What Causes Basement Moisture?

If there is mould or mildew in your basement, the moisture is probably coming up from the ground. There are a number of potential sources of basement dampness, such as poor building practices or externally generated moisture. This article will discuss both preventative measures you may take to keep water out of your basement and popular ways for fixing leaks that have already formed.

Understanding The Best Basement Waterproofing Techniques

If you're a homeowner, few things are more annoying than dealing with a damp basement. A minor leak or puddle may appear to be harmless at first glance, but they may actually be precursors to a much larger problem. Many costly and time-consuming issues can be brought on by dampness in the basement. There are a variety of problems that can arise as a result of water in your basement, some of which are more severe than others. What can we do to prevent moisture from entering our basements and keeping the air their damp?

What Makes My Basement Moist Need Repair?

There is nothing more off-putting to guests than the musty odour that can result from a persistent pooling of moisture in the basement. The presence of mould and mildew in a damp basement is equally as unpleasant as the damage it may do to your possessions. In addition to causing allergic reactions, each of these viruses can aggravate preexisting respiratory diseases including asthma. If you're trying to sell your home but it has a damp basement, you may have a hard time finding buyers. Many will leave when they sense the damp air in your basement. Your number one priority should be making sure that the basement stays dry.

What Indicates Moist Basements?

Your home's walls and floor may be retaining a lot of moisture if you notice a persistent dampness there. Some of the following issues are signs that the basement of your Ohio house is damp or moist:

• Mold or mildew growth visible on the floor and wall surfaces
• Strangely cold or damp conditions are present on the walls.
• Efflorescence found on the walls and floors
• There are wet spots on the lower part of the wall that move upward.
• The paint and wallpaper on the floor peeled off.
• An abnormally high amount of condensation on your windows.
• Wetness causes tiles, vinyl, or carpet to become unfastened and lifting.

Why Does a Basement Get Moist?

The best way to know how to prevent basement flooding is to understand all the factors that can cause moisture to accumulate there. Water has an incredible knack for penetrating buildings, much to the chagrin of those who live there. Because of its design and construction, basements are especially at risk of developing mould and mildew. A few of the most typical causes of basement condensation are as follows:

Inadequate Drainage And Soil Systems

There is a risk of flooding in your basement from rainwater and groundwater if they do not drain away properly. Wetness in basements is typically caused by poor soil quality and inadequate drainage. Water will collect around the house's foundation if it is not redirected elsewhere, and eventually it will make its way inside through any available door or window.

Gutter Maintenance Issues And Improper Installation

Your home's foundation will thank you for installing gutters to divert water away from it. However, if they are not installed properly or if they become clogged with debris, water will drain around your foundation instead of away from it.

Improper Slope

Your home's foundation should be set on terrain that slopes away from your house, not towards it. The stability of your home's foundation is at risk if water pools around it instead of draining away.

Hydrostatic Pressure

Hydrostatic pressure is created when water collects near your building's foundation. As the weight of the Earth presses down on water, that liquid will try to find a way out of there. As a direct result, water will seep into your basement through any crevices it finds in the floor or walls. When the pressure is high enough, cracks can form.

Your Basement's Cracks

Water can easily leak into your basement through any holes it can find in the foundation's floors, walls, and around any windows or doors. Due to water's tendency to seek the path of least resistance, water can easily seep in through these fissures.

Condensation

High humidity is a common characteristic of basements. Condensation not only brings the risk of water damage, but also the growth of mildew and mould in some cases.

Common Sources Of Basement Moisture Issues

Window Wells With Poor Design

The issue is that, like drains, basement window wells are positioned right adjacent to the walls. Oftentimes they are built improperly, directing water towards rather than away from the base.

The ANSWER is to fill the entire depth of the window wells with coarse aggregate (between 3/4 and 3/8 of an inch in size). The auxiliary drain tile has to be extended from the footing all the way down to the bottom of the window well.

Inadequate Grading

The issue arises when the ground around the foundation is flat or slopes inwards towards the building. The result is water seeping into the cellar below. Insufficient compaction of the backfilled soil immediately adjacent to the house is a common cause of settlement. Water might collect close to the basement wall under stoops.

Soil should be placed around the perimeter of the home such that it progressively slopes away from the wall by at least six feet to prevent water from accumulating against the foundation.

Ineffective Sump and Drain Tile

Many existing residences do not have access to any sort of underground drainage system, which is a major problem. This is a relic from the days when underground levels were not meant for human habitation. Sometimes the systems aren't working because of things like a collapsed pipe, a clogged pipe from silt and tree roots, or a severed connection to the sump. The pipe is typically the root of the problem in all of these instances. A pump located in the sump pit is used to transfer water from the sump pit to the ground outside of the foundation wall. There is a possibility of pump failure.

Please refer to Methods 2–5 listed below for a possible resolution.

Structural Cracks

Foundations made of concrete or concrete blocks often crack and need to be repaired. If the floor joists are not properly fastened to the foundation wall, the wall may shift, which could result in costly repairs. Earth sinking is another contributing factor to cracking. The fireplace and other such solid structures often cause the walls to crack. Most of the time, water seeping through cracks can be drained away without the need for a repair, but there are exceptions.

Building on top of a well-designed footing is only as safe as the link between the concrete foundation and the structure.

Gutters And Downspouts That Are Broken Or Missing

Rainwater is pooling at the perimeter of the foundation because there are no gutters or downspouts to divert it elsewhere. Downspouts without an extension or splash block are worse than having none at all. It funnels the majority of the roof's precipitation to a small area not far from the basement.

The answer is to put in a downspout every 50 feet of eave length. Water discharge extensions must extend outward from the wall by at least 4 feet. Slanted concrete walkways surrounding basements are also excellent at guiding water in the right direction.

The Best Techniques for Basement Waterproofing

Now that we know what contributes to basement dampness, we can discuss how to prevent it in the future. Waterproofing a basement can be done in one of three ways:

Drainage

One of the most common causes of basement wetness is issues with the drainage. Fixing a broken drainage system or putting in a brand new one might be necessary steps in this process.

Each situation is different, so it's important to have a firm grasp on the specifics of your home's waterproofing issues. If you want to make a very successful waterproofing system, you'll need to employ all three of these methods.

Exterior

Exactly as you might have thought, these are things that can't be done in the comfort of your own home. The goal of these methods is to block any potential water entryways before they even have a chance to do any damage. Some solutions include a waterproof membrane on the buildings outside walls and drainage systems on the roof and ground.

Interior

These are just a few of the things you can do to stop water from seeping into your basement from the inside. These methods are often utilised following the identification of a preexisting problem. Sealants and coatings, as well as condensation-preventing methods, may be used for this purpose.

Interior Waterproofing

Waterproofing from the inside is usually the cheapest and easiest method. Typically, they will first check to see if all of the gaps and cracks in your basement's walls, floors, and around the windows and doors have been properly sealed and are completely watertight. Taking this measure is the first line of defence against water damage. The first step in keeping your basement dry is to carefully seal any cracks you find there, as water typically enters our basements through such openings.

By filling in the gaps with sealants made for this purpose, you can successfully stop any further water from getting inside. These sealants often have a high rate of success, and they come with long guarantees of performance.

Waterproof sealants and other methods for interior waterproofing are also useful for lowering relative humidity and so preventing condensation. These materials can be used to waterproof the basement by coating the walls and floors. Interior sealants are an important part of the waterproofing process as a whole, but they won't fix the real problems that are causing the moisture in the first place. Most significant issues are external and require a more global perspective.

Exterior Waterproofing

Most of the time, the problem that causes a damp basement originates outside the house. Since this is the case, it is essential that you consider more than just the basements outside walls while attempting to seal it from the elements. Unlike the simple sealing approach, we use on the inside, the method of waterproofing the exterior of a structure is typically quite difficult. It is important to consult a specialist when weighing the pros and cons of several approaches to waterproofing the outside.

In order to effectively waterproof the exterior of a house, it is typically necessary to excavate the dirt around the foundation. As you can expect, this procedure will call for a great deal of physical exertion and cumbersome machinery. Once the ground has been cleared a water-resistant sealer can be sprayed on the outer walls of the building. This sealant, typically made from polymers, is meant to last for the lifetime of the structure. Waterproofing the exterior of a building is best done at the same time as the rest of the construction.

Guttering systems should also be mentioned when talking about exterior fixes. If your gutters are built properly, rainwater will be directed away from your home's base. But if they aren't set up or maintained properly, these systems might backfire. If your gutters become blocked or if they drain too closely to the foundation, water will pool there. Right here is where you don't want any moisture to be. Maintaining free flow requires that you keep your gutters clean and free of debris at all times. To prevent water damage to your property, check that the downspouts are installed at the proper height and lead water to the foundation.

Drainage Systems

Wetness in the basement usually indicates a larger problem with the local drainage system. If you want to keep your basement dry, you must guarantee that your property has enough drainage in all directions. These drainage systems were created to reroute liquids (such rainwater and groundwater) away from your home's substructure.

Several different types of drainage systems are available to help you manage the water around your home. First, you should take a look at the soil around your house because there are many different kinds of soil, and they all drain water differently. Make sure the soil around your home drains swiftly and does not retain water.

Because every home is different, it's important to carefully examine the drainage system near yours. Look at the slope of the earth away from your house's foundation. The ground should slope away from your house's foundation rather than towards it. It's probable (but not guaranteed) that you'll need to set up a sump pump to get rid of any puddles of water that have formed within your house. These subsurface drains collect water near your house's foundation and move it in the opposite direction of your basement.

These infrastructures should be constructed to continue functioning in the event of a power outage. Putting in a sump pump or other form of indoor drainage system may seem like a huge undertaking because of the amount of work involved. Always consult a professional before attempting this method of waterproofing on your own.

An Overview of Basement Moisture Problem Solutions

Finding low-cost and easy fixes is the best place to start when confronted with a building problem. The next step is to follow a logical progression by carrying out the action with the highest probability of success and the lowest cost. For example, if there is a problem with moisture, it is usually best to eliminate or limit the moisture rather than trying to put a stop to it in the final defensive line.

One of the quickest and least expensive ways to solve this problem is to increase the basement's air flow and get rid of the water's internal sources.

Second, don't open windows that let hot, humid air into the basement during the summer if condensation is an issue there. An alternative to open windows is to install an HVAC or desiccant heat exchanger.

A Permanent Fix Is Not Dehumidification

Although dehumidification can help alleviate some of the problems associated with excessive moisture and musty odours in a basement, it is not a long-term solution. Using a dehumidifier in a basement that already has moisture issues, however, could make the situation much worse. If the air in the basement is dry out, extra moisture will be pulled in faster, causing eclogite and spalling of the concrete and significant damage to the interior finishes.

An Interim Fix Would Be To Use An Interior Coating Or Membrane.

When dealing with a wet basement, it can be tempting to try and seal it off from the inside with a Coating Or Membrane. The cost is much lower than putting in a drainage system, and it seems to work for a while. However, water is still present, and these systems will eventually break down or divert water into the basement through another entry point.

Recommended Approach

After finding and fixing any leaks or other sources of moisture inside the house, you should check the external ones by inspecting downspouts, the gutters, and grading around the structure. This should be done after all possible sources of moisture have been eliminated from the inside. To begin resolving the issue, these components should be prioritised for repair.

If condensation continues to be a problem, you may need to install a drainage system, either inside or outside. Below, I'll go into depth about each of these approaches. Before doing any finishing work in a basement, the flooding problem should be addressed.

An effective sub-slab depressurisation system will include the use of a layer of washed rock. Potentially reducing the quantity of moisture vapour entering the house through fractures in the slab, this approach involves moving moist air from below the slab into the dwelling. In addition, it lessens the amount of radon and other harmful substances in the soil.

Step-by-Step Method

• Suppress all potential causes of indoor condensation.
• During the hot summer months, ventilation with outside air should be avoided.
• gutters, downspouts, and the right grading all work together to form a drainage system.
• Create a drainage system, whether it be indoors or outside.

Notes

• To some extent, dehumidifiers can alleviate the discomfort associated with excessive moisture and musty odours, but it won't solve the fundamental problem.
• It is rare that an interior Coating Or Membrane, without drainage, can solve the issue permanently.
• The insulation can't be put up until the walls are completely dry. Carpeting can't be put down until the concrete is heated and dry.

Which Method Is Right For You?

It has already been mentioned that every home is special in its own way. As a result, the best method of waterproofing one home may not be the best method for another. There are numerous factors to think about whenever you're performing basement maintenance. Each situation is different, but in most cases, prevention is preferable to repair. Best results can be expected from waterproofing your basement before water is present. Significant problems, such as the need for costly repairs and a great deal of stress, can result from water damage.

While it may be tempting to put off waterproofing your basement in the short term in order to save money, doing so can result in much larger expenses down the road. Various methods exist for waterproofing a basement; it's up to you to do the research necessary to find the one that's ideal for your needs.

Your property is perhaps the single most valuable item in your financial portfolio. Precautions must be taken to ensure its safety, as it is a top priority. Don't wait until you're in the midst of a problem before taking action. A preventative approach can help you save money by reducing the amount of time and effort needed to fix any water damage in your basement. If you need further advice on how to waterproof your basement throughout the winter, don't hesitate to get in touch with the helpful experts at Triad Basement Waterproofing.

Conclusion

Basement dampness causes costly and time-consuming issues. Moisture-filled basements can be caused by poor construction. Repairing leaks is as important as preventing water from entering your basement. Poor soil quality and poor drainage frequently cause moist basements. Water that pools around a home's foundation might undermine it.

Moisture accumulation causes flooding and mould, and mildew growth. Most settlement is caused by loose dirt that wasn't compacted enough during backfilling. Water pools against basement walls under stoops. If the floor joists weren't properly attached to the foundation, it could be expensive to fix the wall. Most buildings are best waterproofed from the inside.

Sealants, coatings, and other approaches prevent condensation. Inefficient drainage systems may need replacements or repairs. If the basement is damp, the drainage system may be at fault. Unrestricted water movement requires always-clear gutters. Set downspouts at the right height to prevent water damage.

To remove standing water, you'll probably require a sump pump. However, increasing system airflow is a quick and cheap remedy. A sub-slab depressurisation system brings moist air from below the slab. This reduces the amount of moisture vapour entering through slab fractures.

Content Summary

• If your basement has mould or mildew, the moisture is probably coming up from the ground.
• There are some potential sources of basement dampness, such as poor building practices or externally generated moisture.
• This article will discuss preventative measures to keep water out of your basement and popular ways to fix leaks that have already formed.
• Many costly and time-consuming issues can be brought on by dampness in the basement.
• There are a variety of problems that can arise as a result of water in your basement, some of which are more severe than others.
• Your number one priority should be making sure that the basement stays dry.
• Some of the following issues are signs that the basement of your Ohio house is damp or moist: Mold or mildew growth visible on the floor and wall surfaces. Strangely cold or damp conditions are present on the walls.
• Because of its design and construction, basements risk developing mould and mildew.
• The stability of your home's foundation is at risk if water pools around it instead of draining away.
• As a direct result, water will seep into your basement through any crevices it finds in the floor or walls.
• Water can easily leak into your basement through any holes it can find in the foundation's floors, walls, and around any windows or doors.
• The issue is that, like drains, basement window wells are positioned right adjacent to the walls.
• Insufficient compaction of the backfilled soil immediately adjacent to the house is a common cause of settlement.
• Soil should be placed around the perimeter of the home such that it progressively slopes away from the wall by at least six feet to prevent water from accumulating against the foundation.
• Many existing residences do not have access to any underground drainage system, which is a major problem.
• A pump in the sump pit transfers water from the sump pit to the ground outside of the foundation wall.
• Building on a well-designed footing is only as safe as the link between the concrete foundation and the structure.
• One of the most common causes of basement wetness is drainage issues.
• Each situation is different, so it's important to grasp the specifics of your home's waterproofing issues.
• Some solutions include a waterproof membrane on the building's outside walls and drainage systems on the roof and ground.
• Interior These are just a few of the things you can do to stop water from seeping into your basement from the inside.
• Waterproofing from the inside is usually the cheapest and easiest method.
• Since this is the case, you must consider more than just the basement's outside walls to seal it from the elements.
• Unlike the simple sealing approach we use on the inside, waterproofing a structure's exterior is typically quite difficult.
• It is important to consult a specialist when weighing the pros and cons of several approaches to waterproofing the outside.
• Waterproofing the exterior of a building is best done at the same time as the rest of the construction.
• Maintaining free flow requires keeping your gutters clean and free of debris at all times.
• Wetness in the basement usually indicates a larger problem with the local drainage system.
• If you want to keep your basement dry, you must guarantee that your property has enough drainage in all directions.
• Several types of drainage systems are available to help you manage the water around your home.
• It's probable (but not guaranteed) that you'll need to set up a sump pump to get rid of any water puddles within your house.
• These subsurface drains collect water near your house's foundation and move it opposite your basement.
• Putting in a sump pump or other indoor drainage system may seem like a huge undertaking because of the amount of work involved.
• One quickest and least expensive ways to solve this problem is to increase the basement's airflow and eliminate the water's internal sources.
• Although dehumidification can help alleviate some of the problems associated with excessive moisture and musty odours in a basement, it is not a long-term solution.
• However, using a dehumidifier in a basement that already has moisture issues could worsen the situation.
• After finding and fixing any leaks or other sources of moisture inside the house, you should check the external ones by inspecting downspouts, the gutters and grading around the structure.
• This should be done after all possible sources of moisture have been eliminated from the inside.
• If condensation continues to be a problem, you may need to install a drainage system inside or outside.
• An effective sub-slab depressurisation system will include using a layer of washed rock.
• gutters, downspouts, and the proper grading all work together to form a drainage system.
• As a result, the best method of waterproofing one home may not be the best method for another.
• There are numerous factors to think about whenever you're performing basement maintenance.
• Best results can be expected from waterproofing your basement before water is present.
• Various methods exist for waterproofing a basement; it's up to you to research the ideal one for your needs.
• A preventative approach can help you save money by reducing the time and effort needed to fix any water damage in your basement.
• If you need further advice on waterproofing your basement throughout the winter, don't hesitate to contact the helpful experts at Triad Basement Waterproofing.