Why does your Basement Leak in the Winter? A Summary of 5 Common Causes

In the winter, a leaking basement might jeopardize the structural integrity of your commercial buildings, 2/3-storey apartments, or any residential buildings. Make an appointment with an expert waterproofer in Sydney to get it addressed.

A flooded basement, more than anything else, might put a damper on your day-to-day activities. There are a variety of reasons why your basement can leak, but almost all of them have one thing in common: moisture build-up. This is why basement waterproofing is so important.

We’ve included some of the most prevalent causes of basement leaks below:

1) Cracks In The Floors Or Walls Of The Basement

The most major reason to be worried about your basement is foundation issues. Moisture will undoubtedly collect if the base has any defects or holes, resulting in leaks. Moisture gathers and becomes caught in any frozen soil or basement walls/floors when the snow melts in the basement region.

Complications will undoubtedly arise if the moisture that has accumulated has nowhere to go. The moisture will be trapped by the hydrostatic pressure, which might result in new base fractures.

Here are the best waterproofing materials according to experts that you ought to know. Read here: What is the Best Waterproofing Material, According to Experts?

2) The Snow Is Melted In Basements By Radiating Heat

The air in your basement is significantly warmer than the air outdoors, even if it’s cold outside. In comparison to the freezing temperatures outside, the basement, whether finished or unfinished, is a warm haven. The warmth from your basement may be felt up to 8 inches outside the cellar walls.

The frozen snow and soil begin to melt as a result of the radiant heat reaching the earth, creating and storing moisture. The moisture build-up between the frozen earth and the basement walls and floor causes the majority of basement leaks in the winter. When moisture accumulates and has nowhere to go, issues arise.

3) Application Of The Wrong Soil Type

The soil around your basement is crucial when it comes to leaks. Water will flow properly and moisture will be taken away from the soil with the suitable sort of soil and drainage. Moisture will build and stagnate against your basement walls if you use the wrong type of soil and have inadequate drainage. Clay soil, for example, helps prevent floods and leaks by absorbing moisture and stretching rather than allowing water to accumulate and strain it.

4) Your Sump Pump Is Not Working

The sump pump gathers and transfers wastewater away from the high-rise commercial buildings. If your sump pump isn’t working correctly, water will pool and flood your basement. It is installed in the basement by drilling a hole in the earth, and it is powered when the pit fills with water, pumping the water out.

Power outages, clogged or frozen pipes, and improper installation are all possible causes of sump pump failure.

5) Your Foundation Has A Flawed Slope Around It

Regardless of the type or terrain on which your high-rise buildings/complexes are constructed, the soil around your foundation should always slope away from it. Outside your high-rise building’s base, the earth should slope down 6 inches in the opposite direction of the foundation, diverting water away from the foundation rather than allowing it to stagnate at its root. The further the water drains are from the structure, the less probable a leak may occur.

In Winter, How Do I Keep My Basement Dry?

Examine your pipes, drains, and other plumbing equipment to verify if they are effectively directing water away from your structure. If this is not the case, make the required changes to ensure that water is taken away from commercial high-rise buildings.

Inspect The Basement’s Windows

Check the windows in the basement for any damage. The windows in the basement should have a waterproof seal and be situated above ground level to avoid a leak. Basement waterproofing issues can be avoided with this location.

Select The Most Effective And Appropriate Waterproofing System For Your Property

Crevices in the walls, broken sewage drains, foundation wall movement, clogged pipes, or excessive backfilling during renovations might all be to blame for the leaks. With the help of a qualified plumber, other causes for a leaking basement in the winter might be discovered.

Because every basement leaking situation is unique, you’ll need to choose which best waterproofing approach is best for your property. Because most basement leaks are caused by a mix of factors, there is no one-size-fits-all solution that will work in every situation.

Here is how GJK waterproofing experts can help you with your waterproofing needs. Read here: Why GJK Waterproofing Services is the Best for You?

What Do You Do If Your Basement Is Leaking?

Basement waterproofing may be accomplished in a variety of ways. Here’s how to fix a leaking basement foundation. But first, know the difference between exterior waterproofing from interior waterproofing? Here is the guide for you: Exterior vs Interior Commercial Waterproofing: Ultimate Guide 2022.

Excavation Of The Interior

This method entails excavating tiny trenches along the basement’s perimeter. Drainage drains and pipes are then added to divert water from the leaking locations into the sump pump facility. This is typically considered the least expensive approach.

Excavation Of The Exterior

It is a long-term remedy that entails replacing or upgrading drains with new tiles or systems, as well as putting a waterproof membrane on the outside walls. This procedure, on the other hand, is costly.

Underpinning

This entails digging parts of the existing concrete foundation to the necessary depth before pouring new concrete on top of it. As a result, the basement gets larger. The cost of this approach is determined by the size of the waterproofing area.

Final Thoughts

When winter arrives, it is critical to take precautions to minimize basement flooding and leaks, as preventing a leak is easier than repairing damage once it has happened. To keep your commercial buildings and other complexes/residential buildings leakproof, please do not hesitate to contact GJK Waterproofing in Sydney today.