Basements are known for their characteristic damp and heavy smell. This is often caused by the lack of light and the presence of moisture. Leaving your basement unattended can cause this problem to grow, leading to mold and mildew problems. Mold and mildew can compromise your health and your property’s structural integrity. You may need a professional basement waterproofing in Woodridge should this problem get out of hand.
Knowing the common signs of this problem can help you act fast. Here are some of the commonest signs of a basement moisture problem;
- Noticeable rings of dampness at the base of the walls
- Water dripping or leaking down the walls
- Condensation on the floors and walls or unexplained water on the floors
- Damp and heavy smell or a smell of mildew and rot
- Bubbled wall paint, water-stained walls, and peeling walls
- Walls and floors feel wet upon contact
- Heavy and humid basement air
Ahead of calling a professional, here are some of the common causes of basement moisture problems and how to fix them.
Indoor Water Leak
An undetected water leak can be notorious. It is one of the commonest culprits causing basement moisture problems. As the water leaks and pools, it may get into the basement and settle there. Over time, the accumulation may breed mold and mildew, increase humidity, and affect the structural integrity of the basement floors and walls.
A good way to track this problem is to look around your home for broken or damaged water fixtures. Common water fixtures that may cause this problem include broken showers, faulty taps, leaking sinks, backed-up toilets, etc. You can also inspect other appliances that rely on water for their operation, including the laundry machine and dishwasher.
Fixing the problem
Follow the problem to identify the culprit and fix it. Fixing may be by turning off the tap or shower or contacting a plumber to fix leaks. Some fixes may also require you to replace faulty plumbing fixtures.
Landscaping Flaws
Landscaping contractors may sometimes make mistakes with floor grading and leveling. This mistake can create potential problems for basements – putting them in harm’s way. If the slopes lead to your basement or foundation, there’s a huge chance that your basement will suffer water problems.
Fixing the Problem
Grading and sloping problems arising from landscaping errors can be fixed by redoing the topography. The landscaper will have to re-grade the outdoor space to direct water away from the building. You can also dig trenches across the perimeter of your house to funnel water away from your building.
Misplaced or missing gutters
Rain gutters and downspouts collect water and moisture from the roof and channel them away from the house. Water may pool around the home’s foundation or basement when rain gutters are missing or damaged. The pooled water can enter the walls and cause basement moisture problems.
Fixing the Problem
Homeowners facing this problem are encouraged to contact rain gutter installation professionals to re-install or repair their broken rain gutters. Doing this will ensure appropriate drainage of water away from home.
Concrete Cracks
Concrete is a versatile construction material. However, it tends to crack over time. When concrete cracks, it creates openings that can be exploited by moisture. This means that basement moisture problems may sometimes result from concrete cracks from the exterior. When left unattended, the entire walls may become soaked in water, compromising its integrity and putting it at risk of collapse.
Fixing the Problem
Construction professionals can patch cracks in concrete using sealing agents like concrete or other materials. Speak to your construction professional or inspect the area around your basement to see if the crack can be fixed using DIY methods.
Lack of Ventilation and Circulation
Basements with kitchens and bathrooms and without proper ventilation are bound to experience high humidity levels. In most cases, the lack of proper ventilation causes the air to become laden with moisture which encourages heavy and damp air smell as well as mold and mildew growth.
Fixing the Problem
Improper ventilation is a huge problem both in basement houses and non-basement apartments. A good way to address this problem could be by installing ventilators or fans. You can also install air outlets that allow the hot indoor air out of the basement before it touches cold surfaces.
No Waterproof Walls and High Humidity
Basement moisture problems can also be caused by a lack of waterproof walls. Most walls are prone to excess moisture, and this creates a huge problem for basements. High humidity levels can also create this problem.
Fixing the Problem
A good way to fix high humidity levels in basements is to install appropriate-sized humidifiers. Humidifiers can help reduce the humidity in the basement and protect it from moisture problems. You can also choose to lay a coat of waterproof paint on the walls to reduce the moisture effect.
