Tips to Protect Concrete Foundations Against Water Damage

Concrete foundations are built to last for decades, but just like the rest of a home, they require protection from the elements. One major issue that you don’t want to deal with is concrete foundation water damage. It can compromise the structural integrity of any building—big or small. Therefore, you need to be aware of the signs of foundation damage and what steps to take to prevent it.

Signs of Foundation Damage

The following signs indicate that you may have foundation water damage and would need to call a professional for an evaluation.

Foundation Cracks

Cracks in the foundation bring on water damage. However, when enough water accumulates around the outside of the foundation, the pressure from the water pushing against the foundation’s surface causes cracks to appear. The necessary repairs can range from minimal to extensive.

Foul Smells

You might notice a strong, foul smell that gradually seeps into your home's interior. One cause could be rotting wood that’s close to the concrete foundation and the areas that have been consistently exposed to water. Mold or mildew, which both have a foul smell, can also be the reason.

Basement Wall Staining

Foundation water damage will cause staining on your basement walls. If water remains on the concrete long enough, its surface will become discolored. Likewise, any minerals that are in the groundwater will also stain the concrete once the water evaporates. Over time, you might even notice stains on your floor and baseboards due to seepage from the foundation.

Mold and Mildew

If you detect both odors and stains, you probably have a mold or mildew issue that resulted from water damage to your foundation. Gray, white, or green stains along the foundation's surface, particularly in regions that have been exposed to moisture, are specific symptoms to look out for.

Uneven Floors

There is a strong indication of foundation issues when the floor below no longer feels level. Any sagging, bouncing, or bumps fall under this category. You could try rolling a marble or another small, round object across the room to see if the floor is level. If the object suddenly accelerates or rolls off to the side, then the floor is uneven.

Tips to Prevent Foundation Damage

Fortunately, foundation damage can be prevented by following these guidelines.

Ensure Proper Drainage

Diverting water away from the foundation ranks high on the prevention list. This can be done by enhancing the ground slope around the perimeter of the house to the point where water drains away from the foundation towards the yard. Other options include installing a dry well to catch and divert water or a French drain that is installed underground.

Maintain Your Property

Keep branches, rocks, and other debris that can trap water away from your home’s foundation. Likewise, if you cut back any foliage, especially vines, away from the foundation, you’ll avoid water damage. You might consider relocating flowers away from the house to avoid water accumulation. Plus, consistent cleaning and maintenance of gutters and downspouts will also help prevent foundation damage.

Waterproof Your Foundation During the Summer

Along with installing a dry or French well, another way to waterproof your foundation is to install a rain screen that drains water down and away from the main drainage system. Also, a sump pump might be necessary for draining water out of a crawl space or basement. The best time to take on these projects is during the summer when there’s little chance of rainfall and the ground is completely dry to avoid further exposure to moisture.

Repair Cracks and Holes

Regular inspection of your foundation for holes and cracks proves to be vital for preventing damage. Once you find cracks or holes, no matter how small, you will need to fill them and, if possible, get the concrete sealed.

Fix Wall Cracks and Gaps

Another issue that causes rainwater to drain down to the foundation is a gap or a crack in an exterior wall. With water trickling down through a crack in the siding or plaster of an exterior wall, moisture would surely creep into the foundation and weaken it. Moreover, if you notice even the slightest gap between the wall and the base, then it needs to be repaired immediately so as not to allow moisture to enter the foundation or the ground below it.

The sure way to avoid foundation water damage is to call a professional who has experience with all types of concrete foundations. A contractor will know what signs to look for, the cause of each foundation issue, and most importantly, how to rectify it. Easter Concrete Contracting is a team of experienced concrete foundation builders in San Antonio. Speak to one of our experts today if you have any concerns regarding concrete foundations or would like to hire experienced professionals to take preventive action to secure your foundation.