“We dug a hole in the ground, we call it a well, and we want water to get in. We dug another hole in the ground, almost as deep and much wider, we call it a basement, and we want the water not to go into that.”

The April rains bring more flowers than the May rains.

In recent years, spring conditions that often begin in February lead to predictable basement wetting … and sometimes not so much. Basements that haven’t shown any signs of wet can suddenly get wet due to changes in the terrain (i.e. construction nearby) changes in the weather (yes, it’s really happening) and God knows what else is going on inside, above, or below the ground.

Controlling water intake not only preserves living and storage space, it also protects indoor air quality and maintains the value of your property.

Some preventive measures

Before you have to excavate or remove interior insulation and trim:

  • Make sure exterior slopes, including driveways and walkways, are sloped so that rainwater drains away from the foundation. An exterior slope of 3-5 degrees is generally recommended.
  • Make sure window openings, basement entrances, and other entry points are protected from rain and storm runoff.
  • Make sure your rain gutters are sized appropriately for the area and slope of your roof, and that you have a sufficient number of downspouts to direct water a minimum of 5 feet from the foundation.
  • Check and maintain your sump pump installation and seriously consider a backup sump pump system.

The facts of life

  • 60 percent of Canadian homes have some degree of humidity in the basement.
  • There is a 90 percent chance that a block basement will leak within 20 years of construction.
  • Almost all poured concrete foundations have some cracks and unsealed formwork attachment holes.
  • Not all new homes have adequate drainage or water seal membranes.
  • Despite your best efforts, the question is not “if” your basement will get wet, but “when.”

If you continue to experience basement wetting, you may need to explore different options, such as waterproofing or a water management system, depending on the age, type, and location of your home.

Some interior options

  • The edge of the floor allows moisture to drain from the perimeter to the drain tile
  • A drainage membrane separates the basement foundation walls from moisture-sensitive materials.
  • A perimeter drain tile directs moisture into a sump
  • Urethane, epoxy, or other crack filler

Some outdoor options

  • Waterproofing and drainage membranes
  • Crack filling
  • New exterior drain tile
  • Multi-level tile drains

For more information on wet basement solutions, visit AquaFix Ontario

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