Water Problems
DONT GET RIPPED OFF!! You should understand how to stop the water from getting into your basement before you spend thousands of dollars on some system that you really do not need. As everyone know the Denver Area has experienced higher than normal rain fall. As a result of this many basement are flooding causing both water damage and structural issues.
What kind of water problem do I have?
There are two different types of water problems. Surface water and ground water.
How do I know if I have a surface water problem?
If you are experiencing water coming into your basement right after a heavy rain or snow melt you have a surface water issue.
How do I know I have a ground water problem?
If water is entering your basement a day after rain or when no rain has occurred you have a ground water issue.
What can I do to fix a ground water problem?
There is really only one way to fix ground water problems. You will need to install some type of perimeter drain system around your foundation.
Here is an example of a typical interior drain system.
Here is an example of an exterior drain system.
When dealing with ground water either with an interior or exterior drain system the average homeowner should expect to pay anywhere from $ 8,000 to $ 15,000. The cost is based on the total linear feet installed and other access issues. Installing a drain system will remove the water that has entered around your foundation and discharge it before it raises to the same elevation of the concrete slab.
SURFACE WATER REPAIRS
As I stated earlier about 90% of surface water issues can be fixed without having to spend thousands of dollars. The better approach to surface water is to keep it away from your foundation to begin with. With the expanding soil conditions in the metro area keeping the soil from getting additional water will help minimize foundation damage. Here is how to solve your surface water problems.
1. Gutters
It is critical to make sure your gutter are working correctly. Keep them clean. Make sure they are attached correctly and draining in the proper direction (toward the downspouts).
2. Downspouts
Downspouts need to be attached and extended AT LEAST 5′ from your foundation. Many times the downspouts are draining right next to your foundation. Water will flow to the easiest path of resistance. Since your foundation was over excavated, on average 3′ larger than the foundation itself, the soil around the foundation is less dense and compacted than the undisturbed soils that were not excavated. Water will flow around your foundation much easier than the natural soil. That is why the downspouts need to be extended the entire 5′.
3. Grade
Simply put the grade around your foundation is the direction of slope the dirt is around your foundation. If the dirt is sloping TOWARD your foundation than it is considered negative. If the dirt is sloping AWAY from your foundation it is considered positive. As you can guess the grade should be positive away from your foundation. With a positive slope the water will not have the opportunity to drain down next to your foundation and will not be able to enter your basement or crawlspace. Positive drainage will also help minimize the expansive soil damage that can occur to your foundation.
If your grade is flat around your foundation you can either raise the grade next to your house and install a barrier between your foundation and the dirt. You can also create a swell to direct water away.
Most of this grading work can be done by the homeowner. You can also have a landscaper complete the grading if you need too.
Please feel free to contact Executive Structural Piering LLC if you need any additional information or recommendations.