Both new and old homes have issues with water leaking into the basement. There are so many factors that can cause this issue; from building a poor foundation to plain old deterioration from age.
It’s important to understand that water seepage occurs over a long time. Here are a few reasons why this issue might occur in your home.
- Air pockets found in concrete foundations are a major factor in water seepage because they create weak points in the concrete. These bubbles lead to cracks if the material isn’t allowed to settle properly, leading to leaks. Basement waterproofing may be in order as a preventative measure, but it’s best to also assess the foundation blocks of your home.
- If your home’s footings (horizontal pads along the perimeter of a foundation) are too narrow, then they may shift due to soil erosion because they aren’t heavy enough. Also, if the footing isn’t placed deep enough within the soil, then they can shift and cause weak points in the foundation.
- If gutters and downspouts don’t properly drain water away from the home, then this can create pooling at the base of the foundation. As the water seeps into the soil, it creates hydrostatic pressure against your basement’s foundation. Any weak point in the material will be exploited and water seepage can occur if gutters don’t function properly.
If you’ve noticed any signs of mold in your basement, then this is a cause for concern! Your basement is most likely in need of waterproofing in order to seal out water and prevent mold issues. Contact our mold remediation company in Peabody today.