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Remedies for a Wet Basement
by bdry11@adelphia.net
http://www.b-drybasementswaterproofingnepennsylvan
A wet basement can be just a nuisance or even real
nightmare. Each year, thousands of homeowners are faced
with the unpleasant side effects of seasonal rainfall.
Problems they can face range from just dampness to even
flooding. Chronic basement leakage is a serious problem
that can destroy personal property, furnishings,
appliances, and sometimes even cause permanent structural
damage to a homes foundation. Excessive moisture is a huge
attraction to wood-eating insects, wood rot and decay.
Despite the pervasiveness of the problem, few homeowners
are aware of the causes of water leakage.
Common Causes
One common cause of basement leakage is improper surface
drainage, such as a yard sloped toward the home. In many
cases, the problem can be greatly alleviated by re-grading
the yard to slope away from the homes foundation or
diverting surface water around the house.
Other common culprits include poorly positioned rain gutter
downspouts, missing, leaking or clogged rain gutters. A
downspout that is improperly positioned to drain against
the side of the house, allows water to build up along the
foundation wall, until the backed-up "reservoir" finds a
weak spot in the foundation wall.
The most difficult cause of basement leakage is a high
water table. A high water table problem occurs when the
home is built too deeply in the ground, into the level
where water remains constant throughout the year. A high
water table problem can also be caused by under ground
springs or sustained periods of rainfall that cause the
water table to rise during the wet seasons.
Is it Leakage or Condensation?
You should try to determine if your problem is actually
water "leaking" in or if it's just condensation forming on
the cool surfaces. Condensation occurs when warm, humid air
comes into contact with cooler basement walls, floors,
water pipes etc.
As an example, just take a cold bottle of soda out of your
refrigerator and set it on the counter. After several
minutes, you'll notice steam forming on the outside of the
bottle. After many minutes pass, you will see a small
puddle of water forming at the base of the bottle, as the
beads of moisture start dripping down. This is a classic
example of condensation, not "leakage". If your basement is
actually leaking, the water should not just "appear". You
should be able to see where it's coming in as it leaks, in
the form of a puddle or stream or water.
Helpful Tips
Your rain gutters should be cleaned of leaves and debris at
least once per year.
Downspouts should direct water runoff from the roof to a
discharge point at least several feet away from the homes
foundation. Use a splash block at the end of your downspout
to avoid soil erosion. Never bury your downspout lines
unless you can empty them out to daylight.
Buy a good dehumidifier to lower the natural humidity level
in your basement. Make sure your dehumidifier is the proper
size for your basement. Ask for a drain hose attachment so
you don't have to empty the water collected every day. Get
a unit with a built-in de-icer. Dehumidifiers are actually
refrigeration coils and can freeze up and stop working.
Keep the doors and windows to your basement closed, year
round. Opened doors and windows allow extra humidity to
enter your basement, causing condensation. Your
dehumidifier will also run less.
Waterproofing Paints and Sealers There are several good
waterproofing paints and sealers on the market today.
Waterproof paints and sealers can work well for minor
dampness on walls and floors. Pay special attention to the
preparation instructions from the products manufacturer. Be
aware though, interior waterproof paints and sealers don't
do anything to alleviate the "source" of the problem.
Time For a Professional? A professional basement
waterproofing contractor can offer you a variety of
solutions, depending on the source of your problem. Methods
can include outside excavation, installation of drain tile,
parging your walls, interior drainage systems or epoxy cove
systems
Summary Prevention is always the first and best approach.
Look closely at the grading around your property and make
sure your rain gutters are in good working order. Get a
good quality dehumidifier to reduce humidity in your
basement.
If you've done your best to correct your problem and it
still leaks, it might be best to bring in a professional.
Check companies for local references, ask for a certificate
of insurance, check the companies warranty to see what's
covered and check them out with your local Better Business
Bureau.
About The Author
Robert Clarke has owned B-Dry System NEPA, a basement
waterproofing company, for the last 20 years. Visit
http://www.b-drybasementswaterproofingnepennsylvania.com
for more information. He has also served as President of
the B-Dry Owners Association, a nationally recognized group
of basement waterproofing contractors. Visit http://www.b-
dry.com/ for details.
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