Sources of Basement Moisture: Leaks, Grading, Gutters

If we surveyed 100 homeowners on where the most likely place in their home is for moisture to be present, here’s a bet that at least 90 of them would say the basement. And while moisture in the basement is indeed common, largely because it’s the lowest point in the house and water adheres to gravity at all times, there are also some simple ways to ensure that moisture doesn’t become a major concern in your space.

At Crown Finish, we’re proud to provide all the basement services you might require, from basement finishing and remodeling to simple long-term maintenance concerns like keeping moisture away. In this two-part blog series, we’ll go over some of the most common sources of moisture found in the basement, plus what can be done to prevent or remedy this issue in your home.

Leaks or Cracks in Foundation

One of the first possible signs of moisture in your basement, and also one of the more concerning, is the presence of water on the floor or walls. If you notice any cracks in your foundation or leaks coming through, no matter how small, it’s important to take immediate action. These are both clear signs that water is seeping into your home, and if left unaddressed, could lead to serious structural damage down the road.

The best way to handle leaks or cracks is to patch them up as soon as possible using hydraulic cement. This will help to seal the crack and prevent any further water from coming in. Once the crack or leak has been patched, you should also take measures to make sure your basement is properly waterproofed so that this doesn’t happen again in the future.

Grading Concerns

Are you outside your home and noticing that the soil or grass around the property grades downward, or toward the home? If so, this is another possible sign that water is seeping into your basement. When the ground doesn’t grade away from the home, it gives water a direct path to enter through any cracks or openings that might be present.

The best way to fix this issue is by hiring a professional to come and re-grade the soil around your home. This will ensure that the ground slopes down and away from the house, giving water no choice but to go around rather than through your basement walls.

Improper Gutters or Downspouts

If you take a look at your gutters and downspouts and notice that they’re either missing pieces or aren’t installed correctly, this could be another reason why water is seeping into your basement. It’s important that your gutters and downspouts are installed properly so that they can do their job of channeling water away from your home.

If you’re not sure how to correctly install or fix your gutters and downspouts, the best thing to do is to hire a professional. They’ll be able to quickly and easily install or fix them so that they’re working properly, and help to prevent any future water damage to your home.

For more on how to spot and prevent moisture issues in your basement, or to learn about any of our basement finishing or other handyman services, speak to our pros at Crown Finish today.