Business owners do everything they can to maintain a professional and well-kept appearance, and this trend extends to the upkeep of the organization’s physical building. Excessive dirt, cosmetic damage, and other defects make your company look untrustworthy to potential customers and business partners.
While you might have a maintenance crew on the premises, have you thought about your business’s basement recently? Did you know that moisture problems are common for underground rooms in corporate buildings?
Seeping water often harbors dangerous mold and can weaken the structural integrity of the entire building as it eats through materials. Straight from a Toronto waterproofing contractor, read on to learn more about what causes basement moisture problems and what you can do to remediate them.
What Causes Basement Leaks?
Why are underground leaks so common? Water seeps through your building’s structure in many ways. Some of those include:
• Poor Soil Gradation. Soil grading is the practice of analyzing different-sized particles of soil that surrounds your company. The soil should be aligned so that it directs extra rain and moisture away from the building. However, not many grading jobs are quality, especially for older businesses. Flooding and leaks often result.
• Drainpipes. Have you had your drains cleaned out recently? When these essential components of the structure become clogged, they allow water to collect in areas adjacent to the building rather than spill away.
• Sump Pits. Similarly, clogged or damaged sump pits can generate seeping water that enters the basement area.
• Window Wells. These wells should direct rainwater away from the basement, but damage to them will result in a mess inside the wall and floor.
• Cracks in the Foundation. Older homes tend to have issues with cracks as a result of external pressure and moisture. Keep in mind that smaller cracks can develop into large ones over time, so don’t let your guard down when it comes to repairs and maintenance.
It’s clear that there are multiple ways you can experience basement leaks, so what can you do when you suspect a problem?
Responding to Basement Leaks
To avoid the possibility of rotting, mold, and weak foundations from seeping water, take some steps to prevent and fix basement leakage.
• Figure out what the problem is. Where does the moisture seem to be coming from? Are there rings of moisture or pools of water on the floors, ceiling, or walls? Look for clogged drains and other debris outside the home, too.
• Note how urgent the issue seems. If you smell nasty odors or see water trickling down walls, those could be signs of severe damage. Not all water in the basement is dangerous, though, so take some time to decide on the severity of the leak.
• Take steps. First, consider installing a dehumidifier. Because basements are enclosed spaces, there’s little chance for water to escape otherwise. Next, add some insulation around your basement to protect against rainy days or snowy winters. Double-check downspouts for blockage as well.
Moisture problems in the basement often get worse if you don’t treat them promptly. If you think your basement moisture is becoming a serious issue, think about contacting a waterproofing contractor.
Choose NTL Contracting for Your Waterproofing Needs
Need a waterproofing contractor but not sure where to look first? Why not choose one of the nation’s leading companies, NTL Contracting? Contact us today or get a quote from our website to start your next project.
• Basement leaks are the result of other problems like drainpipes, soil gradation, window wells, and sump pits.
• Install insulation and minimize moisture in the basement to help prevent leaks.
• Should a serious water leakage occur, think about getting in touch with NTL Contracting, a waterproofing contractor, for a professional’s help.
