Most homeowners will eventually have to face basement moisture, whether it is minor or moderate. Many will simply accept basement dampness as a normal condition of homeownership, but even slight moisture will lead to possible serious problems—like structural damage and toxic mold growth, for example.
But the good news is that you can handle basement moisture effectively with a few different strategies. Among them, the one that helps quite a lot in absorbing moisture is a basement moisture absorber—something we will review in detail below.
It must be understood that basement dampness is not a situation to be accepted as normal, no matter how common or apparently harmless it may seem. The usual problems that a basement may have in holding water, and one can easily get informed on how to prevent this from the start. With the right support and knowledge, you can take the moisture head-on and have a healthier environment in your home.
Basements can exhibit tell-tale excessive moisture that may not always manifest as a puddle on the floor; indeed, dampness can take several forms with which it will make its appearance connected to basement building construction. Here’s a simple guide on what to check for when assessing your basement for signs of excess moisture:
– Water leaking through cracks in the walls
– Damp rings at the bottom of concrete walls
– Condensation on walls and floors
– Stained or blistered walls
– Surfaces that feel wet to the touch
– A sensation of humid air when breathing or moving
– Standing water pooling on the floor
– Deteriorating carpets or wood
– Warping in columns, headers, and joists
– A musty odor from mold or mildew
What are the most frequent causes of moisture in basements, and how can I address them?
So, what specifically leads to dampness in the basements of residential homes? In simple terms, the primary cause of basement moisture is leakage. However, there are various ways to address these leaks. It’s important to note that not every solution will effectively resolve the issue! Depending on your choice of fix, you could end up with disappointing results and have to redo the work in the near future.
Temporary fixes, such as moisture absorbers for basements, only treat the surface symptoms and provide a short-lived solution. While they can reduce the dampness in the air for a limited period, moisture will continuously seep into your basement and cause damage over time.
Our team at Level Up Foundation Repair recommends opting for professional water remediation services to ensure that moisture intrusion is permanently addressed. Here are some of the most effective methods that might be what your family needs to enhance their living environment.
Internal Water Leakage
While it may seem obvious, always start by checking for internal leaks when trying to identify the source of dampness in your basement. Look for common sources of water and see if any areas are leaking. For example, leaks could occur anywhere: in a shower, sink, toilet, or washing machine. Also, a dishwasher with a damaged pipe requires timely repairs to avoid significant water damage.
How to Resolve It: Repairing an internal leak is generally one of the simpler issues to fix. Address the leak yourself or hire a plumber, and the moisture should cease entering from that source.
Ineffective and Unusual Grading
An inadequate grading system can often lead to groundwater seeping into your basement. The ground should slope away from the house rather than toward it. If it slopes the wrong way, water will collect near the foundation and eventually find its way into your basement. The same problem can occur if the backfill around the foundation—the soil dug out during construction and then put back—is not adequately compacted.
Solution: To resolve this, you should create a slope away from your home by adding soil around the foundation in the right manner. Aim for a minimum slope of one inch for every foot over a distance of at least six feet.
Missing or Faulty Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts are designed to channel rainwater away from your home’s foundation. When these systems are either absent or malfunctioning, rainwater tends to accumulate around the foundation. Once this happens, it is likely to seep into your basement.
Solution: Consider installing gutters if you don’t have them. All gutters should be cleaned regularly, and it is important to install one downspout for each 50 feet of roof eave; each downspout should have extenders that direct water at least four feet from the foundation.
Foundation Cracks
Cracks in the walls of your foundation can let water into your basement. One of the most common causes of these cracks is water itself. If water doesn’t drain away from the foundation but instead accumulates against the walls, it creates hydrostatic pressure that can force water through the walls. If the floor joists are not properly fastened to the foundation walls, this pressure can move the walls and cause cracking. Even small openings can allow water to enter your basement.
Solution: The repair method will depend upon the root cause of the cracks. If the hydrostatic pressure is the reason, then improve drainage around the foundation to avoid the problem from worsening, and the cracks need to be treated. If structural issues are at fault, you will need to ensure proper footing support and connections to close any gaps. For more information on repairing foundation cracks, click here.
Ineffective Drainage Tile and Sump Pit
Many homes lack an underground drainage system. Older houses typically didn’t require such a system since basements weren’t intended for living space. However, newer homes that do have drainage systems often encounter issues. This can result from a clogged pipe, a damaged connection, or a malfunctioning sump pump.
How to Address It:
Unfortunately, resolving issues with your subsurface drainage system—or installing one where there wasn’t one before—poses a much larger challenge than the other alternatives mentioned. If you suspect that this is contributing to your problem, it’s advisable to consult professionals. The process usually involves removing your flooring to install a comprehensive drainage system along with a pump.
Choose Level Up Foundation Repair
To effectively manage moisture in your basement, it’s crucial to maintain the management of exterior water. Moisture intrusion issues can be corrected by seeking professional services, such as the ones offered by us here at Level Up Foundation Repair! Give us a call today at (816) 230-0101 or visit our website to learn more.
