Common Basement Water Problems & Causes of Basement Cracks and Leaks

Floor Seepage | Wall Seepage | Cracks | Efflorescence | Interior Waterproofing

Floor Seepage

New Hampshire weather is often severe, and it can take quite a toll on your home, especially by causing leaks and cracks in your foundation. The weakest part of your foundation is where the wall and floor meet. The walls are installed over what is known as the footer before the floor is poured, causing cold seams where the concrete has voids. The floor also shrinks when it cures, causing gaps between these separate parts. The force of ground water is strong enough that it can seep in through these spaces, oftentimes resulting in serious flooding.  

Wall Seepage

When water seeps down into the ground, either through the soil or out a downspout, the first part of your home that it comes in contact with is your foundation walls. Existing waterproofing membranes break down over time, making your home susceptible to seepage. Concrete is a very porous material and is capable of absorbing large amounts of water. When put in contact with water for an extended period of time, it will lose its structural strength. 

Cracks

Whether they are on the wall or the floor, basement cracks pose a serious structural threat to your home. Cracks, even those from the normal settling of the foundation, indicate that water is flowing under your foundation and eroding the soil around your home.

Efflorescence

This white powdery substance results from a chemical unfolding of the foundation. In places where the efflorescence occurs, the wall actually begins to flake away. This is most noticeable where the walls have been painted. In these places, the paint will peel or flake away from the wall, exposing the foundation damage.

Interior Waterproofing

The infiltration of water into a basement is generally caused by ruptures in the foundation at the junction of the wall, floor and footing. If you live in damp climates or ones with severe weather, as we have in New Hampshire, your home could be especially susceptible to these foundation ruptures. The ruptures are usually a result of hydrostatic pressure resulting from a high water table. The only effective way to relieve the pressure and to stop water infiltrating is by installing the Wet Basement Solution's Dual Pressure Relief System.

Typically, the installation process is as follows:

1. The inside perimeter of the floor is cut about 5 inches from the wall. A trench is excavated and cleared of all debris
2. The lowest course of block is drilled at every core pocket to release and remove the entrapped water. This step is not necessary with field stone or poured concrete walls
3. A patented Water Trek pipe is laid in the trench and pitched towards the sump pit(s). A cove base specific to your foundation is installed against the wall. All subfloor voids are then filled with ¾” washed gravel.
4. A vapor barrier is installed over the excavated trench and the floor is re-cemented to its original level over the Water Trek, exerting pressure against the wall and thereby adding stability to the foundation walls.
5. To discharge the water collected through the drains, a submersible sump pump is installed in each sump pit. The water is then discharged away from your home a minimum of 15’ below grade to either a bubbler pot, drywell or in situations with severe water, into a patented Lawn Magnum.

All work is performed by PM MacKay Group Basement Waterproofing in NH trained Basement Technologies technicians and comes with a lifetime guarantee. All our work is fully licensed and insured. A list of area references is available upon request.

For information pertaining to your specific situation, please call us to arrange for a FREE inspection and estimate with a PM MacKay Group Basement Waterproofing in NH representative. 603-882-2991