Always Think Water

TOPIC: Always think water - wet basements

Water...one of the most precious natural elements. It covers three-fourths of the earth. The human body is made up of 80% water. We can't survive without it. Water however, is the number one problem causer for a home and a homeowner when it comes to maintenance or correcting repairs caused by water damage. Problems with water can start from the top of the roof, throughout the home and the structure of the home itself, and all the way down to the foundation and footings. Repairs to a home as a result of water damage can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The first major step in preventing water intrusion or a water problems with a basement or crawlspace is to make sure that there is an effective gutter, downspout and drainage system to carry water run-off from the roof away from the house and also good positive grading away from the foundation perimeter of the house. This doesn't matter whether the house has a full basement and/or crawlspace or is a slab-on-grade constructed home.

At the grading around the foundation, a recommended positive slope is for every 12 inches away from the foundation, there should be 1 inch of drop or a 1/12 pitch on permeable surfaces; 1/48 for non-permeable surfaces.

The next part of an effective dewatering system for a home is a gutter and downspout collection system that will collect water run-off of the roof and disperse the water away from the foundation.

Gutters should properly attached to the house, straight-line and in good condition. Gutters should remain free and clear from any debris. It is recommended to have a downspout located every thirty-five (35) linear foot and gutters should fall towards the downspout.  The recommended distance of extensions in length is 4 to 6 feet. When the extensions are too short, water can migrate back to the house causing erosion of the grading and water intrusion into the basement. This can lead to significant settlement problems and structural problems with the home if left un-monitored. 

When inspecting basements and looking for signs of water intrusion, consider the following:

Obviously an unfinished basement is going to be easier to inspect because foundation walls and floors are typically exposed from original construction. Finished basements however can present hidden or unsuspecting conditions that may cover up the possibility of water intrusion.

Sump pumps and pits are not always an indication of a problem. Be cautious when finding a sump pump that is continuously running. Check your local for high subsurface ground water tables.

Even though slab-on-grade constructed homes do not have a basement per say, the same problems with water run-off from the roof, gutters and downspouts and improper grading can cause similar structural problems as well as water intrusion problems to the home. Always thoroughly check outside perimeter walls for water intrusion problems. It may not always be evident.