Top Causes of Basement Flooding and How to Prevent It

Underground spaces like basements and cellars are notoriously difficult to keep dry. Periods of heavy rainfall or pipes bursting, along with poor drainage, can quickly flood a basement and cause extensive water damage. Considering that the basement also forms the home’s foundation, a serious flood might cause structural damage that could even have a negative effect on the overall stability, making the structure unsafe to reside in! Basement flooding is a very serious concern, let’s examine some of the top causes:

Sealant Is Compromised – In order to waterproof a basement or cellar at ground level a variety of sealants can be used, and over time they can lose their cohesion and become compromised, no longer blocking the water from entering the space they were meant to protect. The properties most likely to suffer from this problem are older ones, where the sealant has given out over a long period of time. Ordering an external damp proofing inspection is certain to reveal the problem and repairs can follow.

Gutters Are Blocked – Gutters are always one of a home’s weak points; they tend to be neglected since cleaning them is a difficult task usually involving ladders. All kinds of crud and debris fill them up over the seasons, such as moss, pine needles, and wet leaves. When the gutters and downpipes become clogged, they can’t drain properly, so the rainwater spills out to run down the exterior walls and seep into the ground, which can cause damp penetration in basements and eventually lead to flooding if the problem is not addressed in a timely fashion.

Sewers Are Backed Up – A major sewer clog can create a massive disaster that could cause flooding in the basement in the most unpleasant way. This problem is commonly caused by tree roots damaging pipes, the house settling, and the careless disposal of things down the toilet that do not belong there. If this happens, seek professional help immediately to mitigate the hazard.

Poor Property Drainage – Groundwater is the water that lies naturally below the ground’s surface, and if your property doesn’t allow for proper drainage during heavy rain, that water can rise above the level of the basement. In some locations, groundwater can be above the level of the floor at all times of the year! This moisture can cause damp penetration in basements and eventually flooding, causing untold damage.

Fortunately, there are a variety of ways in which you can protect your basement from flooding. After an initial damp survey, London Damp Proofing Ltd can offer a basement tanking service that will make the walls completely waterproof! In addition to that, a backup plan can be added in the form of a cavity membrane system that will collect any water entering the structure and harmlessly wash it away, or pump it out with a sump pump.

You needn’t fear a flooded basement again, just give us a call at Damp Proofing Ltd on 020 7593 8030 during office hours or fill in the online form and help will be on the way!