediately. If they are thin, just fill them up using waterproof compound. But if they large, clean them first before you patch them. For this task, you will need a cold chisel so you can chip away loose materials.
3. Insulate Pipes
Every home in Canada has various pipes in the basement. While this might not be a problem for most of us, they can be very stressful if you didn’t insulate them properly. Insulating your water pipes may sound complicated but believe it or not, it is an easy job, not to mention, it won’t cost a lot. You may consider several options of insulating your pipes but common ones include foam sleeves and a pipe-wrap. Don’t allow basement moisture go beyond the normal level. Otherwise, it may bring you a lot of issues. If you are unsure whether your basement has moisture or not but you suspect there is, contact an expert for inspection. If there is a problem, the expert will fix it and suggest effective solutions that can help to completely lock out water and moisture.