Basement moisture can destroy your efforts to create functional living space . Over time , even small amounts of moisture can rot framing, turn wallboard to mush, and promote the growth of mold and mildew. Before proceeding with your basement project , you must deal with any moisture issues . The good news is that moisture problems can be resolved , often very easily .
Basement moisture appears in two forms :
condensation and seepage . Condensation comes form air borne water vapor that turns to water when it contacts cold surfaces. Vapor sources include humid outdoor air, poorly ventilated appliances , damp walls , and water released from the concrete . Seepage is water that enters the basements by infiltrating cracks in the foundation or by leeching through masonry , which is naturally porous . Often caused by ineffective exterior drainage, seepage comes from rain or ground water that collects around the foundation from a rising water table.
If you have a wet basement , you will see evidence of moisture problems . Typical signs include peeling paint, white residue on masonry ( called efflorescence ) which is big determination of red flag for basement water damage needs drying, and water proofing, mildew stains , sweaty windows and pipes , rusted appliance feet , rotted wood near th floor, buckled floor tile and strong mildew odor.
To reduce condensation , run high capacity dehumidifier in the basement . Insulate cold water pipes to prevent condensate drippage, and make sure you dryer and other appliances have vents running to the outside . Extending central air conditioning service to the basement can help reduce vapor during warm , humid months .
Crawl spaces can also promote condensation , as warm moist enters through vents and meets cooler interior air. Crawlspace ventilation is a source of ongoing debate, and there’s no universal method that applies to all climates . It’s best to ask the local building department for advice on this matter.
Solutions for prevent seepage range from the simple do0 it your self projects to expensive, professional jobs requiring excavation and foundation work. Since it’s often difficult to determine the source of seeping water, it makes sense to try some common cures before calling in professional help. If the simple measures outlined here don’t correct your moistures problems , you must consider more extensive action. Serious Water problems are typically handled by installing footing drains or sump pump systems. Footing drains are installed around the foundation’s perimeter , near the footing and they drain out to a distant area of the yard. These usually work in conjunction with waterproofing coatings on the exterior side of the foundations walls. Sump systems use an interior under slab drain pipe to collect water is ejected outside by an electric sump pump .
Installing a new drainage system is expensive and must be done properly . Adding a sump pump system involves breaking up the concrete floor along the basement’s perimeter , digging a trench , and laying a perforated drain pipe in a bed of gravel. After the sump pit is installed , the floor is patched with new concrete . Installing a footing drain is far more more complicated . This involves digging out the foundation , installing gravel and drainpipe and water proofing the foundation walls . A footing is considered a last resort measure . next blog will show preventions of water going away from house and drains properly placed .