Water is the enemy of a home’s foundation. Homeowners want to keep it out. If you find water entering through the walls of your home, you want to correct it immediately. We’ll talk about the symptoms, possible causes, and some fixes for leaking walls in this article.
What are the symptoms?
- Cracks in the walls: Horizontal cracks are a sign that the foundation is settling and can be cause for concern. Long, vertical cracks may indicate foundation settlement or sinking and can be serious. A diagonal crack in a brick wall often means that the footing has shifted and can lead to more serious damage if not repaired.
- Leaning chimneys: If your chimney is leaning away from your house, it could be due to a problem with the foundation. Leaning chimneys can lead to structural damage if not properly repaired.
- Doors sticking or jamming: Sticking doors may mean that your home’s foundation has shifted, which could lead to problems with door openings and windows not locking properly.
If you notice any of these signs, you’ll want to contact a professional to evaluate the situation and make recommendations for the best fixes. It’s better to spend a small amount of money now than face a large repair bill down the road.
Possible Causes
Water entering a home is most often caused by:
- Problems with the roofing
- Issues with a home’s gutters and/or downspouts
- Problems with the foundation
It’s important to fix this problem before it gets worse. So, if you notice water anywhere inside your house take quick action.
Possible Fixes
Experts teach that properly functioning gutters will take water away from your home’s foundation. Mercury Drywall Repair in Blue Springs MO advises homeowners to make sure their gutter system does not have any cracks or misaligned pieces. Also, it’s critical for there to be downspouts at the bottom of each gutter to take water a minimum of three feet away from the home towards a lower spot in the yard.
Most roofing companies will offer free estimates so if you find water entering your home from above, call a reputable local roofer. They will check the roofing tiles and flashing to make sure everything is working as it should.
If water is leaking into your basement or crawlspace, you may need a French drain system installed in your yard. It will depend on how your property lays out. The goal is to have all land sloping away from the home so that rainwater can follow. An expensive, but reliable repair would be to have your basement fully waterproofed.
Sometimes a home’s exterior cladding may have been damaged by a storm or high winds. Water can enter your home in this way. One of the easiest fixes for leaking walls is to seal any cracks or gaps around windows and doors to prevent water intrusion. Depending on the location, choose an epoxy-based sealant or mortar sealant for stonework or bricks.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this will never happen to you. But if it does, you’ll now have some guidance on what to do. Do not wait. Act quickly and choose one of the proper fixes for leaking walls, ceilings, or foundations.
