Is your basement dry?
Tips, insurance info
As evidence of the harsh winter finally melts into our memories, we’re breathing easier that it’s spring.
But before you sigh with relief and start dragging out the patio furniture, stop to think about where all that snow melt goes. There are several things you can do as a homeowner to prevent basement flooding this spring.
Watch for these common waterproofing problems, often around the interior and exterior of basements. Solutions are available, but early detection is best for your budget.
Wall cracks: Cracks along the interior foundation walls may start out small but expand because of ground settling, hydrostatic pressure and seasonal freeze/ thaw cycles. Any visible water infiltration or discoloration of the wall will require professional evaluation. Don’t forget to feel for damp areas on insulation; leak points may be hidden, but water will be captured in the padding.
If you discover wall cracks, don’t panic. Even though all cracks can pose a risk for water making its way inside, there are different, proven methods to repair them with little threat for recurring problems: A plastic tube inserted into the crack, injected with polyurethane and then covered with epoxy; concrete sealers, paints, coatings and panels can also be used as a barrier to water penetration.
Cove joint or floor cracks: In some cases, soil erosion outside or under your basement can cause cracks in the basement floor. The cove area between the wall and floor can also provide clues — water seepage in this area may mean more extensive repairs.
Not all floor cracks mean major problems, but anything larger than a fissure crack should be evaluated by a technician. Repair could mean installation of interior drain tile and involve cutting through the concrete floor, installing a plastic pipe and membrane, and then ending the connection at a sump pump. Gravel covers the pipe and the system is hidden under a replacement layer of concrete. It will run the perimeter of the room to capture any water leakage and pump it out.
Sump pump breakdown: The reliable sump pump is usually taken for granted. If you have one, check up on yours.
First, listen to it. You should hear water draining into the pit. The water table will naturally be rising in spring from snow melt and rainfall. Hydrostatic pressure will force the water through the soil into pockets around and under your foundation. French drains will channel the water to your sump pump. If you don’t hear water draining, it may be caused by frozen ground. Test that it is still working by pouring some water into the pit. A bucketful should be sufficient to activate it.
It’s recommended to replace sump pumps that are more than five years old. They are fairly inexpensive and the work can be done in a couple of hours. Battery backup and malfunction warning sys- tems are also a wise investment to prevent flood damage.
Basement windows and wells: Check for gaps and leaks around the frame areas and for telltale stains on the wall below them. Window well drains also need to be checked for clogging.
Special polyurethane caulking or hydraulic cement will take care of most concerns.
If window frames are rusted or rotting, consider replacement. Window wells should be cleared of branches, leaves and other debris.
Aproperly working drain should handle a pail of water with no pooling. Plastic covers are also available for extra protection from the elements.
Make sure you take a look at your roof gutters as you take in the beautiful blue skies and spring’s warm sunshine. Winter storms deposited debris on your roof and as that snow melted, it all drained into your gutters
Roof gutters and drainpipes: As you look up to admire the blue skies and spring’s warm sunshine, make sure you also take a look at your roof gutters, or eavestroughs. Winter storms have deposited a lot of debris on your roof and as that snow melted, it all drained into your gutters. Clogged gutters will overflow during rain storms and cause a mess around your foundation below. A simple solution? Clean them.
Drainpipes should be directed away from windows and extend away from the foundation walls by at least four feet. Downspout extensions are available.
While you can’t prepare for every emergency, you can reduce your losses from basement flooding: Don’t store treasured photos or keepsakes in the basement, invest in metal shelving to keep boxes and possessions off the floor. Jon Labelle is the editor for Aquamaster Drain, Plumbing & Waterproofing Inc. in Toronto.