It’s not uncommon for people to want to know the cause of their damp basement, but the answer may not be as simple as one might think.
The most common causes of a basement getting wet are leaks in the walls or roof, sump pumps that don’t work properly and a poorly sealed crawlspace. Any number of other factors can also lead to a damp basement. It’s important that you understand what might have caused it before taking action on how to fix it. If you choose to install a sump pump and grinder, be sure that your walls are properly sealed. You’ll have spent a lot of money for no reason in the long run if you don’t take the time to seal your walls.
Remember, it’s always better to check for damp and fix a potential issue before it becomes an actual issue. A little preventative maintenance can go a long way towards not having any major problems in the future.
Water Leaks in Your Walls
If you have water leaks in your walls it’s a good indicator that there’s a problem with your foundation. To get to the bottom of your problems you’ll have to have an engineer analyze the composition of your foundation and the surrounding soil. This process is known as a damp survey.
The damp survey process involves drilling deep holes into the ground surrounding your home and looking for signs of moisture or any other issues that may be present. This can take several weeks but once the analysis is complete your home will have a solid foundation for years to come.
Poorly Sealed Crawlspaces or Basements
Moisture is an inevitable part of life, but it doesn’t have to end up in your basement by way of a poorly sealed crawlspace or basement floor. A properly sealed crawlspace can make all the difference in the world when it comes to maintaining a dry and healthy living space during the warmer months. If you have a crawlspace, see about having it properly sealed. You’ll be glad that you did.
If you don’t have a crawlspace, or if your crawlspace doesn’t have any vents because someone in the past thought they were a good idea, then an improperly vented basement floor may play a large part in why it’s damp. The problem with poorly vented basement floors is that they can potentially cause mold and mildew to grow. This can be very dangerous and should not be taken lightly.
