Leaky Basements: Causes and Solutions

Don't allow a leaky basement to ruin your home. Use these tips to spot a leak and patch it up, keeping your basement dry.

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By: Caroline Shannon-Karasik

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There are a number of ways that water can make its way into your home, causing a leaky basement. In order to solve the problem, you must first determine the origin of the leak.

If your basement has windows, check the seal around the window frame to be sure there are no cracks, holes or rotting sections of wood. If there are, consider replacing the entire frame.

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Patch all cracks in the basement walls with a sealant and check the floor for any other cracks that may be causing water seepage. If the foundation is severely cracked, consult an experienced contractor to repair the damage.

After checking the interior of your basement, it is important to check the exterior of the home for any possible water sources that may be causing the basement leak. Examine downspouts and be sure they are pointing away from the foundation in order to avoid seepage into the foundation. It's also important to clear gutters of debris that may be leading to improper water runoff.

If you have exhausted all possible sources of water leakage and are still experiencing problems within your basement, then you may want to consider contacting a professional basement leak repair service.

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