Water infiltration: Proceed with the water test
It can seem very complicated to find the nature of a water infiltration and to determine the solutions to contain the problem when we do not know where it comes from. To do this, you can use the so-called water test technique to determine the severity of your façade or foundation cracks.
Cracks and water infiltration: What to think?
Water seeps in many ways, it makes its way through the slightest crack and at the slightest opportunity. Water infiltration in the foundation can cause many problems for your home.
What are the causes of water infiltration?
- Of course, one of the main reasons is the appearance of a crack in the walls or on the foundation floor.
- Concrete damaged or contaminated with pyrite.
- Clogged gutters.
- A backup of public sewers or septic systems.
- Non-existent, insufficient or defective waterproofing of foundations
An Apparent Crack
You’ve just discovered a crack in your house foundation and you have some doubts about it. The only thing that comes to mind is, “Is this crack really problematic?”
- Nothing dramatic, it’s too small;
- The crack is just on one side of the concrete wall;
- It does not extend to the base of the foundation wall.
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Cracks and water infiltration: What to do?
The only way to eliminate any doubt about the size of a crack is to use the water test technique. This very simple technique requires the use of a garden hose to establish conditions conducive to water infiltration. Ideally, the crack should be visible from inside the basement or be accessible directly from the concrete floor, near the wall where the crack is located so that you can assess the problem with your crack.
How to perform a water test
Here’s how to perform the water test ; It makes it possible to reproduce the initial conditions responsible for water infiltration :
- Use a garden hose, so that the water jet is directed directly at the visible crack in the foundation (foundation);
- Wait 30 minutes, the time needed, to confirm that this crack is indeed the cause of the water infiltration ;
- Remember that, in most cases, the waiting time for water infiltration is 2 to 5 minutes;
- Pay attention to the result obtained after this 30-minute waiting time. If there are no signs of water infiltration along the crack or on the floor inside the basement, this indicates that the crack is not a problem, but it does not mean that there is no problem. Further research is needed to find the real cause and ensure that it does not pose a risk to the structure of the building.
Even though an apparent crack is not always the only reason for water infiltration, it is still one of the most important causes. Remember to carry out a water infiltration test as soon as possible to detect the severity of your cracks. Assessing a crack will allow you to avoid significant deterioration of your walls or foundations and to proceed with repairs and sealing of foundation cracks.
At Groupe Fissure Expert Fondation, we offer you the best possible expertise to determine the nature of your water infiltrations and we repair your cracks using our various approved techniques.
If you have any questions or need to work with a Groupe Fissure Expert Fondation professional to protect your home’s foundation.