In cold climates insulating basement walls also saves energy and reduces your heating bill.
Fixing water leaks in basement walls.
By far the most common cause of basement leaks is pressure created by water in the soil surrounding the foundation that occurs in two forms.
I m currently fixing a leak in my basement wall.
The leak wasn t present most likely when the place was new so study the outside for water puddles cracks in the stair or basement wall or if present a dirty clogged or improper bulkhead door s drainage and water run away system.
Basement walls can leak from multiple locations including through cracks around pipe penetrations in the walls or through basement windows.
Causes of basement leaks.
But don t cover the walls with insulation if water is leaking in from outside.
Window wells are a common source of basement wall leaks because they tend to retain water if a proper drainage system wasn t installed beneath the well when the house was built.
Foundation walls crack and leak when water soaks into the walls and eventually begins to drain inside of your basement.
Insulate exterior walls to prevent condensation.
Here are a few interior leak repair solutions that we commonly see and do not recommend.
Given the right conditions water can seep into your house through the foundation walls.
I ve painted drylock but when i get close to the great stuff the drylock seems cause the great stuff to pull away from the wall and that original leak has started again.
You ll just create a potential mold problem.
First check whether you have footing drains underground pipes installed when the house was built to carry water away from the foundation.
Water can also seep through the concrete itself seeping into your basement or entering as moisture.
Leaks in foundation walls are usually fixed in 1 of 2 ways.
It has a great big gob of great stuff sprayed on there from the previous owner.
If water is leaking into your basement low on the walls or at the seams where walls meet the floor your problem is hydrostatic pressure pushing water up from the ground.