A damp basement is a condition that should be taken seriously.
Seepage into the basement however can be stopped or minimized without a huge cash outlay.
In many instances an application of water-proofing paint may do the trick, or if there are specific areas of leakage within the walls of the foundation, it is advised to apply an application of epoxy bonding compound. This is a two part liquid adhesive that cures within a period of twelve hours. The application forms a permanent seal on concrete or cinder block walls.
A basement with more critical problems such as excessive flooding or sewer related problems may be subject to an engineering analysis plus extensive work.
If conditions are not as serous as mentioned in the preceding paragraph; then the problem may be resolved by the use of a sump pump. The sump pump is installed into a pit in the floor of the basement.
The most common basement seepage problem is by way of cracks found in the foundation of the basement's concrete walls or walls comprised of cinder blocks.
The more common problems, once again, may be corrected by way of patchwork and coatings.
Understanding basement construction:
Think of your basement as a box in the ground. The basement floor is a poured concrete slab that seals the foundation. The basement's walls, are thus, built on the foundation. Conceptually, the construction is designed to keep water out.
The earth, however, outside your basement may be a different story. Some types of earth adequately drain water while other forms of earth hold the water.
Even water not seen by the human eye is ever present in the way of moisture.
Additionally, not only is there ground water (present) there is pressure. The basement therefore is intrusive to the whole situation. Therefore, it is most important that the basement be structurally sound.
There are a number of reasons why a basement may experience water seepage: The original construction may have been poor; the basement may be old; changes within the earth could prove problematic, including water tables in close proximity.
If you see cracks in the cement slab, it is an indicator there are problems existing below the surface.
When the cracks seem minor in nature and do not tend to worsen, you may simply apply a cement patching compound to the area. This type of application is available at most home stores.
The technique is similar to when you spackle a wall. The patching compound will do an effective job in plugging hairline cracks as well as deep and wide cracks.
Should the original cracks only worsen or if new cracks start to appear after you have patched the old ones, the entirety of the slab will need reinforcement by way of a new layer of cement, approximately two inches in depth, preferably with wire.
Although, this may normally be considered a job for a professional, you may still do the job yourself with a little bit of care.
