Water in the basement? A moisture spot on the wall? It's very likely that you're dealing with seeping groundwater. Our most important advice: take action quickly, because your fire insurance policy by no means covers all damage caused by groundwater. Some tips.
What is groundwater anyway?
Groundwater is rainwater that sinks into the soil, remains trapped between sand, clay or loam and is eventually stored deep in the soil. And it is indispensable: in Flanders, we get almost half of our drinking water from groundwater . Moreover, it keeps plants and crops healthy and protects nature.
But if the soil holds too much or too little water, this can cause problems. If the groundwater level is too low, fields can quickly become too dry. If the groundwater level is too high, the water works its way through every possible crack and can cause damage to your house or commercial building.
Are you insured against seeping groundwater?
Every home policy or fire insurance also includes coverage for water damage . If you have to deal with rising damp after a flood or extreme rainfall, for example, your insurance will usually cover the damage. But beware: damage caused by seeping groundwater is generally not covered.
Why not? Because these damages are caused by an "inherent defect" in the building: therefore, as the owner, you could have them prevented. Avoid unpleasant surprises and start with the tips below!
Preventing damage from groundwater
The Vlaamse Milieumaatschappij closely groundwater levels on this interactive map you can look up how groundwater levels are evolving and what the expectations are for the coming decades. for your municipality
What kind of damage can your home or commercial building suffer from rising groundwater levels? Here are some common risks and the precautions you can take.
Damp or flooded basements and crawlspaces
Very annoying! Not only because your belongings get damaged by the water or humid air, but also because the moisture keeps working its way up and can also affect walls on higher floors.
A soaking wet basement? Install a submersible pump that automatically kicks into action when water comes in. Treat basement walls, whether concrete or masonry, with a coating that seals the pores in the material. Pay extra attention to sealing all seams and cracks, as these are typically weak spots. And repair cracks immediately.
If the water keeps returning, you may need to call in a specialist and install a drainage system around the foundation of your basement.
Rising moisture through the walls
Building materials such as bricks are porous and therefore tend to "soak up" water. You can counter this by applying a waterproof foil or a moisture-insulating coating between the foundation and the walls. To stop rising damp, you can also inject the walls with a damp-proof gel. Finally, if you notice a slight spot of damp, take action immediately to prevent worse.
Mold formation due to groundwater seepage
Even if the basement remains dry, once moisture enters your home, mold gets free rein. The result: a musty smell, but above all an unhealthy environment to live and work in. By ventilating, you maintain air quality, so install a ventilation system or simply open windows and doors for 15 minutes every day. A also dehumidifier can help. Does mold pop up anyway? Remove it immediately with an antifungal agent. Otherwise, you risk it spreading further.
Growing problem
Groundwater is increasingly leading to problems. The causes?
Climate change is causing longer periods of increased and more intense rainfall. This overloads drainage systems and challenges the water resistance of basements and walls. We are also experiencing longer, very dry periods. Then (basement) walls dry out and cracks develop more quickly.
In recent decades, have been many changes made to the natural soil: more construction and paving (e.g. roads, driveways, terraces) make it more difficult for groundwater to percolate to the deeper soil layers and seek other outlets.
In other words, checking now to see if your home or commercial building is completely waterproof can a lot of in the futureprevent trouble, worry and expense . Schedule it soon!
Want to check in one motion what damage your home policy does or does not cover?
