The need for drying out a wet basement is not a rare event in U.S. households. Basement waterproofing methods incorporated in the construction of most older homes have long since lost effectiveness, and water intrusion is now common in these houses. Moreover, the American Society of Home Inspectors tells us that the majority of new residences built today will develop basement leaks within 15 years or less. It's not just an aesthetic issue, either: Over one-third of all homes with wet basements also test positive for the presence of active mold contamination.
Solving the problem requires a multi-faceted approach to address both cause and effect. Here's the lowdown about drying out a wet basement.
Identify the Cause
- Moisture accumulates as excess water vapor in the air condenses on cool surfaces like the concrete floor and cold water pipes typically routed through the basement.
- Basement leaks where outdoor water infiltrates are the most common cause. The water source may be natural ground water pushing up through the foundation or water permeating the soil around the basement perimeter due to heavy rain, snow melt or overflowing gutters.
Reduce the Effect
- Ventilating a basement with fresh air helps normalize humidity and temperature and reduce condensation. Installing a dehumidifier does an even better job.
- Address direct leaks by making sure landscape surrounding the perimeter of the house is graded to divert rain water and snow melt away. Also keep gutters clog-free and install downspout extenders to discharge water at least two feet from the house.
- Where a high natural water table pushes groundwater into the basement, install a sump pump in the basement floor to automatically remove water as it enters the sump basin.
Find Leaks and Fix Them
- Fill visible cracks in basement walls and floors with epoxy or polyurethane repair materials specifically formulated for concrete.
- Apply wall sealant. Basement sealant options range from a secondary coating of waterproof concrete that adheres to the wall, or acrylic waterproofing paints that are applied like standard paint.
Need more advice about drying out a wet basement? Ask the water damage professionals at Rytech, Inc.
