Water Seeping Up Through Concrete? Do This Now
Discovering water seeping up through your concrete basement or garage floor can be incredibly frustrating. Though concrete is solid, it is still porous enough for moisture to permeate through. Left unchecked, persistent water seepage can lead to myriad issues such as mold growth, damaged belongings, and costly repairs.
Luckily, with the right troubleshooting, there are solutions for preventing water from infiltrating concrete floors. This comprehensive guide covers everything homeowners need to know about addressing water coming up through concrete.
Signs of Water Seeping Through Concrete
How can you tell if moisture is making its way through your concrete floor? Here are some common indicators:
- Dark spots or standing water on the floor
- A distinct musty or damp smell in the basement
- White powdery deposits forming on the concrete (known as efflorescence)
- Mold or mildew growing on the floor or walls
- Bubbling or peeling paint and warped flooring
If you notice any of these warning signs, it's time to take action to address the water seepage through the concrete.
Causes of Water Coming Through Concrete
Before attempting to remedy water coming up through concrete floors, it helps to understand what causes this phenomenon in the first place. Here are some of the most common culprits:
High Relative Humidity
Relative humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air compared to the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold. Concrete has pores that absorb and release water vapor. An imbalance in relative humidity causes moisture transfer either into or out of the concrete.
Hydrostatic Pressure
Hydrostatic pressure occurs when water accumulates and presses up against the foundation walls and floors. Signs of hydrostatic pressure include standing water in the yard after rain, water at the bottom of holes or trenches dug near the home, and water seeping through an intact concrete floor with no visible cracks.
Cracks and Joints
Over time, concrete can develop cracks from shrinkage, settlement, and expansion/contraction. Cracks and joints between concrete slabs provide an entry point for water to seep through, even when hairline in width.
Exterior Factors
Heavy rain, poor drainage, high groundwater, and water directed against the foundation can also cause moisture to penetrate concrete. Leaky gutters and downspouts contribute excess water around the home's perimeter.
Solutions for Preventing Water Seepage
Armed with an understanding of what makes water intrude through concrete, let's explore some solutions for addressing the issue:
Interior Drainage System
Installing a drain tile system around the interior perimeter of the basement or slab foundation provides the most effective solution. Drain tile piping is set into a gravel trench and collects water underneath the floor, directing it to a sump pump that discharges it away from the home.
Seal Cracks and Joints
Filling in cracks and joints prevents surface water from trickling down. Use hydraulic cement, epoxy injection kits, or flexible polyurethane sealants to plug these gaps.
Apply Surface Sealers
Waterproofing membranes and liquid sealers create a protective barrier that keeps moisture from penetrating through the concrete's surface. Liquid sealers can be applied with a brush, roller, or sprayer.
Exterior Waterproofing
For seepage due to rain or groundwater, applying an exterior waterproofing paint or membrane to the foundation walls helps. Improving drainage away from the home also keeps the foundation drier.
Tips for Preventing Water Intrusion
In addition to major waterproofing projects, homeowners can take smaller-scale preventative measures:
- Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts regularly
- Fill in low spots near the foundation
- Slope soil 6-inches for the first 10 ft away from home
- Clear out debris from window wells
- Extend downspouts 5-6 ft away from the foundation
When to Call a Waterproofing Professional
While smaller remedies can be DIY, it's best to call in a waterproofing contractor for:
- Installing an interior drain tile system
- Epoxy injection of foundation cracks
- Major landscaping changes to improve drainage
- Extensive seepage or a chronically wet basement
In summary, water seeping through basement floors or concrete slabs should not be tolerated. Left unchecked, moisture penetration can lead to unhealthy mold growth and damage. With diligent troubleshooting to find the source, and proven waterproofing techniques, you can stop water intrusion through concrete once and for all.