October 17, 2011 at 3:22 PM

A homeowner's basement is undeniably an asset when the conditions are right. The lower level can be used to fulfill many needs such as extra bedroom space, guest room, laundry area, home office, theater room and the ever-popular family room. Basements can be inviting and functional. However, if by some reason the basement becomes wet, you may lose up to one third of your home’s living space.

Water in a basement ruins carpeting. Though many people attempt drying the carpet or removing it completely, the new carpet will become misshapen and damp smelling or the new flooring will become compromised. Another major problem with water in the basement is moldy drywall and water-soaked studs. Of course the furniture, electronics, and whatever else is stored in the space may get damaged along with mechanical equipment such as the furnace and hot water heater, which eventually rust. Not only does water ruin your possessions, with the influx of mold and mildew it can also present a health hazard for your family.

There are numerous reasons for a basement to flood. When the outside grade slants toward the house it can cause water to run into basement windows and under the sill plate. This is remedied by changing the grade to slant away from the house. The most common, and by far the most serious penetration, involves water coming up through the basement floor. This happens when a high water table or hard, dense soil such as clay cause hydraulic pressure which forces the water down under the footings.  It eventually rises up through the floor via wall and floor joints and cracks in the concrete floor.

Kent Basement Solutions can solve the basement floor seepage problem with a complete perimeter system. This is attained by, first of all, removing the concrete floor around the perimeter of the basement, and then taking away the soil in order to expose the footings. A water trek system is then installed along-side the footing and is encased in stone. The trek conduit circles the perimeter ending with a connection to a sump-pump system. The perimeter drain system collects the water that flows under the footings and drains the water into the sump-pump.

Water can invade a basement in various ways but there is hope; Kent Basement Solutions has an answer for any of your wet basement needs. We are dedicated to exceeding our customers' expectations by treating your home as if it was our own. Contact Kent Basement Solutions and take back your home ownership pride.