Are Basement Leaks Common

The basement of many homes suffers from the all-too-common problem of water seepage at some point.

What proportion of basements suffer from water damage?

There are some pretty surprising statistics regarding wet basements that have been compiled by the American Society of Home Inspectors: Within ten to fifteen years of being built, the majority of newly constructed houses will, somewhere in the basement, spring a leak. A moisture problem can be found in more than sixty percent of the basements in existing homes.

How common is it for there to be water in the basement?

Unfortunately, the presence of water in the basement is extremely typical. It is possible for water to get into your basement in a number of different ways, including seeping in through the foundation walls and coming up through the floor.

Why do basements sometimes spring leaks?

One of the most common sources of water in basements is window wells. Window wells have a significant impact on the amount of excess rainwater that is directed away from the foundation when they are installed correctly. Window wells are prone to becoming obstructed with leaves and other debris during the fall season, as well as during periods of intense rainfall.

Is it normal to have a basement that's always damp?

Wet basements present a number of risks, including the deterioration of the overall structure and foundation of your home, the promotion of the growth of potentially harmful mold, the destruction of your furniture and other personal belongings, and a host of other unfavorable complications. These problems could, in the long run, have an impact on the quality of the air you breathe and your health.

What steps should I take to identify the source of the leak in my basement?

A non-structural wall crack is the most typical source of water in a poured concrete basement; consequently, the first thing a homeowner should do is search for a crack in the walls. Examine the portion of the house's foundation that is above ground and visible from the exterior of the structure, making a mental note of the location where the water was discovered for the first time.