Are you struggling with a flooded basement? Some of the reasons for a flooded basement are mentioned below.
A basement is the lowest portion of your home, and therefore, it is prone to flooding. Your job is to act smartly and keep an eye on the signs of basement flooding. Prior knowledge of the causes of basement flooding is good for a number of reasons. First of all, it can save you time and money, and it can also keep your basement in good shape. To help you out, we have listed down some common causes of basement flooding.
Cause # 1: Water Table Rising
After a heavy rain or thawing of the snow, water tends to get absorbed into the ground, which results in soil saturation. Saturated soil cannot absorb any more water. Therefore, the water table starts rising. When that happens, hydrostatic pressure starts to develop. When the water fails to escape, it gets into your basement, thus resulting in basement flooding.
Cause # 2: Lateral Pressure
If the soil surrounding the foundation of your house is loose, it will absorb more water. The higher the absorption rate, the more the soil will expand. All of the extra water will find its way into your basement, thus causing water damage. Clogged gutters can further worsen the problem. The expansion of water is referred to as lateral pressure.
Cause # 3: Window Wells
Another common reason behind basement water damage is overflowing of the window well. The accumulation of water inside the window wells exerts pressure on the windows as well as the seals. Seepage can also take place through the cracks in the walls.
These are some common causes of water damage in your basement. If you want to prevent water damage, keep an eye out for signs of water damage. Here are some of the many signs:
Sign # 1: Mold and Mildew Growth
A leakage leads to moisture, which further leads to mold and mildew growth. Mold is detrimental to human health, and can result in sneezing, coughing, nausea and headaches.
Sign # 2: Rust
Another subtle sign of leakage in your basement is rust. Rust is a reddish-brown layer which appears on metal objects. The primary reason behind rust is oxidation. It is the perfect evidence of old or new moisture exposure.
Sign # 3: Cracks in the Walls
Two types of cracks can be found in your basement, i.e., horizontal and vertical cracks. Cracks take place due to seepage. When the concrete cures, it develops cracks. The cracks also allude to the settling of the foundation.
Sign # 4: Discolored Floors
Another sign of leakage in the basement is discolored flooring. Discolored flooring indicates that the floor has come into contact with water, and absorption has taken place.
Sign # 5: Efflorescence
The mineral buildup on bricks and tiles is referred to as efflorescence. Usually, such mineral deposits are white in color, and powdery in texture. When water evaporates, it leaves behind the powdery minerals and salts.
These were some of the common signs of water leaks in the basement. In the following paragraphs, we will talk about the causes of basement water leaks.
