How Water Seepage Can Affect Your Home’s Foundation

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Are you wondering how water seepage can affect your home’s foundation? Many homeowners are unaware of the damage that water and moisture can do to their homes and how it can affect their foundation.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the ways that water can seep into your home, how it affects your foundation, and what you can do to prevent it from happening.

So, keep reading to learn more.

What Is Water Seepage?

Water will always flow towards the lowest point, and the foundation is the lowest point of your home. Water and foundation are two things that shouldn’t mix. Just the mere presence of standing water around your home can cause damage to your foundation.

How Water Seepage Can Affect Your Home’s Foundation

Water seepage can have several detrimental effects on your home’s foundation. Here’s a detailed look at how water seepage can impact a foundation:

Foundation Cracks

Water also expands when it freezes, leading to cracks in the foundation.

Continuous water exposure can weaken the foundation material, causing it to crack and shift. Water also expands when it freezes, leading to cracks in the foundation. Over time, these cracks can widen and compromise the structural integrity.

Additionally, saturated soil can lose its bearing capacity, causing foundation parts to settle unevenly. This can lead to differential settlement, which may cause significant structural damage.

Shifting Foundations

Water seepage can lead to soil erosion, hydrostatic pressure, and soil expansion, which can cause the foundation to shift. This can lead to uneven flooring, cracked walls, and other structural problems.

Deterioration Of Building Materials

Water can cause concrete to deteriorate over time, leading to spalling (flaking of the surface layer) and weakening the overall structure. If the foundation is constructed with or connected to wood elements, prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to wood rot and attract pests like termites.

Bowed Or Leaning Walls

When water accumulates in the soil around a foundation, it increases the hydrostatic pressure exerted against the walls, pushing them inward. Additionally, certain soils expand when wet, exerting lateral pressure on the walls, leading to bowing or leaning.

Bowed Or Leaning Walls

Mold And Mildew

Persistent moisture provides an ideal condition for mold and mildew to thrive. Mold can grow on foundation walls and floors and spread to other parts of the home. Mold spores can cause health issues such as allergies, respiratory problems, and other illnesses for the inhabitants.

Decreased Property Value

Signs of water damage and a weakened foundation in a home can significantly lower property value and scare off potential buyers. These problems usually require expensive and extensive foundation repairs. Water or moisture damage can also lead to mold growth and health risks, making the property less appealing.

Mortgage lenders and insurers might be unwilling to finance or insure such properties, reducing the number of potential buyers and increasing costs. A bad inspection report can lead to price drops or necessary repairs, making it harder to sell the property.

Costly Repairs

Ignoring water seepage can lead to extensive damage requiring costly repairs, such as underpinning the foundation, waterproofing, or even complete foundation replacement.

Causes Of Water Seepage

There are many causes of water seepage. Knowing the causes can help prevent it from happening. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Poor Drainage: When drainage systems, such as gutters, downspouts, and French drains, are improperly installed, clogged, or insufficient, they fail to channel water away from a structure effectively. This can lead to water accumulating around the foundation, increasing the risk of seepage.
  • Cracks and Gaps: Over time, various factors, like settling, thermal expansion, and contraction, or even construction defects, can cause cracks and gaps in a structure’s walls, floors, and foundation. These openings act as direct pathways for water to enter.
  • Hydrostatic Pressure: When the soil surrounding your foundation becomes saturated, the increased water pressure can force water through even small cracks or porous materials. This is mainly a problem in basements and other below-ground structures like foundations.
  • Heavy Rainfall or Melting Snow: Periods of heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt can saturate the ground quickly, exceeding the capacity of natural or man-made drainage systems. The excess water can then infiltrate foundations and basements.
  • Leaky Pipes: Pipes that are leaking due to corrosion, breaks, or poor connections can discharge water into walls, floors, or soil surrounding a structure.
  • High Water Table: A high water table means the natural groundwater level is close to the surface. Structures built in areas with a high water table are more prone to seepage, especially during seasons when the water table rises due to precipitation.
  • Poor Grading of Surrounding Soil: Improper land grading around a structure can cause water to flow towards the building instead of away from it. This often happens when the soil slopes towards the foundation. Correct grading should direct water away from the structure to prevent pooling and subsequent seepage.
  • Expansive Soils: Swelling soils like clay expand significantly when they absorb water. This expansion can exert pressure on foundations, causing cracks and, consequently, entry points for water. During dry periods, these soils contract, which can also contribute to the formation of gaps and cracks.

Signs Of Water Seepage

Recognizing the early signs of water seepage in your foundation can help you address the problem before it becomes severe.

Here are some common signs to watch for:

  • Moist or wet walls
  • A musty smell
  • Wall cracks
  • White powdery deposits, known as efflorescence
  • Standing water around your home
  • Elevated humidity levels
  • Peeling or blistering paint
  • Pest problems
  • Warped floors
  • Damp or humid basements or crawl spaces
  • Discoloration of foundation walls
  • An unexplained increase in utility bills

How To Fix And Prevent Water Seepage

Once you notice water seeping into your home, you must take action immediately. The longer you wait, the bigger the foundation damage and the more you’ll pay to repair it.

Here are steps to fix and prevent water seepage:

Waterproofing

Waterproofing involves applying waterproof materials, sealants, or membranes to the walls of your foundation. This creates a barrier that hinders water from seeping into your foundation walls. Some standard waterproofing solutions include liquid coatings, sheet membranes, and water-resistant exterior paints.

Foundation repairs are necessary if your foundation has structural issues, such as cracks or settling.

Foundation Repairs

Foundation repairs are necessary if your foundation has structural issues, such as cracks or settling. These repairs involve filling cracks with epoxy or polyurethane sealants, installing steel or carbon fiber reinforcements, or even stabilizing the foundation via underpinning. Addressing structural issues not only stops water seepage but also ensures the overall stability of your home.

Well-Functioning Drainage System

A well-functioning drainage system is crucial to direct water away from your foundation. This could involve installing or maintaining gutters, downspouts, French drains, or other drainage solutions. Adequate drainage prevents water from pooling around your foundation, reducing the risk of seepage.

Seal Cracks And Gaps

Sealing the cracks and gaps in foundation walls with suitable sealants can prevent water from entering your basement or crawl space. This should be checked and maintained regularly to ensure no new cracks have developed.

Install Sump Pumps

Sump pumps, installed in the lowest area of your basement or crawl space, work by pumping out accumulated water. This is an excellent solution for areas prone to flooding or with high water tables. Sump pumps are very helpful in preventing water from seeping into your foundation during heavy rains or floods.

Sump pumps are very helpful in preventing water from seeping into your foundation during heavy rains or floods.

Properly Grade The Soil

Properly grading the soil around your home ensures water flows away from the foundation rather than towards it. The soil should slope away from your foundation at a gradient to effectively channel water away from your home, reducing the risk of seepage.

Fix Leaky Pipes

Leaky and damaged pipes can lead to water seepage in your foundation and should be repaired promptly. Identify the leak by looking for visible signs like water stains, dripping noises, or damp areas. Turn off the water supply before proceeding. Sometimes, leaks can be fixed by tightening loose fittings with a wrench.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your foundation and drainage systems in optimal condition. This involves:

  • Inspecting for any signs of water or moisture damage
  • Inspecting and cleaning your gutters
  • Ensuring downspouts direct water away from your foundation
  • Checking for new cracks in the foundation walls

How Can A Professional Help?

Hiring a professional can be incredibly beneficial if you are dealing with water seepage and foundation problems in your home. If you live in Southern California, Arizona, or Nevada, Dalinghaus Construction can help you with your foundation repair needs.

Contact us to schedule a free evaluation!

WRITTEN BY
Brian is one of the Co-Founders of Dalinghaus Construction. He has been in the foundation repair industry since 2005. During his career, he has been associated with helping over 4,000 homes and structures throughout California and Arizona.

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