Waterproofing should be implemented during the early stages of construction, however, this isn’t always the case – especially if it’s an old house. Unfortunately, It can take a long time to see signs of water leakage after your home has been built. Therefore, if you are not conscious of this issue, you may not be aware that your home could be at risk.

Some of the main causes for water leakages occurring in your home are:-

1. Hydrostatic Pressure – When groundwater builds up in the soil from rainfall or snow melting, it can create ‘hydrostatic pressure’. Consequently, once this pressure is exerted, the force generated can create cracks within your foundation. Since your property is ‘below grade’, the water can seep through these cracks and settle in the walls and floor of your basement.
2. Concrete Shrinkage –  Concrete is one of the most widely used materials in residential construction because of its durability. However, it is vulnerable to cracking. The main reason for this is a process called ‘shrinkage’. It is surprisingly common for contractors to add too much water into the cement mixture (used to create concrete) when building the foundation of your home. During the concrete’s drying stage, the excess water evaporates. This loss of moisture causes the concrete to contract (shrink) and accumulate air pockets. As a result, this weakens the integrity of the concrete and can lead to cracking. This creates an opportunity for water to pass through the air pockets in the foundation and infiltrate your basement.
3. Leakage from Window Wells – It is widely accepted that window wells are often a common culprit for water leakages in your basement. One of the hallmarks of window wells is that they are capable of retaining water if a drainage system wasn’t installed to compensate for this. This allows water to sneak through the window seams and enter your space when there is heavy rainfall.