Every time it rains, you walk down to the basement to find extensive pools of water ruining the space. It’s exhausting to rehabilitate the basement one storm after the other. If you’re tired of rainstorms constantly destroying your basement, discover five reasons why your basement continues to flood every year!
Compromised Foundation
As time passes, cracks may gradually appear in the home’s foundation. Small cracks are common and demonstrate the house is settling into the ground. If you live in a region with heavy rainfall, you’ve likely experienced a flooded basement at some point.
Excessive flooding can also impact the durability of your home foundation. It can cause those tiny cracks to expand, compromising the home’s condition and leading to flooding. It’s crucial to prevent home foundation damage to avoid future complications.
Clogged Gutters and Downspouts
You look up at the gutters on the roof and assume there’s no way they can worsen basement flooding. However, clogged gutters and downspouts are potential reasons why your basement continues to flood each year.
Gutters and downspouts direct water away from the house. They prevent water damage to the roof, foundation, and potential flooding.
But if leaves, sticks, and debris become lodged in them, they can’t perform their jobs. Water becomes more likely to pool near the house and seep into unwanted areas. Understanding why gutters are important puts you on the right track to safeguard your basement from further damage.
Leaky Basement Windows
After a strong rainstorm, water must find a place to go. It’ll seep into any cracks or openings it can find. Most basements have a window or two for safety purposes. Just like the windows above the ground, they can leak and allow water to enter the basement.
First, check for any cracks in the window glass. If there are any issues with the window’s integrity, it might be time for a replacement.
If the window’s glass is in good condition, check the weather stripping next. Leaks commonly occur around window frames. As the rain pours, the water passes through the tiny openings. Use caulk to seal up those areas on the interior and exterior to secure them.
Insufficient Draining Window Wells
As you’re examining the leaky basement windows, you should also check the drainage of the window wells. Water will accumulate in the space around the basement windows. If the window wells can’t drain properly, water is more likely to push through the windows and crack in the foundation.
The cause of the issue is most likely a clogged drain. Grass, leaves, sticks, and other debris can pile up in the window wells. They corrupt the gravel layer, which allows the area to drain water. Clear out the debris to free up the area. The next time it rains, you should notice an immense difference in the window well’s draining capabilities.
Damaged Sump Pump
Sump pumps move excess water away from the home’s foundation to prevent basement flooding. They’re amazing tools that guard your home against heavy rainfall. However, if a sump pump has damage, it can’t work properly, and your basement is more likely to flood.
If you have any sump pump-related issues, contact a professional repair company to examine the mechanism. They’ll diagnose problems and conduct repairs as needed so that your home is in great shape before the next storm.
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