Is your basement feeling more like a swamp or your crawl space resembling a pond? Water intrusion into crawl spaces and basements is a pervasive issue that can lead to serious home damage and health risks. In this blog, we’re going to show you the top ways water might be sneaking into your basement or crawl space. We’ll help you spot the usual suspects, from sneaky cracks to less obvious landscaping flaws, and share effective strategies to seal them out.
Identifying Common Entry Points
The most common way water gets into your crawl space and basement is from the outside. Crawl spaces are often constructed with cinder block or concrete walls and dirt floors, making them particularly vulnerable to moisture issues. The absence of a concrete floor means there’s no barrier to prevent groundwater from seeping up into the space. Water frequently enters through cracks in the walls and floors, gaps around pipes, or even directly through the porous materials of the foundation.
In many cases, water infiltration is exacerbated by the way the ground around the foundation was originally excavated and backfilled. This process creates a “bowl” around the foundation, where water can collect and eventually seep into your basement or crawl space.
The Importance of Exterior Drainage
Before addressing internal issues, it’s crucial to focus on exterior drainage, as this is often where the problem starts. Proper roof drainage is essential. If your gutters and downspouts are not functioning correctly, rainwater will not be directed away from your home, leading to water pooling around the foundation. We recommend ensuring that your downspouts extend at least 10 feet away from your foundation. This simple step can prevent a significant amount of water from seeping into the ground and eventually making its way into your crawl space or basement.
Additionally, checking the grading of the soil around your home is vital. The soil should slope away from the foundation, ensuring that any water flows away from your home rather than toward it. If the grading is not correct, water will naturally flow towards your foundation, increasing the risk of infiltration.
Step-by-Step Solutions to Keep Water Out
If you’re dealing with water in your crawl space or basement, there are several solutions to consider, each addressing different aspects of the problem.
1. Grading and Roof Drainage
The first step is to ensure proper grading around your home and to check that your roof drainage system is working effectively. As mentioned earlier, ensuring that your downspouts extend at least 10 feet away from your foundation and that the ground slopes away from your home are the simplest and most effective measures you can take. Often, this is all that’s needed to keep water out.
2. Installing Drain Tiles and Sump Pumps
If grading and drainage improvements don’t solve the issue, the next step is to install drain tiles, either internally or externally. External drain tiles are more effective but require excavation around the foundation, which can be more costly and labor-intensive. Internal drain tiles can be installed around the perimeter of the basement or crawl space and are often paired with a sump pump system. The sump pump collects water and pumps it away from your home, keeping the area dry.
3. Encapsulation and Dehumidification
In some cases, particularly in crawl spaces, encapsulation may be necessary. Encapsulation involves sealing the crawl space with a heavy-duty plastic vapor barrier on the floors and walls, preventing moisture from entering. This is often done in conjunction with a drainage system and a sump pump. Additionally, installing a dehumidifier or ventilation system can help manage moisture levels in the air, further protecting your home from water damage.
In Summary
Water infiltration into your crawl space or basement is not just a nuisance—it can lead to serious structural issues and health concerns if left unchecked. By understanding how water gets into these spaces and taking the proper steps to prevent it, you can protect your home and ensure it remains dry and safe. Whether it’s improving exterior drainage, installing a sump pump, or considering encapsulation, each of these steps plays a vital role in keeping water out.
If you’re experiencing issues with water in your crawl space or basement, don’t hesitate to contact us for a professional assessment and solution tailored to your home’s needs.
