Can Water Damage Concrete Foundation?

Water can absolutely damage your home’s foundation.

Strong, resilient, and seemingly impenetrable, concrete foundations serve as the bedrock of every structure, providing stability and support. Yet, beneath their robust exterior lies a vulnerability that many overlook: water damage. Whether it’s through flooding, leaks, or stagnant underground pools around your wall, water can seriously damage your concrete foundation.

In this article, we delve into the critical question: Can water damage concrete foundation? Exploring the effects of water on concrete, we uncover the underlying mechanisms of deterioration, identify common signs of water damage, and offer practical solutions to safeguard your foundation against this silent menace.

Let’s get into it.

How Foundation Water Damage Happens 

Despite being an extremely durable material, concrete is susceptible to water damage because it is a porous substance. Through a process known as hydrostatic pressure—attributable to an oversaturation of water in the surrounding soils—water is forced through the concrete’s “pores” which causes structural damage. This can also lead to excess moisture, bacteria, mould, and mildew growth. 

Beyond hydrostatic pressure, there are two other ways water can damage your concrete foundation walls. 

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Soil Erosion 

Soil erosion is typically caused by rainwater running over the dirt around your home; the foundation can settle or sink without warning due to the decrease. This is a natural process that should be accounted for during a home’s construction. 

Expanding or Retracting Soil 

Rainfall can also cause soil to swell as it absorbs water, which will lead it to exert force against your home’s foundation. Conversely, during a drought, the ground will retract and cause your home to sink—this can also lead to dangerous foundation cracks. 

4 Signs of Water Damage to Foundation 

Some signs of water damage to foundation are easy to spot, while others are a bit more complicated. Here are four you need to be aware of when determining whether or not you have a water-damaged foundation or foundation cracks causing water damage. 

1. Moisture and Mould 

One sign of foundation damage is that your basement walls are damp, especially if there is mould growth accompanying it. Finding that the mould comes back after you’ve cleaned it is a telltale sign of foundation water damage. 

2. Foundation Wall or Floor Cracks 

Foundation cracks are perhaps the most obvious sign of damage, as they’re a visual representation of the water damage. Look for these along the basement floor, but also on the foundation walls as a byproduct of improper settling due to damage. It’s also worth monitoring your tiles or hardwood if you have them in your basement. 

3. Musty Basement Air 

A strange odour emanating from your basement is another sign of foundation water damage. While it’s normal for basements to be a bit stuffy, an especially musty scent is a red flag that something is wrong.

4. Wall Stains and Discolouration 

Since concrete is porous, any groundwater it absorbs will result in the walls getting discoloured or stained. This is because dried water in the concrete will leave behind minerals and residue known as efflorescence. Black or grey stains are often attributable to mould growth. 

Avoid a Water-Damaged Foundation With Our Help 

So, can water damage concrete? The answer is yes—it’s one of the main reasons why a home’s foundation gets compromised. Whether it’s hydrostatic pressure or erosion to blame, the damage and consequences are the same. 

PRO Waterproofers can help you avoid the need for serious foundation repair with proactive residential basement waterproofing. Servicing homes in Hamilton, Burlington, and Oakville, we’ll outfit your basement to withstand natural forces before the signs of foundation water damage ever appear!

Don’t wait until you notice the structural integrity of your home is compromised—contact a foundation repair professional today and take advantage of our free in-home estimates!