Common Causes of a Wet Basement & Crawl Space

Having moisture penetrate into your basement or crawl space is absolutely one of the worst things that homeowners have to deal with. The first thing you will notice is the disgusting smell, but that is the least of your worries when it comes to having a wet basement or crawl space. When moisture gets into your home, it can cause a number of very serious issues. For example, moisture leads to mold growth, and extended exposure to mold growth is dangerous. Moisture can also cause structural damage to your home and attract pests. If you are affected by a basement or crawl space leak, you may be wondering what the potential causes are. With that in mind, here are some of the more common causes of wet basement/crawl space:

Flash flooding

If you live in an area with heavy rainfall or that is prone to flooding, then it is possible that this is the cause of your wet basement or crawl space. See, normally water gets absorbed into the ground, which prevents flooding. But, in times of heavy rainfall or flash flooding, the ground can’t really absorb all that excess water. The excess water causes the groundwater levels to rise, which then seeps into the lower parts of your home.

Erosion

People design homes in a way that carries water away from the foundation of the house, rather than towards it. However, the erosion of the soil around your home can change the land’s grading. Whenever it rains, this leads to water being dumped around the foundation of your house. Once that happens, it’s only a matter of time before some moisture manages to get into your basement or crawl space.

Broken or damaged pipes

One of the more common causes of a wet basement/crawl space is the presence of broken or damaged pipes. Every home has pipes running all through the walls. Occasionally, someone can damage them, or even worse, they can burst. When this happens, water can leak into unexpected places, including basements and crawl spaces.

Defective gutters

Another common cause of moisture in basements and crawl spaces is defective gutters. If the person installing the gutters fails to do so correctly, they may inadvertently place the downspout near the home's foundation. This means that whenever it rains, the gutters will deposit the water directly near the foundation, where the water can easily end up leaking into a basement or crawl space.

Cracked foundations

A cracked foundation is a major headache for a couple of reasons; not least, it can cause major structural damage to your house. It is also possible that a cracked or otherwise damaged foundation is the source of your wet basement or crawl space. If you unfortunately experience a cracked foundation, it is crucial to promptly address and fix the issue. Ameri-Dry provides quick and effective foundation repair services.

There is a solution

Prevent wet basement/crawl space issues with Ameri-Dry's patented subfloor and sealing system. Avoid hassle, ensure protection. These two systems protect your basement and crawl space from excessive moisture. You never have to worry about mold or structural damage in your basement again.  Your friends at Ameri-Dry are here for any questions you may have.  Reach out for a FREE estimate and inspection today.