How to Deal with Basement Moisture

If you want to have a great basement in your house, you must deal with moisture problems first. Basement moisture can hamper your efforts to create a liveable space due to mildew growth and rotting of wood frames. Whether the moisture is coming from condensation or seepage, eliminating humidity in your house will create functional living spaces to enjoy.

Condensation Problems

Poorly ventilated basements usually let in humid outdoor air into the house. When this air comes into contact with cold surfaces such as concrete or cold water pipes, it condenses and creates additional water problems in the basement. Condensation problems will lead to sweaty pipes and strong mildew odour.

Fortunately, controlling condensation is a simple do-it yourself job. You can control such problems by running a strong dehumidifier in the basement, insulating cold water pipes or extending the air conditioning to the basement. Ensuring that your drier is vented to the outside will also reduce the moisture build up in your house.

Combat Seepage Problems

When water infiltrates the cracks in the foundation walls or through the porous masonry, you will definitely have a wet basement. The problem could be worse if rain or ground water seeps in whenever you have poor drainage or a rising water table. You will notice a white residue on masonry, rusty appliances and sweaty windows. Attempts to control seepage require difficult excavations and foundation repairs.

Install the Sump System

Depending on the magnitude of the problem, you might need to install an under-slab drain and an electric sump to pump the water from the basement. Installing the new drainage system involves breaking up the basement floor where the water collects and installing a suction pump.

Secure the pump firmly by patching with new concrete around it and connect it with a perforated drain pipe. Dig a trench toward the main drainage system and fill it with gravel, then lay the drain pipe into this trench and cover it with more gravel.

Waterproof the Foundation Walls

You need to control further seepage by waterproofing your walls. Sealing the exterior foundation walls with waterproof coatings such as caulk will help to eliminate the problem.

If your foundation walls have cracks, however, you will need to repair them first. The good news is that with hydraulic waterproofing cement, you can solve the problem permanently. Using the cement as a filler material is a long-lasting solution since it hardens immediately after coming into contact with water.

For more professional help, talk to companies such as Westside Sealants Pty Ltd.