How to Prevent Hydrostatic Pressure

The greater the pressure of water, the greater the chance of severe leaking. When concrete slabs are appropriately installed beneath the grounds water level, pressure builds up against the walls of the slab. Over time this pressure will accumulate along with ground water in the soil to raise the water table. As the water table rises hydrostatic pressure is exerted underneath floors and walls and is forced in through foundation cracks. The water table is the level of water in the ground on which your home sits. There are a number of factors that can affect the water table near your home including the homes proximity to large bodies of water. Also affecting the water table is the frequency and the intensity of rain. As rain sinks into the ground the water table rises because it is unable to soak up all the water. The rising water creates hydrostatic pressure, pressing against the foundation of your home finding its way through any cracks or holes in the foundation. The more water that is in the soil, the greater the hydrostatic pressure. Hydrostatic pressure can also cause water vapor to seep through the pores of the concrete aiding in a much higher level of humidity. By preventively sealing your concrete with a Ghostshield Concrete Sealer like Vapor-Tek 440 hydrostatic pressure is reduced.