We noticed water in our concrete block basement after it rains. We extended our downspouts and re-graded the landscaping to divert the water away from the house, but water is still leaking in. We want to finish the basement but can’t stop the water. Why is this happening, and what else can we do?
– S.P., Dulles, VA
When your house was first built, the builder should have applied a membrane or coating to the outside walls to protect them. This is done because concrete walls are very porous, and absorb water like a sponge. The outside waterproofing acts like an umbrella so the concrete doesn’t come in contact with the water, therefore preventing absorption.
“If your outside waterproofing was working properly, it wouldn’t matter where the downspouts were, or whether you divert water away from the house,” surmises John Bryant of Mid-Atlantic Waterproofing, a company that has specialized in basement waterproofing and foundation repair since 1965. “Unfortunately, it appears as if your protective coatings may have failed,” Bryant continues.
Although there’s water leaking into your basement, it’s the water you can’t see that causes the most problems. “Concrete block walls retain water in their core pockets, which can deteriorate the blocks,” Bryant explains. This can lead to cracks in the foundation in the winter when the water freezes.
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Speaking on behalf of Mid-Atlantic Waterproofing, whose award-winning water management system has been profiled on the American Architectural Review television series, Bryant adds, “We recommend you have a foundation expert inspect the home and review solutions, especially if you plan on finishing the basement.”
