Hey everyone! I recently experienced some pretty heavy flooding in my city, and sadly, my basement was affected. As a new homeowner, I'm hoping to get some advice from those with more experience. The house was built in the late '40s and was remodeled in 2019. However, the basement, which is only half-finished, has some fine cracks in the foundation and evidence of previous patchwork. During the flood, I found water coming out of a few tiny holes in the ground, which was alarming while I was pulling out the vinyl flooring.
I'd like to know if I need to replace the entire foundation or if it can be salvaged. I really want to avoid this mess in the future. Some people suggested sealing the cracks, but I'm wary of repeating the patchwork from before. I'm also working with a tight budget, but I'm open to financing the best solution. Thanks for any help!
2 Answers
Foundations aren't typically water-tight unless specially constructed. From what you’ve described, it sounds like your foundation itself is alright. However, it might be a good idea to remove that flooring since it can trap water and lead to mold. Definitely consider installing a sump pump to manage the water better, alongside using a dehumidifier that drains outside.
Sealing the cracks might not be a complete solution. It's often necessary to address the water issue from outside your home. But from what you’ve described, your foundation probably isn’t in bad shape. Just make sure to check the external drainage and ensure it’s directing water away from the house.
Oof, sounds like I may just need to get a professional in to assess the situation.
Thanks for your response! It’s comforting to know my foundation isn’t on the brink of collapse. I have a sump pump, but it struggled with the heavy rain. Quick question—my ground near the sump pump tilts slightly toward it; is that normal or a bigger issue?