Damage from groundwater: Did you know about this?

Learn about groundwater variations in different terrains, how they lead to water seepage, and how foundation waterproofing can help combat rising water damage.

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Imagine pouring your life savings into building your dream home. But a few years later, you start noticing water dampness creeping up your walls after a heavy monsoon. This scenario is quite likely if you did not use the appropriate waterproofing solutions on your foundation during construction. Water damage doesn’t just come from above. Rainwater can easily seep into the ground and then start leaking into your foundation and floorboards. What’s worse is that dealing with groundwater seepage can become a major hassle if your foundation waterproofing isn’t up to par. 

Water damage caused by travelling groundwater is known as rising water dampness, and it can lead to peeling paint, mould, efflorescence, and even health problems. That’s why below-ground waterproofing is just as important as waterproofing the rest of your house. 

Let's know more about the damages caused by groundwater in detail.

Groundwater variations in different terrains and their impact

Groundwater behaves differently based on the varied terrains and weather found across the country, impacting homes in different ways - 

1. Plains - Living in the plains can pose challenges due to the rising water tables. Excessive rainfall may elevate groundwater levels, . Without the right waterproofing solutions, this can lead to water seepage and rising water dampness inside your house.

2. Hilly regions - Hilly areas, like in North India, are prone to snowmelt and runoff, which leads to rising groundwater levels. Even though the groundwater tables aren't as high as the plains, they still pose a risk to the houses. Implementing underground water leakage solutions is a must in hilly regions with heavy rain/snowfall.

3. Coastal areas - Areas like Chennai or Mumbai face issues like saline groundwater intrusion, along with humidity. Tackling these issues requires proper waterproofing solutions that ensure the foundation’s long-term water resistance.

    

Foundation waterproofing (which can be done only during house construction) becomes extremely vital in these areas to prevent rising water dampness and related damages. 

Effect of water seepage through groundwater

Water seepage through groundwater can lead to potential damage to various parts of your house -

1. Walls - Moisture infiltration through hairline cracks results in peeling paint and mould growth that can cause serious health hazards. 

2. Flooring issues - Tile and laminate flooring can loosen or become uneven. Wooden or plywood floors may swell up due to water absorption.

3. Furniture damage - Wooden furniture that has come in contact with damp walls or floors is prone to warping, damage, etc. Mould and mildew growth is also a possibility, which can pose a serious health risk to everyone living in the house.

How to stop water from coming from the ground
 

Now that you understand the importance of foundation waterproofing, let’s go through some of the ways by which you can secure your home.

Protecting your home from groundwater requires a proactive implementation of waterproofing solutions, particularly during construction. Adequate slope grading and facilitating proper drainage, which directs water away from the foundation, can prevent water seepage and rising water damage.

However, the most effective protection comes from below-ground waterproofing, using the right waterproofing products during house construction. This pre-emptive step acts as a strong underground water leakage solution, preventing potential damage to floors, walls, furniture, etc. 

The best way to ensure your house’s safety and longevity is to actively take care of foundation waterproofing during construction itself! Remember, foundation waterproofing cannot be done once your property is already built. So, ensure that all the waterproofing solutions are implemented from day one to protect your home from any potential threat posed by underground water damage. 

To wrap up

Groundwater can affect houses in various terrains and climates, which is why foundation waterproofing becomes important regardless of where you live. Investing in the right underground water leakage solutions can protect you from the heartache of severe water damage in the future. Additionally, waterproofing your house during construction is one of the best ways to reduce your long-term home maintenance costs. 

   
If you want to know how to stop water coming from the ground in the quickest and most cost-effective way, then seek the guidance of Dr. Fixit’s waterproofing experts. Dr. Fixit provides waterproofing solutions and guidance for all parts of the house, including below-ground waterproofing. You can contact Dr. Fixit’s experts by filling out the form on this page. 

FAQs
 

1. What is groundwater damage, and how does it affect my home
   
   Groundwater damage is structural damage caused by water travelling underneath the foundation of your house. Significant groundwater damage can lead to various issues such as swollen floorboards, loosened tiles, dampness in walls, and mould growth. 
    
2. How can I tell if groundwater is seeping into my house?
   
   Some common signs of groundwater seepage include dampness in the lower parts of your walls, paint chipping, swollen wooden floors, mould growth at the corners of your house, and loosening of floor tiles. 
    
3. How to stop water coming from the ground?
   
   The best way to stop groundwater seepage is to implement foundation waterproofing during the construction of your house. Using the appropriate waterproofing solutions during construction will safeguard your house for years to come by preventing long-term water damage and other water seepage-related issues.
    
4. How serious is groundwater seepage for long-term home safety?
   
   Groundwater seepage can seriously damage the structural integrity of your house by weakening your foundation. The foundation is the very base of your house upon which everything else is built. So, any damage to your foundation can pose a major risk to the safety of your house and everyone inside. Additionally, groundwater seepage can cause various other issues, such as mould or mildew growth, which can be a health risk if not dealt with quickly. This is why below-ground waterproofing is an important part of any house’s construction. 
    
5. Can groundwater damage reduce my property value?
   
   Yes, visible groundwater damage can reduce your property’s value. The greater the damage, the more it will affect your selling price. Implementing underground water leakage solutions is highly recommended if you plan to resell your property in the future.