4 Reasons Why Your Basement Is Damp
Why is my basement damp? This is a question that no homeowner wants to ask themselves. Unfortunately, if the question has to be asked, the best thing you can do is to find the answer; pronto! Below are 4 reasons why you may be wondering about the dampness along with some solutions on how to combat the troubles if they affect you.
Backfill Saturation
This has to do with the way in which your foundation was installed. Your foundation was poured after your contractor dug a big hole in the ground. Between the foundation walls and the remaining ground was a gap. The gap was backfilled by soil that was less compact than the soil around it, which can cause the less compact soil to absorb more water. When this water-laden soil pushes up against the foundation, the water can find its way into your home through cracks, pipes, windows, and even the porous concrete. If you are still in the building process, you can opt to have waterproofing installed at this point. Otherwise, you can consider having a drainage system installed so that the water that comes in is diverted to a sump pump that funnels it outside the home.
Surface Water
Grading and drainage, including downspouts, around the home are very important when it comes to helping keep the basement dry. If the grade does not direct water to runoff, the water may pool around the foundation and seep into your basement. Consider changing the grade to redirect surface water. If your downspouts are not pointed away from the house or fail to extend beyond the backfill, it can also keep the water too close to the house. Downspouts should be checked regularly, especially during the fall when leaves can easily get in and cause clogs and overflows.
Plumbing Problems
It’s possible that you might have leaky pipes, leaky water heaters, or even problems with your washing machine hose. Fortunately, you can install a warning system in your hot water heater that will let you know when it begins to leak. Your washing machine hoses can be upgraded to better quality material that is less likely to leak. Above all, a sump pump installation is probably one of the best moves that you can make when it comes to protecting your basement and all of its contents.
Cracks
It may sound like a simple reason for seepage, but cracks in the foundation, walls, or floors can wreak havoc on your home. Water can get in through the smallest opening and sealing everything is a must. There are many types of sealant available. Consider a polyethylene membrane to hold back water. Basement windows that are not sealed tightly around the frame, or have holes, are warped, or rotting should be repaired or even replaced if necessary.
Dampness comes from many sources and the solutions range from quick and easy to longer and not-so-easy. At AA Action Waterproofing, we want to see your water woes become a thing of the past. We know leaks and we know basements. Let us put our knowledge of both to the test to ensure that you get the right solution to the right problem. Every time.