By Paul Vant

Basement leakage, flooding and water damage is a problem experienced by many homeowners, especially those who have older residences that haven”t been properly serviced in several decades. As homes age, the waterproofing systems that were put in place when it was constructed become antiquated and less effective, and the block walls of your basement and foundation begin to crack and degrade from moisture absorption and pressure.

Regardless of how well your basement and foundation were waterproofed in the past, with enough time the groundwater around your home will begin to eat away at your walls. Because older homes were often waterproofed using methods and materials that are now outdated and ineffective, you may find yourself having to excavate around your basement walls to reinstall more modern systems.

Most basement and foundation water damage problems are caused by a phenomenon called hydrostatic pressure. Hydrostatic pressure occurs when the soil around and under your home becomes saturated with rain and groundwater. This water pushes against the walls of your basement and even against the floor as the water level begins to rise. With consistent hydrostatic pressure effects over the years, your basement walls and floor can begin to crack and decay because of the forces acting against them. Hydrostatic pressure can sometimes be a constant strain on your walls and floor if you live in an area that has higher than average yearly rainfall or if you live near a body of water.

Another side effect of hydrostatic pressure is the slow absorption of moisture into the porous blocks of your basement walls. Block walls can act like a sponge, sucking up water from the soil around them and eventually saturating the block itself. This saturation causes water damage and decay in the blocks that can eventually be seen on the inside of the basement itself. Although some polymer based coatings on the outside of the wall can prevent your block walls from absorbing water, the best way to stop this process is to make sure your foundation is equipped with proper footer drains and other measures.

Hydrostatic pressure is present in soil in all regions of the country to a certain degree, although it is obviously more prevalent in coastal areas and states with higher precipitation. Basement waterproofing is not a big an industry in the dry western states as it is in the northeast, the south or the Pacific northwest. If you do call a basement waterproofing contractor to get an estimate on what it will take to fix your water damage problems, knowing a bit about hydrostatic pressure and its affects on your foundation walls will help you make a more informed decision when it”s time to start work on the project.

About The Author

Lorain County Sewer and Drain offers basement waterproofing, drain cleaning, plumbing and excavating services to all of northeast Ohio. Visit us today at http://www.basementwaterproofingpro.com