Water can enter into your home for many reasons. When rain falls and drains below the soil, this creates an increased water table and significant hydrostatic pressure against the foundation. Cracks then develop within the walls and floors, giving water a place to enter your home.
Gutters that are too close to your foundation play into factor as this allows for pools of water to build up. This once again increases hydrostatic pressure against your foundation. Corners that are not properly sealed off can be another area of concern. This is why another commonplace water can enter is through cove joints and below the footing.
Unexpected, but periods of extreme drought can also cause waterproofing issues. Extreme heat and lack of rain cause soil surrounding your home to shrink up and leave large gaps, ultimately leaving your foundation unsupported and vulnerable. When the rain finally comes, the gaps that were formed now are filled with water and create significant pressure against the foundation. This can cause cracks to form and water seeps through to the inside of your basement.
All of these problem causes lead directly back to the ultimate problem: hydrostatic pressure. Many waterproofing contractors do not relieve pressure against foundation walls. If left built up, the pressure will become too much for your foundation and the problem will return, doing more harm than good.
Hydrostatic pressure is the force exerted by water against your home’s foundation. When the soil around your foundation becomes saturated with water due to heavy rain, the increased pressure can push water through cracks in your basement walls and floors, leading to leaks and potential structural damage. This is a primary cause of water intrusion in homes.
Yes. Periods of extreme drought can cause the soil around your home to shrink and pull away from the foundation, creating gaps. When heavy rains eventually return, these gaps can quickly fill with water, which leads to significant hydrostatic pressure against the now unsupported foundation. This can cause new cracks to form or existing ones to worsen, allowing water to seep into your home.
Common signs of water intrusion include damp or wet basement walls, standing water in the basement or crawl space, mold growth, musty odors, efflorescence (white powdery residue on walls), and visible cracks in the foundation walls or floors. If you encounter any of these waterproofing problem signs, it’s important to address them promptly.
Helitech offers comprehensive waterproofing services designed to address the root causes of water intrusion. This includes solutions like interior and exterior drainage systems, sump pump installation, crack repair, and crawl space encapsulation. Our goal is to relieve hydrostatic pressure and prevent water from entering your house, ensuring a dry and healthy home.
