A cove joint is the point where the wall meets the floor. Usually, there is a small gap in this junction, which makes it vulnerable to water intrusion. Since your home’s basement is below ground level, the natural pressure exerted by groundwater and surface water can force moisture indoors through the cove joint. This may lead to various moisture issues, such as dampness, mold growth, and structural damage.
It is important to take preventive measures to avoid cove joint seepage and address the issue promptly. The major solutions to eliminate cove joint leaks are improving your drainage system, grading your property to direct the water away from the foundation, and installing an internal drainage system. You can also install a waterproofing system in your basement to eliminate moisture caused by cove joint seepage. Professional waterproofing services help protect your home from water damage due to cove joint seepage.
What is a Cove Joint?
A cove joint is a joint where a wall surface meets the floor surface at an angle, forming an inside corner. If the cove joints in the basement have large gaps, water easily seeps through, leading to high moisture levels.
People sometimes place a concave mortar joint in cove joints, but this is not recommended. Sealing the cove joints can cause pressure buildup and divert moisture elsewhere. There are various methods to avoid cove joint seepage. When in doubt, consult the professionals and get rid of leaks permanently to keep your basement dry.
Main Causes of Cove Joint Seepage
Understanding the causes of cove joint seepage helps you deal with the issue effectively and prevent water damage. Here are the two major factors that cause water to seep through the cove joint gap:
1. Poor Exterior Drainage
Poor exterior drainage is one of the major causes of cove joint seepage. When gutters are not maintained properly, water accumulates around the foundation. Insufficient downspout extensions and improper grading in your landscaping also cause water to flow toward your foundation walls. If your home has negative grading, water pools around the foundation or the perimeter of the structure and eventually makes its way inside the building through the cove joints.
Water buildup can eventually erode the concrete around the cove joint and form cracks and gaps, allowing water to enter your basement more easily. Additionally, poor exterior drainage systems can saturate the soil around the foundation, causing seepage and leading to bigger problems like foundation settlement.
2. Hydrostatic Pressure
Another major cause of cove joint seepage is hydrostatic pressure, which is caused by accumulated groundwater. When the soil around the basement becomes saturated due to the accumulation of water, it causes increased pressure on the basement walls.
Cove joint seepage due to hydrostatic pressure is more problematic during heavy rainfall or when snow melts. This raises the groundwater level and increases hydrostatic pressure. If this problem is not addressed in time, the increased pressure will lead to cracks formation and other severe structural issues.
There are various ways to mitigate the problems caused by hydrostatic pressure. You can schedule an inspection with a professional basement waterproofing company in New Jersey to accurately determine the cause of cove joint seepage and recommend effective solutions.
How to Fix Cove Joint Seepage
Cove joint seepage is a common issue that can raise moisture levels and dampness in your home. If not treated in time, it can severely compromise the structural strength. First Choice Waterproofing offers reliable solutions to this problem. Our team of professionals will provide you with valuable suggestions for fixing any cove joint leaks in your home.
Here’s our approach to addressing cove joint seepage:
1. Assess the Situation
The first step in addressing cove joint seepage is to assess the situation thoroughly. This involves identifying the causes of water intrusion in your home and analyzing the extent of the damage. Our initial assessment also helps us plan tailored solutions that take into account all the relevant factors.
2. Inspect the Joint
Once the source of the water is identified, the next step is to inspect the joint closely. This step focuses on looking for cracks, gaps, or other signs of deterioration in the joint. It is crucial to check the perimeter of the basement walls and floors to ensure that no cracks or gaps are missed.
3. Choose the Right Sealant
Sealing the cove joint is one way to stop water from entering. Epoxy, polyurethane, and silicon-based sealants are some of the sealants commonly used for cove joints. The choice of sealant is based on factors like the size and nature of the cracks, the movement expected in the joint, and the moisture content of the surrounding soil.
4. Clean the Joint
Before applying the sealant, make sure that the joints are clean. Dirt, dust, or debris present in the joint can hamper the bond between the sealant and the joint. To ensure a strong bond, the joint must be clean and free of dirt.
The joint can be cleaned with a wire brush, vacuum, or pressure washer. If you are using water for cleaning, ensure that the joint is totally dry before applying the sealant. The presence of moisture can prevent the sealant from adhering properly.
5. Apply the Sealant
Once the joint is clean and dry, the sealant can be applied. Make sure that you apply the sealant as instructed by the manufacturers. It should be applied throughout the perimeter, focusing on the areas that are most affected. You can also use a caulking gun for efficient application. After the application, leave the sealant to cure.
6. Inspect for Leaks
Once the sealant has cured, conduct a water test by pouring water along the perimeter of the building. If there are no signs of seepage, your job is done! If you notice any signs of seepage, the sealant may need to be reapplied. If the sealant does not work, you may need to explore other other waterproofing options.
7. Monitor Regularly
It is important to monitor the cove joint regularly, even after applying sealant. Regular maintenance can help prevent the expansion of any gaps or cracks in the cove joint. It also ensures that the joint is intact and keeps your basement dry and free of water damage.
Steps to Waterproofing a Cove Joint
Waterproofing the cove joint is a long-lasting solution that safeguards the building from any moisture-related problems. Here are some effective cove joint waterproofing solutions:
1. Drain Tile System
Installing a drain tile system is an effective method of waterproofing cove joints. These systems collect water and direct it to the sump pump or external drainage system, preventing water from accumulating in the joints. A drain tile system includes perforated pipes installed along the footing of the basement. These continuously evacuate water without causing flooding or eroding your foundation.
2. Sump Pump
First Choice Waterproofing also installs sump pumps, an essential component of the waterproofing system that protects against moisture buildup and basement flooding. A sump pit is constructed at the basement’s lowest point. When water accumulates, the sump pump activates, and the accumulated water is pumped out of your basement. This prevents water from pooling in your home, causing moisture issues.
Conclusion
Cove joints are a critical component in basement construction and should be maintained regularly. Due to hydrostatic pressure or poor drainage systems, these joints can cause leaks or moisture issues. By understanding and addressing these problems, homeowners can maintain a dry and healthy home.
If you’re noticing water issues in your basement, schedule a free inspection with us. The experts at First Choice Waterproofing have the experience to protect your home from cove joint seepage.
