Many New York homes, especially older houses in Brooklyn and Queens, have basements that take on water during heavy rain. A wet basement damages finishes, ruins storage and leads to mold. The good news is that the cause can almost always be found and fixed.
Common causes of basement leaks
- Cracks in foundation walls or floors that let water through under pressure
- Failed mortar joints in older brick or stone foundations
- Poor drainage outside: clogged gutters, short downspouts, or ground and sidewalks that slope toward the house
- Leaks where pipes or utilities enter the foundation
- High groundwater that pushes water up through the slab
Fixes that work
- Fix the outside first: clean gutters, extend downspouts and correct slopes that send water toward the house. This is often the cheapest fix.
- Seal cracks and joints: foundation cracks are injected or patched, and failed mortar joints are repointed.
- Interior waterproofing: cementitious waterproof coatings applied to the foundation walls stop seepage from the inside.
- Exterior waterproofing: where it can be reached, the outside of the foundation wall is excavated and a membrane is applied.
- Drainage systems: for groundwater problems, an interior drain and sump pump carry water away.
Start with an inspection
The right fix depends on where the water is coming from. We look at the foundation inside and out, check drainage around the property and recommend the simplest repair that solves the problem.
See our basement waterproofing and foundation waterproofing services.
Water in your basement? Call Golden Stone Construction Inc. at (718) 313-8233 or request a free estimate. We are licensed (NYC Home Improvement Contractor License #2106387-DCA), fully insured and serve all five boroughs.