Most households use their basement space to store old and most valuable items. Therefore, it is essential to keep it dry and free of any mechanism that could cause damage. In addition, a fully furnished basement can add additional value for house resale. However, a wet basement might incur substantial costs for the homeowner. Many factors affect this cause, and the solutions can be challenging.
Today’s article will help every household understand its causes, find suitable solutions, and find the best person to hire when experiencing wet basement issues.
Mechanisms that Cause a Wet Basement
Understanding why your basement is damp is critical. Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks of a wet basement can result in health issues. So, calling a professional may assist you in resolving these issues as soon as you see the damage. Also, it is a good idea to find out where the water is coming from and the best solution to apply. First, look at the potential water sources and how they affect the property and its occupants.
The five common causes of wet basements are the following;
- Condensation
- Drainage Mechanism
- Blocked and Clogged Gutters
- Plumping Issues
- Ineffective Grading
1. Condensation
Condensation forms on your basement walls and floor when warm, humid, and wet air passes over them. Walls cool heated air, resulting in moisture accumulation. Condensation problems are considerably more straightforward and less expensive to fix.
2. Drainage Mechanism
An appropriate drainage system is essential. Unfortunately, the basement drainage systems may cause basement moisture in many modern homes. Broken sump pumps, clogged pipes, disconnected water connections, and many others are examples of the problems.
3. Blocked and Clogged Gutters
Gutters are a crucial part of drainage and rain management systems Too much dirt, leaves, trash, and shrubbery obstruct and clog them. If your gutters are not promptly maintained, water will flow and cause flooding issues around your home. Ensure the gutter is cleaned periodically, and keep the top covered to remove undesired particles.
4. Plumping and Downspout Issues
The plumbing and downspout systems inside and outside a house may cause additional water to enter the ground. In addition, plumping problems may cause a damp basement because the drainage system that allows water to leave the house is blocked. Ensure to properly fit and install downspouts because water becomes trapped through a portion of the basement wall, which can exert more pressure against the foundation wall. Then eventually weakening and unstable, the entire house.
5. Ineffective Grading
Inefficient grading can also cause wet basements. Rain and groundwater may infiltrate basements as a result of poor grading. Water will build up against your foundation if it drains improperly and eventually seeps inside. When your foundation is not compacted correctly, water will enter your home rather than flow away from it.
Wet Basement Solution
One of the most crucial things you can do to safeguard the value of your house and the well-being of your family is to get the water out of your basement and address the fundamental issues. Find your solution in this article.
- Ensure the grade slopes away from your foundation and basement walls by carefully inspecting every inch of your home. Some issues can resolve by regrading the soil around a foundation.
- Install long horizontal downspout extensions that send roof water away from the foundation and into a spot in the yard where it can be absorbed or directed away from the house.
- Periodically check and inspect the gutters to ensure they are clean and working correctly.
- Consider installing gutters and downspouts if you don’t already have them.
- Use hydraulic cement or polyurethane caulk to seal any openings if you notice water seeping into the basement through gaps or fractures around plumbing lines.
- To avoid condensation, increase the basement’s heat during the winter and prevent moist air from coming into touch with any cold-water pipes, insulate them with foam insulation. Also, consider increasing the number of foundation vents.
- Consider hiring a drain and sewer cleaning company that will try to clear the lines using an extended power snake.
The Ideal Point of Contact
Most basement leaks brought on by surface water, such as rain and snowmelt, may be fixed with several procedures and tools. However, suppose your basement leaks even after you’ve made these fixes. In that case, you might want to hire an engineering company with experience in coming up with water leaking solutions to suggest additional fixes.
Water damage restoration and repair services from your local area are the ideal point of contact to resolve your wet basement problems. Their expertise in coping with damp basements, mending plumbing leaks, adding an inside drain, and others can be your best solution to ensure the safety of your property and family members.