Can you see the potential for water intrusion in this picture? There are actually three, three that are simple to fix, or if left alone, can be costly to repair. One, the downspout does not have an extension. This will result in rain water pooling around the foundation which could then seep through the foundation walls and into the basement. Second, if you look closely the window cap is not caulked. Wind driven rain can also work its way into the interior , not to mention energy loss.
The third, and most striking observation is the window. I wanted to take the picture at just the right angle so viewers could see the serious flaw in this renovation. Take note of how high the dirt is, almost even with the bottom of the window. The dirt is level when it should slope (positive slope) away from the foundation allowing for proper drainage. Heavy rain can result in rain water entering through the bottom of the window into the basement. What about in the winter during snow storms? The snow could completely cover the window, and when it melts, all the water could end up on the basement floor. A window well is needed to avert that disaster. Also, drainage pipes buried beside the foundation wall will help keep water away. Because we had a very wet winter, careful attention had to be given to the inside wall on that side.
All three conditions in this one area can contribute greatly to the infestation of termites and mold growth , as well causing the window frame to rot. It's really a simple fix, but if left alone will be a costly repair. The realtor said the builder does not intend to install window wells. The south side of the house has window wells. Why not install them on the north side? Go figure!
Comments(11)