A home is one of the greatest achievements for any living individual. As such, caring and maintaining this investment must be a priority. When it comes to tackling a leaking basement in Westchester County NY, this care is easier said than done because the cause is not so easy to identify.
A flooded basement not only ruins your home value, but also reduces interior comfort which defeats the whole purpose of saving for your home.
It is therefore imperative to understand the causes of a basement leakage and solutions to tackle this devastating problem. Take a look:
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Plant and Shrub Overgrowth
However much you love greenery and shrubs, you must consider the impact these can have on your property. Rotten roots allow water to ly flow to the foundation, and in no time, you will have a leaking basement. Make sure your plants are at least 13 inches from the walls.
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Poor Landscape Grading
In the excitement of moving into your house, you might have forgotten to check along the perimeter of the house to ensure flood water will drain away from the walls. A poor grade will lead to stagnant pools as water seeks the path of least resistance. You should immediately call a contractor to correct the exterior grade for water to flow away from the walls.
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Poorly Fixed Gutters and Downspouts
Your roof collects large volumes of water and if the drains do not discharge this flow away from the walls, your basement will start leaking. Make sure you get an expert to extend the gutter and downspout discharge lines at least 5 feet away from the walls.
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Porous Foundation Material
If you have a concrete masonry unit (CMU) foundation, your basement is likely to encounter leaking. The design and porous nature of materials used in construction of CMUs makes the foundation susceptible. The way out here is to contract a foundation expert to damp proof your foundation using polyurethane membrane protection systems.
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Wall Cracks
Settling foundation and oversaturated clay soils are among factors leading to wall cracks, which in turn allow seepage in your basement. A contractor will check whether there is an underlying problem before using products such as epoxy to fill these cracks. If more extensive repairs are needed, these professionals have the equipment to complete the project.
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Ground Water Problems
If you live in a low-level region or a flood prone area, you will most likely encounter a leaking basement in Westchester County NY. A technician will recommend the right sump pump for you and install it to ensure ground water never seeps into the basement. A drain tile is also another option to drain water away from your basement.
If you value your home then call in an expert before seepage in the basement ruins your treasured investment.
