American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) confirms,
- Over 60% of basements produce moisture seepage.
- 38% have experienced mold and fungus growth due to elevated moisture problem.
A wet basement becomes a frequent household problem especially in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Homeowners spend hundreds to thousands of dollars for immediate repair and maintenance cost.
More repairs are expected during the hurricane period (June until November) and the winter season (December until February).
To clearly understand the reasons why basements become damp, you need to discover the source of the moisture. Ask yourself: Is it the humidity in the air? Is it the concrete floor? Is it a crack in the wall or floor? Do you need to repair a malfunctioning ventilation system?
Do You Have …?
Musty Smells
Your basement produces moisture problems after you notice wet spots on the floors and/or walls.
Persistent Condensation
Condensation leads to structural damages; therefore, it’s recommended to install a dehumidifier system immediately.
Cracks
Never ignore cracks no matter how small these are. Cracks are early signs of a bigger problem; therefore, these should be sealed immediately.
Clogged Gutters
Oftentimes, the problem isn’t from the inside of the house. Statistics reveal a 1,500 sq. ft. roof sheds about 940 gallons of water in an inch of rainstorm (About Home Repair, 2014). So, go outside and make sure your gutters are free from falling leaves and thick snow.
Poor Grading
Observe the type of soil around your house. It’s believed expansive soil causes structural problems (Basement Questions, 2006). The backfilled soil settles which cause low spots.
Patio Trouble
Sometimes, your patio causes wet basement problems if the lawn is higher than the veranda’s door threshold. Ask an expert how to solve this issue.
Improper Drainage
An improperly sloped driveway can allow water to get inside the basement. Before the problem gets worse, either apply concrete against your house where the driveway borders it or you ask the professionals to install a French drain system.
Short Downspouts
Clean gutters are not enough if the opening of the downspouts point directly into your foundation. These downspouts need extra extensions leading it away from your house.
Close Neighbors
Houses close together can cause problems. Your neighbor may have an extended downspout that dumps water in your property.
Groundwater Swelling
This is a serious basement problem. It’s best to call a team of waterproofing professionals to implement proper and long-term solution.
Remember: Repairing a wet basement requires careful observation usually trusted to a pro like Vulcan Basement Waterproofing.
Once you notice one or two things listed above, fix it if you can, or call Vulcan.
Never ignore even if the source of the problem is small. Ignoring means you’ll spend more money for repairing bigger problems in the future.