Winter Storms and Runoff Build Problems in Basement Foundation

· foundation repair
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Many homeowners are unaware of the hazards that runoff water can cause. Water can enter a basement foundation if water flows over the soil next to the house. It is winter storms that create this problem and any runoff from rain or melting snow.    

The water that enters through the outside is only the beginning of the problem. Water entering into a basement foundation will also enter walls through wall cracks or open windows and doors. It may even be pulled into floors if the floor slopes toward the foundation. 

The water in a basement foundation has no place to go except to spread out across the floor under pressure, pushing dirt and debris ahead of it. If a sump pump is installed inside the foundation, it can quickly be overwhelmed by the quantity of water entering through cracks and porous concrete blocks. So house foundation repair must be done soon to avoid expensive clean-up costs.

How to prevent basement flooding?

Preventing basement foundation flooding starts with a soil grade that directs water away from the house. A thin layer of crushed stone is often advised because it will not break down over time and allows for some air to enter the compacted earth.

Special attention should be given to areas next to driveways, walks, and patios where any amount of soil has been removed. Installing gutters and downspouts that empty away from the house is also important in preventing basement foundation flooding.

It may be beneficial to install French drains around the outside of the home, directing water away from it. A key element in any attempt to prevent basement flooding is proper basement waterproofing. If water cannot flow away from the foundation, it must be able to flow into it.

Hydrostatic pressure may leave your basement vulnerable

Hydrostatic pressure, the pressure caused by water entering beneath your home's foundation, can leave you feeling like you're living in a sinking ship. That's because the water that enters into the soil under your home is subject to compression as more and more weight of fill material is deposited over it. Eventually, this pressure forces up concrete.

A potential remedy is to install a French drain around the foundation. This is a perforated pipe that allows water to flow away from the house while retaining soil and allowing it to dry out.

If you're considering this solution, be prepared for some digging work. A French drain typically extends 6 inches deep under the footing of your home's foundation. The perforated carbon fiber straps pipe is spaced 12 inches apart and filled with gravel to allow water to flow freely through it.

While this doesn't solve the problem, it can relieve some of its pressure by relieving hydrostatic pressure beneath your home's foundation. 

Protecting your foundation after a storm

When your home's slab was poured, it extended several inches above the footing for added strength. However, water can easily seep through the soil and cause problems if a barrier isn't created between it and your foundation repair. This is where the vapor fencing comes in.

A layer of 6-mil plastic should be placed between the footing and earth right after your home's foundation was poured to act as a barrier for any future problems. When placing the soil back into position around your home, keep it away from the edge of the slab and leave some space for drainage by keeping it as flat as possible and using crushed stone to provide drainage.

The first step to protecting your foundation after a storm is to clean up any debris that was created by the past storms. This includes leaves and twigs and sand, soil, and silt that are present in larger quantities after flooding or high winds have passed through your area.  

Water is the beginning of most foundation problems. Be sure to clean up any standing pools or puddles on flat surfaces around your home's perimeter. Also, be sure that water is able to drain away from your house if possible by grading soil and installing French drains 12 inches below the footing of your house's foundation.

Conclusion

Homeowners should be able to better protect their foundations from damage after a storm by creating a proper barrier and grading soil correctly. Hydrostatic pressure becomes an issue because of too much moisture and slow drainage.

The best way to prevent this is by grading around your house foundation to allow water to flow away from it. Also, be sure that gutters and downspouts are clear and draining correctly, and make sure there isn't any standing water on flat surfaces near the foundation. While it can be a time-consuming, laborious process, you can rest assured that your investment will remain protected for years to come.