Why Older Homes in Belleville Are More Vulnerable to Water Damage

Table of Contents

Older homes in Belleville usually have stone or brick foundations with limited waterproof barriers. During rainstorms and spring thaw flooding, these homes are vulnerable to water damage. Working with a waterproofing service can help you protect your home and direct water away from vulnerable spaces and structures. Here are some reasons older homes are more susceptible to water damage:

Damaged Foundations

Dated homes often have issues typically associated with old construction, including cracked or damaged foundations, floors, and walls. These issues provide easy access for water to enter the property. Cracks in the basement and foundation allow groundwater to seep in, causing damage. Basement wall and floor cracks are more common in older homes due to long-term wear and tear. They often go unnoticed until significant damage occurs. Scheduling annual maintenance inspections helps identify vulnerabilities and make timely repairs. Inspections usually cover:

Foundations
Basements
Garages
Patios
Pool decks
Sidewalks

A waterproofing service can seal foundation cracks and repair wall and floor damage, protecting your home from water damage. They may perform repairs for shifting or unevenly settled foundations. Repairing foundation issues and structural changes eliminates pathways for water to seep in. Some Belleville foundation and basement repair companies also clean dirty crawlspaces, reducing the risk of moisture buildup and mold growth.

Inefficient Waterproofing

Older constructions were built without modern waterproofing techniques, leaving them vulnerable to water damage. The homes feature brick and concrete foundations, which are porous and require additional waterproofing to prevent water from seeping in. Over time, the mortar can crumble, creating cracks through which water seeps into your home.

Outdated building materials, such as wood framing, plaster walls, and decaying sealants, also absorb more water during rainy seasons and heavy snowmelt. The water can linger unnoticed, resulting in moisture damage and mold growth, causing more structural deterioration. Upgrading to modern materials and sealants is one way to waterproof your home. Other measures include water-resistant barriers, vapor shields, and sealing the interior and exterior basement walls.

Poor Drainage

Aging homes may have inadequate drainage systems that are unequipped to handle modern flooding challenges. Weather and climate patterns change over time, ground shifts occur, and soil composition alters. In Belleville, dense clay soil traps moisture near foundations, and humid summers exacerbate moisture issues, promoting mold growth. To prevent these issues, work with a foundation and basement repair company to establish proper drainage systems. Updating the drainage system enables you to incorporate modern changes and address current needs. Draining solutions include grading the lot to direct water away from your home’s foundation, basement, and crawl spaces. Professionals may extend your downspouts, install backflow valves, and add egress windows in the basement. These updates help keep water and debris from entering your home.

Deferred Maintenance

Older homes may have deteriorated roofing and gutters, aging plumbing systems, and root ingress from overgrown trees. These homes require regular inspections to identify and repair issues that contribute to structural damage. Deferring maintenance allows cracks to enlarge and debris to accumulate in pipes and ducts. Clogged and loose gutters and downspouts struggle to direct water away from your home, increasing the risk of pooling and flooding.

When inspecting gutters and downspouts, fasten loose connections and clear blockages to restore efficient drainage. Some homes lack modern sump pumps and weeping tile systems, which are often standard in modern buildings. Upgrading to efficient alternatives with D/C battery backup helps avoid interruption during power outages. Schedule timely maintenance and repairs for small leaks and weaknesses before they escalate to major issues.

Schedule a Waterproofing Service Today

Aging homes are vulnerable to water damage regardless of location and require routine maintenance to protect them from flooding. Scheduling timely repairs and maintenance allows you to address issues and update old systems to restore efficiency. Contact a Belleville foundation and basement repair company today to schedule a professional waterproofing service.