Basement Waterproofing - Leaky Foundation Walls in Basement of Springfield, IL home

Hydrostatic pressure, or water pressure, is the major cause of leaks in the basement. Pressure builds against the foundation of the home as the soil surrounding it become saturated with water. Water weighs a little more than 60 pounds per square foot which means there can potentially be thousands of pounds of pressure on the foundation! Water will find any weakness in the foundation to get in and, with so much pressure on the outside, an alarming amount can flood in through even small cracks. This Springfield home had leaks coming from long cracks in their foundation walls as well as ones between the cement bricks. They also had leaks coming from the joint where the foundation walls met the foundation floors, the place most susceptible to leaks. Woods recommends an interior drainage system to relieve the hydrostatic pressure in these areas as well as a sump system that can remove the water away from the basement.