Perustusvuotot

Perustusvuotot are moisture-related failures involving a building's foundation, typically affecting basement walls or floors where water enters from the surrounding ground. The term, used in Finnish construction and building maintenance, describes leaks or persistent dampness at or below ground level, often linked to water pressure and drainage conditions around the building.

Common causes include hydrostatic pressure from saturated soil, cracks or joints in concrete, inadequate exterior drainage, blocked or undersized downspouts, poor grading that slopes toward the foundation, and plumbing leaks inside the building. Freeze-thaw cycles and salt intrusion can also contribute to widening cracks over time.

Signs include damp or musty areas on basement walls or floors, efflorescence, staining, mold growth, peeling paint, and concrete spalling. Over time, continued perustusvuotot can damage insulation, promote mold, and compromise indoor air quality and, in severe cases, structural components of the foundation.

Assessment combines visual inspection with moisture measurements, humidity monitoring, and sometimes infrared thermography. A professional may check exterior drainage and perform tests to distinguish between external water intrusion and internal plumbing leaks.

Prevention focuses on proper drainage and waterproofing: grading away from the foundation, extending downspouts, cleaning gutters, and installing exterior waterproofing or drainage systems. Remediation can involve interior steps such as dehumidification and vapor barriers, sealing non-structural cracks with appropriate sealants, and injecting cracks with epoxy or polyurethane where suitable. In cases of active leaks or structural cracks, professional waterproofing contractors or engineers should be consulted; complex repairs may require underpinning or façade restoration.