A Detailed Guide to Fix Hydrostatic Pressure on Basement Floor
If you find groundwater accumulating around your New York home’s foundation, the most common reason is hydrostatic pressure, which exerts a force on the basement wall and floor. It can have an adverse effect, leading to water infiltration, structural damage, and even mold growth. If these issues are not addressed immediately, it can lead to health hazards and massive property damage. Thus, let’s get to know how you can fix the problem.
What is Hydrostatic Pressure?
The saturated soil surrounding your building’s foundation exerts a force called hydrostatic pressure. Several factors can lead to this situation, such as the elevation of the groundwater levels, which increases the force of water pressing against the house’s basement. Also, water can accumulate near the foundation due to inadequate drainage systems. Moreover, an intensified hydrostatic pressure is created due to clay-rich soils, which retain more water.
Identifying Signs of Hydrostatic Pressure
There are a few common indicators of hydrostatic pressure in your basement, such as:
- Water or moisture seeping through the cracks in walls or floors.
- You can find damp spots on the walls and floor.
- Even after the water evaporates from the surface, you can find a white, chalky residue left behind.
- The walls or floors expand or suddenly form cracks.
Steps to Mitigate Hydrostatic Pressure
The steps mentioned below are extremely effective in dealing with the situation.
- Improve Exterior Drainage:
To eliminate hydrostatic pressure, you must improve the exterior drainage by ensuring the gutters are clean. You also have to check whether the direct water from the downspouts remains away from the foundation by at least 10 feet. You must also channel the water away from your home by adjusting the landscape slope.
- Install a French Drain System:
If you want to redirect the water away from the foundation, you can opt for a French drainage system. It is basically a trench filled with gravel and perforated pipes that remove the hydrostatic static pressure. You must also document the expenses and labor costs to build the system so that you can produce them as evidence while filing hydrostatic pressure insurance claims.
- Apply Interior Waterproofing Solutions:
To prevent moisture penetration, you can also apply waterproof sealants to the interior walls and floor. You can also install a sump pump to expel the water entering the basement.
- Repair Cracks and Structural Issues:
You also need to prevent water ingress by using appropriate materials to seal the existing crack. If the DIY methods are not applicable, consult a professional who has significant experience in structural repair and fixing water damage. Moreover, you can add material to the soil surrounding the foundation to improve drainage and reduce water retention capability.
Conclusion
You can prevent hydrostatic pressure on your property by regularly inspecting and maintaining the gutters. You should also periodically check the drainage system to ensure it functions correctly. Moreover, to promote water runoff, you have to design a landscape tilted away from the foundation. In New York, you must always be aware of the seasonal changes affecting the groundwater level. Thus, you need to consult a foundation repair specialist through zicklincontracting.com, who can guide you through proactive measures based on your house’s needs.
