Basement moisture is a common problem that many homeowners have to deal with. Because basements are notably dark and damp areas of the home, it is important that homeowners take the necessary actions to keep their moisture levels in check. This will help prevent structural damage, toxic mould, and all the other issues that can be caused by a damp basement.
But before we jump into solving the problem, it is important that we first understand what the problem is. In this article, we shall be taking a look at the various causes of basement moisture and what you can do to fix them.
Knowing the Signs of Basement Moisture
As a homeowner, it is very crucial that you are able to identify all the warning signs of basement moisture, so you can fix things before they get worse. Bear in mind that the early signs of basement moisture may not be very obvious, and the moisture may also present itself in a number of different ways.
Some of the tell-tale signs of basement moisture include; a damp smell (humid air), blisters or stains on the walls, deteriorating carpet or wood, saturation at the base of concrete walls (forming a ring of dampness), water trickling out of the walls, smell of mould or mildew, rotting headers, columns and joists, condensation on the floor and walls, and the obvious standing water on the floor.
Common Causes of Basement Moisture
Below are the top 5 common causes of basement moisture and how you can fix them.
1. Interior Water Leaks
One of the first things you should always check for when trying to identify the cause of basement moisture is inside water leaks. There are numerous places where these water leaks could come from. Some of them are; faulty pipes, showers, toilets, washing machines, sinks, and dishwashers.
Usually, an interior water leak is to blame if the location of the basement moisture is on the walls and ceilings that are beneath a kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom. Another common issue is rising dampness, which you will most likely need a rising damp specialist to fix the issue adequately.
What you can do to fix it?
Fixing an interior leak is actually quite easy. Simply determine the exact location of the leak and repair it. If you have no experience repairing leaks, make sure to hire a plumber to do it for you so you don’t end up making the problem worse.
3. Cracks in the Foundation
If your property’s foundation has cracks in them, water can very easily make its way into your basement. In some cases, excess groundwater (as a result of poor drainage) may even be the cause of these foundation cracks. Improper connection of the floor joists to the foundation walls can also cause the walls to move and form cracks which, in turn, allows moisture to get in.
What you can do to fix it?
The solution here varies depending on the root cause of the foundation cracks. If an accumulation of groundwater (hydrostatic pressure) is what caused the cracks, then carrying out repairs to your exterior drainage system should fix the problem. The existing cracks will, of course, still need to be repaired. However, if the cracks are as a result of structural problems, proper connections, and footing (anchor bolts or straps) will need to be put into place to seal the gaps.
3. Missing/Defective Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts serve the purpose of directing rainwater (ground water) away from the foundation of your property. When these gutters and downspouts are compromised or missing, the rain water will often be directed toward your property’s foundation, and it can eventually make its way into your basement.
What you can do to fix it?
If you don’t have gutters in place, consider adding them. Also, make sure to repair or replace any defective gutters. At least one downspout should also be placed at every 50ft of your roof’s eave. Each downspout should also have extenders that can disperse water (at least 4ft) away from your foundation. Also, in order to ensure that your existing gutters continue to function properly, regular cleaning is required.
4. Ineffective Grading
Poor grading can also be the reason why rain water (ground water) easily gets into your basement. Ideally, the ground around your property’s foundation should slope away and drain water from it, not towards it. If this isn’t the case and water is draining in the wrong direction (towards your house), that water can very quickly accumulate against your home’s foundation and make its way into the basement.
What you can do to fix it
Building up and making sure that the dirt around your foundation is properly compacted to create a slope directing ground water away from your house.
5. Poor or Missing Drain Tile and Sump Pit
A good number of houses (especially older ones) don’t have sub-surface drainage systems. This is because the basements of those houses were often not intended to be used as habitable spaces; thus, a sub-surface drainage system wasn’t important. For many modern homes that do have these drainage systems, it is also possible to experience problems with them. Some of these problems can range from a broken connection and clogged pipe to a broken sump pump.
What you can do to fix it
Adding a sub-surface drainage system or fixing problems with one can be a very serious and complicated project. The process involves digging up your home’s flooring and adding a drainage system that will lead to a pump for expelling all moisture.
If poor or missing sub-surface drainage is the cause of moisture in your basement, then the best thing you can do is to call in the professionals. This will ensure that the job gets done right the first time.
Conclusion
Basement moisture is a serious problem that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. By knowing how to identify the causes of basement moisture and what you can do to fix them, you are already taking a very important step toward ensuring that your basement continues to remain moisture free.
