Waterproofing To Take Care Of Water Seepage

Do you dread heading to the basement after a heavy rain because you know it'll be lurking there again? That huge, musty puddle is back. You've got a water seepage problem!

You're not alone. Most basements suffer from this problem, especially those located in humid climates or near large bodies of water. Seepage is a fact of life, but it doesn't have to turn your basement into a moldy swamp every time it rains.

Where Does It All Come From?

Most of us imagine that it drips into the basement during a heavy rain. Actually, it doesn't come from above, but from below. Seepage is usually caused by groundwater coming in. The rain falls and collects in the depths of your yard, and then pushes its way into your house.

How does it get in? Usually from cracks in the foundation or bad insulation. It doesn't take a huge crack to let the rainwater in; a tiny, hairline crack is all it takes. Even the smallest crack can let an ocean of muck into your house after it's been raining.

Stopping Seepage

There are lots of ways to stop the seep. One of the most effective ways involves doing a little landscaping. If you slope hills away from the foundation of your house, this will lead the water back to the place it's meant to go and not your home. If this sounds like a bit too much work, you can also build "swales." These are shallow valleys in your yard where rainwater can collect and seep deeper like it's supposed to.

Sound like a bit too much work? The other option is to insulate your basement. You can fill cracks with caulk. Another thing that will help with seepage is to paint the walls with waterproof sealant. You can get waterproof sealant at any hardware store, but be sure to get a brand that's non-toxic. Some brands are meant for homes and others aren't.

Filling cracks will help, but getting it better insulated will really get the job done. There are lots of insulation options, from rubber based insulation to foam sprays, or the traditional tar-based insulators. For insulation solutions, check out a professional insulation service and see what they have to offer.

Puddles in your basement are a sign that something is wrong. Water seepage is ugly, and it can also be hazardous to your health. Get it taken care of right away before it causes you trouble.