You completed work for a client in the middle of summer, when the weather was warm and dry. Rainfall was minimal, everything appeared to be properly done, the ground was correctly leveled, and the perimeter of the house was well waterproofed. There were no signs of water infiltration. Even the underside of a balcony — an area that previously collected water — was modified so it would no longer receive any, allowing the space to be used for storage.
But when conditions change — and especially when the amount of water suddenly increases — one critical question remains: where does the water go?
HOW TO PREVENT WATER INFILTRATION
When the weather is mild, it can be difficult to predict or assess whether the work performed will withstand the water accumulations that will occur — and that now occur in large quantities, more frequently than ever. Heavy rainfall, sudden mid‑winter thaws, and extreme temperature swings make the evaluation even more complex. What appears perfectly functional in summer may prove inadequate in winter, when the ground is frozen, water can no longer infiltrate, and runoff behaves differently.
For this reason, when evaluating the client’s situation, the specific conditions of their property, and the work completed, the following key points should be verified:
- Is the ground sloped enough to direct water away from the house? A slope that is too shallow or angled toward the house can create a natural basin where water collects. Even a slight depression in the soil can become problematic during heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt.
- Are the gutters positioned so that water drains away from the house? It is equally important to ensure that the discharge point does not create a new accumulation. For example, a gutter that collects too much water on one side of the building may be redirected to the other side… but the neighbor already has a gutter draining in that same area. The result: water builds up and flows back toward the house. This situation is common in neighborhoods with narrow lots or closely spaced homes.
- Have window wells been installed in front of basement windows located at or below ground level? A properly installed window well — deep enough, well‑drained, and filled with appropriate gravel — can prevent major infiltration if water accumulates near the window. Unfortunately, window wells are often installed without drainage gravel or without a membrane, reducing their effectiveness.
Water infiltration in a basement
Here is a concrete example of a modification carried out by a contractor which, despite an initial inspection, resulted in water damage in a home’s basement. The underside of a balcony on a property over 10 years old was waterproofed so it would no longer receive water and could be used as storage space. After inspection, everything appeared normal: water dissipated properly, the soil absorbed it well, and no accumulation was visible.
What had not been anticipated — and could not realistically be verified during the summer — was that in January, during a combination of freezing temperatures, a thaw, and sudden rainfall, the water that normally accumulated under the balcony (before the work) could no longer drain. With the ground frozen, the water remained on the surface, creating a significant buildup. The window located next to the balcony, at ground level, then became an entry point for the water, resulting in a basement flood.
Why do these situations occur?
Several factors make the assessment challenging:
- A summer inspection does not reflect the reality of frozen ground in winter.
- The amount of water present during the inspection may differ greatly from that of an extreme rainfall event.
- The work may alter existing functional elements, changing how water naturally behaves on the property.
- Small details — a slight slope, a crack, a minor ground depression — can become critical when weather conditions worsen.
This is why it is essential to follow up with clients over time, especially when the work affects the base of the building, drainage, or any element that influences water management.
CONCLUSION
To ensure client satisfaction, it is always the contractor’s responsibility, once the contract is completed, to verify that any work performed at ground level or affecting the base of the building will prevent water infiltration through ground‑level windows or the foundation. A simple follow‑up visit, a drainage test, or an observation after heavy rainfall can make a significant difference.
When the work is planned with these considerations in mind and the verifications are carried out thoroughly, you will have a satisfied client — and you will avoid many future headaches.ucis.
