Leaky Basement

5/29/2013 at 4:26:58 PM

Hi Vincenza,

You mentioned that "Shortly after having the door installed I began having leaks in my basement walls again." If that means the first time it rained after the door was installed, the answer is obviously yes.

My question to you is did you call them immediately and tell them that the storm door is the only thing that changed? If you got on record immediately, you should be able to get them out to have a look and sort out your problem.

Good Luck with it!

Jim Kuzma

Kettleby Handyman Services

5/29/2013 at 5:45:55 PM

Hi Jim,

I did and this issue with them went back forth for almost a year. See when they first came to install it, the person, drilled holes and cut things in the door way which he never filled or caulked. .Each time they sent someone to caulk it, it would hold up for a while and then the water would leak in again.

The leaks occur underneath the staircase which is right below the door in question. When all of this was happening, the store blamed my waterproofing guy and he blamed the store/door installation....I think it does have to do with the door.

Since i'm no longer dealing with the store, what can be done to stop the water from seeping through?

5/29/2013 at 8:15:04 PM

Vincenza,

Do you know what weeping tile is? I believe this may be lacking. Weeping tile is a drail that is buried around the foundation of a house and it's purpose is to drain escess water from accumulating and possibly causing leakage. Part two is your door. depending on the hight relative to the ground level, this may be defective or a poor installation job. The foundation should rarely be tampered with that's why I tend to think it may be something else.

To assist, if you think it's the water proof versus the door store, I'd suggest contacting another foundation (waterproofing) company for their opinion. If the construction was done properly, this issue should not happen. Maybe the second opinion (in writing) could assist with a shared cost from both the door people and the first water proofer, and just get the problem fixed.

Regards,

Mark

5/29/2013 at 8:59:51 PM

The bungalow is over 50 yrs old. The area where the water is seeping in was waterproofed...so should I get a second opinion regarding the waterproofed area?

The waterproofing guy said that bricks are porous and absorb water. He suggested I get the house stucco in order to make the outside of house waterproofed?

5/30/2013 at 3:50:07 PM

Without actually seeing the problem area (pictures would be cool) I can almost guarantee the problem is a sump pump issue. Especially if water is coming in through the walls, waterproofing is great, however if there isn't a proper sump pump to take the water away believe me it will find its way in.

I think you will find that the installation of the door is an unfortunate coincidence.

5/30/2013 at 5:11:10 PM

Hi Vincenza,

There could be many possibilities for the water problem.

You should post your project on Handy Canadian and have a contractor experienced in building envelope go take a look at your home.

Contractors offer free quotes, so you can get a couple to take a look and give you advice on fixing the problem.

Good Luck.

5/30/2013 at 9:36:54 PM

You are most likely right about the back door, as a Hardwood Installer i have done many repairs in new homes due to a door not being sealed properly.

5/30/2013 at 11:32:19 PM

Thank you everyone, for your feedback/suggestions.