Monday, April 4th, 2011
Are you literally pulling your hair out trying to figure out the source behind the moisture entering your basement? Well, when excessive moisture enters your basement it can be quite a nuisance for any homeowner.
A basement is a very important asset to any home by adding usable square footage, whether you choose to use your basement as additional storage, a home office, a bedroom or additional living space for your family.
Basements, typically below ground level, tend to be cooler than the outside air, thus allowing for condensation issues to arise. In such cases, our homes function as chimneys sucking new air from lower levels and allowing them to escape through upper levels.
There are numerous reasons for a basement’s moisture issue. First, let’s indicate ways to know there’s a water problem and discuss ways to counteract these issues.
Indications of Basement Moisture
- Cracks and leaks in the foundation, walls, and floors
- Efflorescence; white, chalky stains
- Decaying wood
- Condensation that forms on un-insulated pipes and windows
- Lose or wet insulation
- Damp floors
- Moldy walls
- Damp or wet carpets
- Damp/musty smells and odors
Uncontrollable Humidity
Uncontrolled humidity in the basement of your home can allow mildew and mold to grow at a rapid speed and can cause health issues, water damage, and structural weakening.
However, there are steps a homeowner can take to keep the humidity in your basement under control and create a safe and dry location to store your valuables or create a cozy and comfortable living space.
Step 1–Maintain Your Gutter System
On a regular basis, check the outdoor gutters and downspouts on your home. Proper gutter systems will redirect and carry rainwater away from the foundation of your home, as a wet foundation has the tendency to contribute to humidity problems.
Step 2–Sloping the Ground Near the Foundation
Although it’s not the simplest task to perform, it is highly recommended to slope the ground around your home’s foundation, allowing the water to run away from your home.
To do this, slope the ground around your home in a 2% grade. The ground should be sloped away from your home in all directions. This, too, will allow rainwater to redirect itself away from your home making for a dryer basement.
Step 3–Fix Leaks
This may be the most important step of all. Fix any and all leaks. In doing so, you’re preventing a larger problem from occurring. You will never achieve a dry basement if there are always small leaks. At least once a month, check for leaks or drips in your basement. This includes water pipes and areas around your bathtubs, corner showers, and toilets.
Step 4–Weatherproof
It is a good idea to weatherproof the doors and windows of your home. This task can be achieved through an inexpensive tube of caulking.
Step 5–The Spigot
If your house has an outdoor spigot, check for leaks. Even with the least bit of effort, a dripping spigot can and will create a concrete-eroding puddle. If you discover a leak, take the route that can save you some money. Call the local plumber and have him fix the leak, then you won’t have to worry about waiting and repairing a ruined foundation.
Step 6–Dehumidifier
Humidity in a small space tends to create condensation. Consider placing a dehumidifier in your basement. The Tar Heel Dehumidifier is a high-capacity, high efficiency dehumidification system. It’s actually the best dehumidification system on the market today.
Ask an Expert
Above all, contact your local and trusted basement waterproofing expert. Tar Heel Basement Systems will examine your basement and recommend the best and most cost-efficient way to solve your basement issues. They offer a free estimate for basement waterproofing in Greensboro NC and all local areas. They’ll gladly discuss your options and give you plenty of time to make a decision.
