Common Water Problems that Affect Foundations
Water Problem Signs Contractors Should Look For
Water intrusion around a foundation can lead to a range of problems, including wall and floor cracks, elevated humidity, wood rot, mold growth, and deterioration of concrete or masonry. For foundation repair and waterproofing contractors, identifying the source of the moisture is an important first step in determining the appropriate solution.
Basements and crawl spaces can provide important clues about where water is entering and how it may be affecting the structure. ECP offers interior and exterior waterproofing products designed to help contractors address a variety of water and moisture problems.
During an inspection, contractors should look for the following signs:
Basement
• Walls leaning in or out
• Bowed walls
• Cracks in the poured or block walls
• Water leakage through cracks at base of walls
• Cracked floors
• Musty odors
• Signs of mold or mildew
• Humid air
• Spalling of concrete or of masonry
Crawl Space
• Cracks in the foundation
• Bowing walls
• Tilting or leaning walls
• Wood rot
• Signs of mold or mildew
• Spalling of concrete or of masonry
Common Water Problems That Can Affect a Foundation
Water around a foundation can originate from several sources. Understanding how water is reaching the structure can help contractors determine the appropriate drainage, waterproofing, or repair solution.
Poor Drainage
Poor drainage can allow water to collect around the foundation. Over time, changing moisture conditions in the surrounding soil can contribute to foundation movement and water intrusion.
Contractors should evaluate gutters, downspouts, drainage systems, and other conditions that may be allowing water to accumulate near the structure.
Improper Grading
When the ground slopes toward a foundation, water can collect near the structure rather than drain away from it. During an inspection, contractors should look for pooling water and grading conditions that may be directing water toward the foundation.
Correcting grading or incorporating an appropriate drainage solution may be necessary as part of the overall waterproofing strategy.
Plumbing Leaks
Plumbing leaks can introduce additional moisture beneath or around a foundation. When evaluating unexplained moisture or water intrusion, contractors should consider whether a plumbing issue could be contributing to the problem.
Any suspected plumbing leaks should be addressed before proceeding with related foundation or waterproofing repairs.
Flooding
Flooding and heavy water accumulation can overwhelm drainage systems and allow water to enter basements and crawl spaces.
Contractors should evaluate how water is entering the structure and determine whether drainage, sump systems, interior waterproofing, exterior waterproofing, or a combination of solutions is appropriate for the property.
Poorly Sealed Basement
Cracks, joints, and other openings in basement walls and floors can provide pathways for water intrusion. Persistent moisture can also contribute to elevated humidity and deterioration of building materials.
A thorough inspection can help contractors identify potential entry points and determine which waterproofing products or systems are appropriate for the project.
Waterproofing Solutions for Contractors
Addressing foundation water problems starts with identifying the source of the moisture and the conditions contributing to it. Depending on the property, contractors may need to incorporate drainage, interior waterproofing, exterior waterproofing, or other moisture-control solutions.
ECP provides contractors with a range of interior and exterior waterproofing products designed to help address water intrusion and protect basements, crawl spaces, and foundations.
INTERIOR WATERPROOFING and EXTERIOR WATERPROOFING
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