Flooding is a serious problem for many people during Autumn. When rivers rise unexpectedly and overflow their banks, they can flood houses. Rainwater can also reach the coast via storm drains and cause coastal floods.
Groundwater flooding is an issue that can affect almost any house or building. Oftentimes, water can seep into basements or crawlspaces through cracks in foundations. Once this occurs, it can cause serious damage to your home or business because it can cause mold growth and structural damage. Water damage can take place very slowly, often taking days, weeks, and even months to occur. Sometimes, water can remain stagnant for quite some time before it starts affecting your property.
Flooding can cause serious problems if left unchecked. Properties can get flooded by both surface and groundwater. Groundwater flooding occurs when contaminated groundwater enters basements and rises above the basement floor. Contaminants enter the building through cracks in foundations, pipes, drains, walls, and floors. When contaminated groundwater reaches the basement, it flows into the foundation wall and then moves upwards towards the ceiling. Once it reaches the top of the basement, it escapes through the roof and contaminates the air we breathe.
What is groundwater flooding?
Groundwater flooding is an issue that affects many buildings around the country. In some places, the problem may not be noticeable until after heavy rain falls. However, if the water table rises too high, it could cause damage to the foundations and walls.
Perched aquifers are becoming increasingly common. They occur when there is an increase in the groundwater table because of rainfall. Water enters the ground through small holes in the surface, or through a broken pipe or drain.
In order to prevent flooding, it is important to know what kind of groundwater you have. Some types of groundwater cannot be stopped by conventional means. For example, if your property sits on top of an aquifer (a layer of porous rock), then water can enter your home without any warning.
Where is groundwater flooding most common?
In parts of England, the ground is prone to floods, and traditional landscapes including valleys and hillsides are often associated with groundwater. However cities aren’t immune either, groundwater can rise in places with soil, sand, and gravel as well.
In recent times, the city of London has faced a lot of problems related to the water supply. Homes all across the city are facing issues due to heavy rainfall and rising groundwater levels. Basement flooding is one such major issue that homeowners face. Before starting any project, it is vital to understand the problem and how it can be solved. In addition, it is also essential to identify potential hazards and risks involved.
The warning signs you need to watch out for-
Water may enter your home through doors, windows, or drains. Flooding can also come from rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, oceans, underground aquifers, and storm sewers. Floods caused by rain, snow melt, and heavy storms can affect buildings, roads, bridges, and utilities. there are a few warning signs that can help you identify if you might be at risk of being affected by flood waters.
- Local sewers are overloading and overflowing
- Damp patches appearing in lower levels of the property
- Water in your cellar/basement with no source
The code of practice concerning flood protection in underground structures states that risk should not be neglected for any basement or cellar, no matter how small. Although there are currently no indications, problems may occur in the future. Recent bad weather conditions have shown many unprotected cellars, meaning if your cellar is presently unprotected then now would be an ideal time to think about waterproofing.
How should you manage groundwater flooding?
Flooding prevention is based on the type of flooding you intend to prevent. Sandbag systems can only protect against surface water, and they do nothing to prevent groundwater from entering your home. A better option is to install an underground drainage system that channels excess water away from your property.
When it comes to flood control and drainage systems, there are many options available to you. What is suitable for your home will depend on a number of factors, so having someone who understands what you require and advises you on the best solution for you can save you money and stress.
Type A Barrier System (Tanking)
A tanking slurry or waterproof render may be utilized to shield against groundwater entry into foundations. Nonetheless, trusting only upon such a strategy to keep up dryness harm to your home could be unsafe.
To achieve a successful rendering job, establishing a strong bond between the render coat and the wall is essential. This can often be challenging because brick walls are very hard, and do not naturally adhere to the render coat. If the bond is absent, this can lead to failures of render coats, damping, and possibly flooding if it fails. The movement of structural elements may also cause cracks in render coats.
Type C Cavity Drainage Membrane
One of the most commonly used solutions is the Type C drainage system, an industry-recognized standard that works reliably. Before installing this system, you should do some research so that you’re confident about what you’re doing. You may also want to get professional help if you’re not familiar with plumbing systems.
A polymer studded floor is installed on the ground, and drainage channels lead into a sump and drain. The water enters the cellar through these channels and drains into an outlet located near the ground. Since this method requires no structural modifications to the foundation, it is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners who wish to improve the usability of their basements without tearing up their floors.
Why groundwater flooding is a risk you need to be aware of
Flooding occurs when groundwater levels rise above the natural level of the ground. When this happens, it is possible for your house to get flooded even if no rain falls. Water table rises are caused by changes in the land’s surface due to erosion, construction, or underground mining activities. These changes allow water to move into areas where it would not normally reside. To help prevent flooding, you must make sure that any new construction does not disturb the soil beneath your property. You can also install sump pumps to drain excess water from your basement.
Written by Joey Miller, author at London Waterproofing Solutions, groundwater and waterproofing specialists in London.
