Colonial Construction Co., Inc.
509 Parker Avenue, Plainedge, New York 11756 (516) 796-1249 Fax (516) 796-0692
Yesterday's Quality Today...
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Colonial Construction Co., Inc. 509 Parker Avenue, Plainedge, New York 11756 (516) 796-1249 Fax (516) 796-0692 Yesterday's Quality Today...
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Basement Leaks Leaks in basements generally occur from two different sources. The first source is ground water and the second is surface water. Most leaks on Long Island are from surface water.Most surface water basement leaks occur from poor drainage. This occurs when snow or heavy rains are allowed to build up around the perimeter of the house and pool up near the foundation. When a new home or basement is built, the mason grades the land away from the house, creating a natural drain away from the house. It is possible over the years that when natural settling occurs this creates a pool close to the foundation wall. This allows water to seep thru the pours in the concrete.
To eliminate the leak, build up the soil around the house so the water will flow away from the foundation. Gutters and down spouts are crucial to keeping basements dry. Besides extending all down spouts to at least 3-5 ft. from the house, be sure gutters are clear and flowing freely. Gutters that are clogged up, allow water to flow over them and creating a pocket where water can collect and eventually seep into the house. Is you notice small pebbles directly below the gutter, this usually means the gutters are clogged You need to pinpoint the source by noting exactly when the seepage starts and stops. If the leak stops an hour or two after the rain stops, it indicates a ground-surface source. Hydrostatic pressure from water that has saturated the ground near the foundation drives the seepage into the basement. Most of that water comes from the roof. Check the basement wall adjacent to the driveway for soil saturation. Water can seep in where the driveway joins the house or travel along the gravel bed under the driveway and pool up against the foundation. Redirect runoff from the roof and yard so it drains away from the driveway. Fill any driveway cracks with waterproof caulk or hydraulic cement. The Foundation: Most builders use a sealant to prevent moisture from entering the foundation. This is done before the foundation is backfilled. When an extension is built, its is possible that any leaks that may occur, is NOT from the new work. It may be coming from another part of the foundation that is porous or cracked. There are two ways to correct this problem. 1) grade the soil away from the house along with relocating or extending existing leaders. 2) dig out the area around the foundation and apply a new coat of sealant and be sure to properly grade the soil away from the house. Ground water leaks occur if the house is located near or over an existing underground stream or body of water. Leaks of this type can show up on the floor of the basement or on the bottom part of the wall. This type is leak is much harder to prevent and repair. Specialty contractors should be consulted and usually requires french drains or Sump Pumps.
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