Excess Ground Water in Kansas City
Basement flooding can cause irreparable damage to not only a home but the items that are in it. If you notice water seepage and flooding in your basement, don't panic. At Pro Foundation Technology, we can find out why you have excess groundwater on your property and provide the best solution.
Regardless of where you live, there's water in the soil. If you live in a location with a lot of rainfall and nearby rivers, groundwater is pretty prevalent in your area. It settles at a certain level in the ground below which is known as the water table. Prolonged heavy rains and snowmelt cause the water table to rise, creating water issues in homes.
How and Why Ground Water Causes Seepage and Flooding?
If you're a homeowner with frequent basement floods, it is important to be aware of the water table in your area and how it affects your property. In Kansas City, several key factors have a major impact on the level of groundwater. Some factors include:
- Clay soil: Clay soils hold water in, causing it to swell and expand
- Living near a large body of water: This causes the water table to be higher because water absorbs inland.
Due to heavy rainfalls and snowmelt, the soil absorbs large amounts of water and the water table rises. So how does this affect your basement? When the water table rises, it also rises underneath the foundation. When the water table rises, it also rises underneath the foundation. This creates hydrostatic pressure against the foundation, forcing water into the basement. Cracks may also start to form throughout the foundation walls, allowing water to seep through the cracks. If cracks develop in the basement floor, hydrostatic pressure will force water through them as well.
Water Seepage and Basement Flooding Solutions in Kansas City
So how does water affect your basement? Water can cause high levels of moisture, resulting in mold growth and foundation damage. It's important to locate the source of water intrusion to prevent costly repairs and choose the best waterproofing solution for your situation.
Look for the following types of water leaks:
- Water seeping through the walls
- Through the foundation floor
- Over the top of the wall
To prevent water seepage due to hydrostatic pressure, we can install a French drain system on either the interior or exterior of the foundation. A French drain consists of drain tiles with perforations or holes to allow pipes to collect moisture and water. This keeps water from collecting under the home's foundation. Gravel is placed around the drain tiles. Geo-textiles fabrics are also added to help the filtration process. After installation, French drain systems are hardly noticeable because they are covered by sod.
French drain systems offer many benefits, such as:
- No gravel cleanup
- Lightweight material and environmentally friendly
- 50% labor savings
- Can be used with foundation repair to prevent heaving and settlement
- Affordable and economical option
- Can be installed in a garden space, inside or outside the foundation
- Removes extra moisture and water
Other waterproofing alternatives include surface water drainage and water collection systems. They help redirect the flow of water and keep water out of basements.
At Pro Foundation Technology, we understand the effects of hydrostatic pressure and the elevations in the water table. We offer effective basement waterproofing solutions to prevent water intrusion and keep your basement dry for many years to come. Contact us today if you want to learn more about water seepage, excess groundwater, and basement flooding in the Kansas City area.
Filed under Basement waterproofing, Uncategorized, Water Management
Tags: Water seepage, waterproofing Kansas City