Unfortunately, the damage does not end with the water alone and the water does not have to be knee deep in your basement to cause you problems. A wet or damp basement can be a serious source of mold, mildew, and bacterial infection. The bacteria that thrive in a moist basement can pose a serious health hazard to family members who play or work in the basement area. Fungus and mildew in a damp basement can contribute to chronic colds and respiratory ailments. Further hazards exist such as termites or rodents invading your home through foundation cracks; or electrical appliances or wiring coming in contact with seeping water.

All of the above situations could cause serious effects on your family’s health and greatly decrease the value of your home.

Causes of Water Penetration:

Capillary Attraction
This is the natural action by which water, when in contact with a porous surface, is drawn to and absorbed by that surface. Your concrete basement floor and walls are such porous surfaces. Their porous nature allows them to absorb or soak up water like a sponge. The continuous pressure exerted from the outside causes them to store water like a reservoir, ready to burst. A basement has absorbed as much as 240 gallons of water during an average rain storm.

Hydrostatic Pressure
It is the pressure exerted against the foundation resulting from water accumulation or high water tables. The higher the level of water, the greater the pressure. In turn, this water under increased pressure, seeks entry through cracks and crevices in walls and floors. The net result-water penetrating your basement. Initially, this water may enter and rest only in the block or in the pores of the concrete; thus damp walls and damp floors.

High Water Table
Rain, melting snow or springs will contribute to the rising of the water table. This can result in a build-up of pressure underneath the floor and around and against the foundation walls.

Settlement
As the earth around your foundation settles, the movement may shift your foundation. Since the air pressure with-in your basement cannot hold against the combination of outside air and outside water pressure, the imbalance of pressure may cause your walls to shift and crack. Or you’re protective parging shield to crack and open, allowing water to flow into and/or under your walls and floor.

Warning Signs

Stage 1
Odors-Rust
Mold, Mildew & Fungus
Dampness-Discoloring
Respiratory ailments

Stage 2
Excessive Dampness
Hairline Cracks
Spots on Walls

Stage 3
Puddles on floor
Basement seepage during moderate rain
Basement flooding during torrential rains
Electrical shock hazard

Stage 4
Walls cracking or bowing
evidence of mud or clay silt
Corners Shifting and Cracking
Floors sloping
Visible structural damage