What Is Hydrostatic Pressure and How do You Fix It?
Your home’s foundation and basement are some of the most important parts of your home, even if they are hidden in plain sight. These portions of your home are responsible for maintaining your home’s stability and also act as an extra buffer of living space. As such, you want to keep them free of problems, especially moisture and hydrostatic pressure, so that your home remains safe and stable. In this post, your trusted foundation repair expert, Stratum Structural Systems, shares what hydrostatic pressure is, and how it can be fixed.
What Is Hydrostatic Pressure?
Hydrostatic pressure is a technical term used to describe the water pressure present in the soil in your home’s foundation. It’s actually one of the leading causes of basement water problems. Your home’s foundation concrete is a porous material that has numerous holes and gaps that allow water to seep through. While water might not seep through your foundation as quick as a towel that’s absorbing liquids, it can happen if there is high hydrostatic pressure present in the soil.
According to basement waterproofing contractors, hydrostatic pressure is the leading cause of basement issues, such as leaks, cracking or foundation bowing. Even if your concrete is solid, water can find its way through the microscopic pores present in it. This is especially true during the rainy season when soil absorbs more water.
How to Relieve Hydrostatic Pressure
Since concrete is porous, even the most sophisticated foundation can’t completely eliminate the threat of hydrostatic pressure. One of the most common solutions is to install an interior waterproofing system. This involves adding a drain tile that directs water away from your foundation. In turn, this prevents wall and water seepage from damaging your home’s foundation, as well as the masonry walls. Since they don’t make use of exterior drains that can get clogged, you can rely on this system day-in, day-out.
Looking for the area’s top basement repair contractors? Look no further than Stratum Structural Systems. We’re the experts when it comes to basement waterproofing and foundation repair needs. We’re dedicated to giving our customers stress-free home repairs and putting their interests above anything else. Call us at (314) 620-8153 or (314) 620-8153 for customers in IL. You can request a contactless consultation by filling out our contact form as well.
