Water can show up in a basement in both subtle and obvious ways. It could appear as a very visible damp path along a foundation wall…or you may only see water on the floor after heavy rain.
Because moisture can travel before it becomes noticeable, the visible water is not always coming from where the problem starts. That is why finding the source of a basement leak takes a lot more than a quick look.
Below, this basement waterproofing contractor in Elmhurst, Illinois is going to explain how a professional evaluates both the inside and outside of a home to determine where water is entering.
What signs inside your basement indicate a leak?
Water almost always follows the path of least resistance. In poured concrete foundations, water usually seeps in through small cracks.
A professional basement waterproofing contractor in Elmhurst, Illinois is trained to spot the signs of moisture migration. Damp streaks running down a wall can show the exact path water takes as it moves through a crack or seam.
Efflorescence is another common indicator. That chalky white residue appears when water moves through the concrete and dries at the surface. Even if the basement feels dry on the day of the inspection, visible efflorescence indicates that water has been passing through the wall over time.
Where water collects on the floor is also important. When moisture appears along the floor joint or seems to come up from below, pressure could be building under the basement. In many cases, this happens when groundwater rises after heavy rain and the existing drainage system cannot move water away fast enough.
Contractors may use moisture meters to find areas that are holding water. Higher readings in specific sections can confirm active water intrusion. In tougher cases, thermal imaging can be used to find moisture inside walls or floors.
All this information helps a waterproofing professional connect the symptoms to the real cause of the leak. That is how they can recommend the right repair for the problem.
How does water outside your home lead to basement leaks?
Your basement waterproofing contractor in Elmhurst, Illinois will also step outside and check how water moves around the property. Conditions at ground level can impact how much pressure builds up against the foundation walls and floor.
One of the first things professionals look at is yard grading. Soil should slope away from the house to ensure rainwater naturally drains outward.
When the yard slopes toward the foundation or has settled over time, water collects against the walls and increases hydrostatic pressure. After a heavy storm, pooling water near the foundation is a strong sign that surface drainage is the cause of basement leaks.
Gutters and downspouts are another major focus. Clogged gutters can overflow and dump large amounts of roof runoff directly next to the foundation. Downspouts that are too close to the house do the same thing, even when the gutters themselves are clean. Over time, repeated saturation of the soil creates ideal conditions for water to enter through cracks or joints in the foundation.
By combining what they see inside the basement with what they observe outside, contractors can decide where the water is entering from.
Looking for a basement waterproofing contractor in Elmhurst, Illinois?
Are you noticing signs of moisture in your basement? If so, and if you are ready to work with a professional basement waterproofing contractor in Elmhurst, Illinois, our team at ULB-DRY Waterproofing is here to help. Our team will diagnose how and why water is entering your home to ensure our solution solves the problem. Contact us today to begin the process.