Causes Of Basement Moisture
Encountering water issues in your basement? Finding the source of what causes basement moisture is key to preventing further damage to walls and floors and encourage mold from growing. So, what causes moisture to develop in your basement? And how do you remedy the issue so that you have peace of mind that you have a safe basement? We have 6 causes that may be causing the basement moisture you see.
An Interior Water Leak Appearing in Your Basement
If moisture is visible on the ceiling in your basement, there is a good chance that it is a result from an internal water leak. An internal leak can come from several sources, such as, a sink, toilet, a faulty appliance, or a cracked pipe. Locate the area of house that it may be coming from and try to determine where the leak may be coming from.
If you are handy, you can fix it yourself or call a licensed plumber to come and address the leak. Once the leak is fixed that should be the end of moisture accumulating in your basement.
Leaky pipe
Ineffective Grading
If water is seeping into your basement, it may be to the exterior ground outside your home sloping down towards your home. The ineffective grading can cause water to pool outside the foundation of your home with nowhere to go but inside your home. This can cause basement moisture to occur. If you notice big pools of water on the ground close to your home the best solution is to regrade the ground and adjust the slope to be going away from the foundation of the home.
Flooding
Missing or Defective Gutters and Downspouts
The purpose of gutters and downspouts is to redirect the rainwater away from your house to prevent pooling around your foundation. If the gutters and downspouts are damaged or non-existent, water will begin to collect close to the foundation of your home and will eventually work its way through the basement foundation walls.
Ensure that your gutters are cleaned regularly to prevent blockage from debris such as leaves or sticks. Inspect that there are no cracks or missing components to your gutter system and observe that they are doing an adequate job directing the water away from your home.
Defective gutter
Cracks in Your Foundation
Having a foundation with damage can consequently be linked to the cause of many damp basements. Foundations that have cracks are a gateway for water to enter your home. Cracks can be caused by frost, water, or poor construction when the home was built.
Calling a trusted waterproofing contractor, such as ACCL Waterproofing , to assess your foundation is the best option to repair the cracks in your foundation. Having the cracks filled in by a professional will ensure that your basement is permanently dry and free of moisture.
Crack
Poor (or missing) Drain Tile and Sump Pit
Depending on the age of the home, your home may not have a working sump pump or have one installed at all. Having a basement with unsuitable drainage can cause water to back up into the home. It is important to inspect if there are any clogs or blockages in your drainage system. If no blockage is detected, you may be in need for a new sump pump.
Installing a sump pump is a big construction job and will require a profession waterproofing contractor to dig up your basement floor and have the drainage system fitted. The working sump pump will then pump the water out of your basement, leaving it nice and dry.
Sump Pump
Condensation Appearing in Your Basement
Condensation can build up when the warm internal temperature of your home meets a cold window or basement wall. When enough condensation builds up it can cause damage to books, photos, and cause metal objects to rust. Mold can grow on furniture and carpets when left wet and can start to have a mildew smell. Another cause of basement moisture may be due to a clogged dryer vent or AC drain, to ensure that these are not the reason for the occurrence of condensation inspect that both systems are free of blockages.
To reduce the amount of condensation it is best to properly insulate your basement to prevent the cold air from entering your home. Another good way to eliminate condensation is to get a dehumidifier, this will help suck out the moisture in the air.
Condensation
If you are experiencing condensation in your basement and would like an expert opinion on how to remove it give ACCL Waterproofing a call 905-448-5909. www.acclwaterproofing.ca
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