How to Fix Leaky Basements in Portland Oregon

Posted on: May 22, 2007

With lot of rain this year, and the promise of more, many of us are finding that basements that remained dry in previous years, now resemble small fish hatching facilities. Our first inclination may be to try a sealant on the walls in an effort to keep out the moisture, but that really is only a temporary fix. The long running problem is probably poor drainage from the roof, causing water to stand around the foundation. Eventually, the pressure of the standing water will force it into the basement, causing standing pools, wood damage, and even sheet rock damage from evaporation.

If you have a problem with a wet basement check out a few of these problem areas. Is the grading around the house on a positive slope so the surface water is directed away from the foundation for at least five feet? Is the water from downspouts feeding into an underground rain drain, and is that drain clear of debris and mud? Are your down spouts free of leaves and other debris so that water can actually drain, or are they clogged, causing the roof water to overflow the gutters and fall around the foundation? Is the caulking around the basement windows missing? Is glass missing or broken? Some things you can check and repair yourself, and others may require a professional drain cleaner, gutter installer, or drainage specialist, which will of course be more expensive. However, a compromised foundation could cost far more than hiring professional help for the problem.

Article written by Doug Waddle, CRS, GRI at portlandrealestate.com