Signs of water infiltration in basements
If you have a basement, there is a chance you’re going to have water infiltration at some point in time. Water is good at finding the little cracks in concrete and traveling through, causing damage to your basement. Your building’s age can increase the likelihood of water infiltration, especially in response to improper waterproofing. Ignoring signs of water infiltration can not only create further damage, but it can get costly.
Signs of water infiltration
Foundation issues or below-ground leaks can cause water infiltration. Leaks below the ground can occur due to poor drainage around the building, insufficient gutter systems, or floods.
These are a few signs that could point to water infiltration:
- Cracks in the foundation of the building
- High humidity in the basement
- Staining on the concrete
- Water on the walls and floor
- Mold on the walls or floor
Identifying the source of the problem
One of the first steps to fixing water issues in your basement is to find where the water is coming from. Infrared thermography is an excellent tool to use for detecting leaks because it highlights areas of different temperatures. Moisture results in a different temperature, typically warmer colors such as red, orange, or yellow, which means it’s visible on an infrared camera.
A visual inspection of your basement combined with infrared thermography will be able to help identify the source of the water and where it’s coming from.
How do you fix it?
After identifying the source of the problem, you want to fix it immediately. If the leak is coming from below the ground, trenching is the most common way to fix it. A trench is dug around the entire building, any cracks in the concrete are repaired, and then the whole surface is coated with a waterproofing material. If the water is coming from the building’s foundation, additional work may be required to repair any damage to the foundation while also preventing further water damage.
It is best to contact a professional who can identify and fix the problem while doing it right the first time. It will save you money and prevent any further damage.