Foundation FAQ

Q.What are the signs of a Damp or Wet Basement

A. Some of the common signs for a wet basement include

Water stains along walls or floor. This could be caused by something simple such as an overflowing laundry tub or it could be a result of water seeping in through basement windows, the walls or the floor.

Musty odor or damp smell. Excess moisture in a basement can cause an unmistakable smell.

Mold. It could be colored black, brown, yellow or green, and you won't know for certain if it's mold without testing it. Often the northwest corner of a house is known as a "cold corner" and susceptible to developing mold.

Efflorescene. This condition produces a white or sometimes grayish ash on the walls. Sometimes it sparkles. Efflorescence is caused by salt deposits left behind by evaporating water.

Spaling. When water gets inside the surface of concrete, brick or stone, salt deposits from the water cause the surface to flake away, peel or pop off.

Q. What are the possible solutions and options to dry out / Fix a leaky foundation

A. Possible solutions for a wet basement are to

• Redirect the source of water. While this sounds simple, it has often been overlooked to:

1. Reconnect disconnected downspouts.
2. Redirect second-floor gutters to separate downspouts.
3. Increase downspout efficiencies by attaching extensions designed to move water downhill.
4. Turn sprinklers away from the house.
5. Clean out the gutters.
6. Install flashing on the roof and under window sills.
7. Regrade the landscaping to slope away from the house.

• Install French Drains, either under the slab or around the house.

   

• Install drain tile:

1. Dig a two-foot hole around the perimeter at least six-inches wide.
2. Attach a waterproofing membrane to the house.
3. Line with clean rocks.
4. Lay in four-inch perforated pipe with the holes up.
5. Backfill with rocks.
6. Replace top layer of soil or sod.

• Install a dehumidifier in the basement.
• Install a sump pump in the basement, which will pump the water to the street or at least 20-feet away from the foundation.

   

• Tuckpoint the exterior and interior walls:

1. Clean out old mortar and cracks.
2. Fill with fresh mortar.
3. Let dry.
4. Cure by daily spritzing the joints with water for the first week.

• Install a floor drain.
• Insulate the walls.
• Waterproofing by painting a sealer on the interior walls doesn't really help much if water is putting pressure on the walls. It will eventually leak through.

Q: How do I go about finding a reputable Foundation repair or Waterproofing company?

A: Most homeowners do not find this out until they run into deadlocks with their projects. Ask for a list of past customers, and have them provide proof of liability insurance. Call their suppliers and the Better Business Bureau to check on their performance.

Should you have any other questions regarding your Wet Basement or waterproofing problems, please call us at 613-225-9991 or send us an email at ottawafoundationcontractors@gmail.com.

Ottawa Foundation Contractors Team