Wet basements can be annoying, causing a noticeable mustiness in the air; but if not addressed it can also lead to property damage and health issues as mold and mildew begins to develop. The good news is that most issues can be addressed with the right knowledge and tools.
Here we will address affordable and dependable ways of drying up a wet basement.
#1 Determine the Problem: The water comes either from the indoors or outdoors. Condensation occurs indoors and water vapor comes from outdoor sources. It is easy to determine if your problem is exterior or interior. Simply tape a piece of aluminum foil to one of the basement walls and leave it for a few days. When you check it, if the moisture is on the side exposed to the interior, the source is indoors; if when you remove the foil from the wall and moisture is directly on the wall, the culprit is the exterior, due to cracks or the porous concrete.
#2 Stop Excess Humidity: Adding a dehumidifier to the basement is always a good choice to reduce the effects of condensation and humidity, and some help filter the air. Other ways to stop humidity include sealing dryer vents with aluminum tape, or if you have a bathroom in the basement, have a vent installed and turn it on whenever the bathroom is in use.
#3 Repair Cracks and Holes: Hydraulic cement can be applied to holes and cracks in the walls and floors to seal for leaks.
#4 Waterproof the Walls: Walls can be waterproofed by a materials that roll on like paint. This seals the cracks and pores in the masonry and concrete. For proper adhesion, the walls should be brushed clean to remove any dust, debris or white powdery substance left by water vapor. When applying don’t be stingy and cause the application to be too thin, or it will not work properly.
#5 Install A Drainage System: This is a great option for a basement with major leaks. By installing tubing underneath the basement floor and connecting it to a sump pump, the water can be routed from the house. This method is a fairly simple do it yourself project and depending on the size of your basement will cost between $600 and $1500.
#6 Insulate Pipes: The cold water pipes that run throughout the house can easily become covered in condensation, which can be stopped by placing pipe insulation or foam on the pipes.
Protect Your Family
Don’t let wet basements get ignored. It is more than a musty smell and occasional dampness. Rodents and cockroaches are attracted to damp, dark environments and will their numbers will quickly multiply when they find a home. The waste produced by these pests cause health issues and can trigger asthma and other allergies. In addition to pests, mold and bacteria thrive in moist environments as well, causing more health issues; and can quickly spread to other areas of the house through the ventilation system.
If you suspect any of the above threats, contact us immediately so we can inspect your home and advise you on the best ways to make your home safe once again.
The Author Schenectady NY Home Inspections LLC is a locally owned and family operated Home Inspection Company. Schenectady NY Home Inspections is located in Schenectady NY and has performed over 6500 Inspections Book online
Phone: 1-800-603-5194
Comments