During the summertime, many people go downstairs to do laundry or hang out in their basements only to find that there’s water on the floor or seeping in through the walls. This common issue requires basement waterproofing to address the various potential culprits and prevent mold and mildew growth. If you’re a homeowner, you should know these three common causes of lower-level moisture so you can call an expert if needed.
It’s crucial to discover whether basement wetness is coming from inside of the home or if it’s leeching in from the outside. To figure out which issue you're dealing with, tape a piece of aluminum foil to the basement wall. Wait a few days and then peel it off. If the side facing the inside of the room is wet, you’re dealing with humidity.
To mitigate this problem, buy a dehumidifier and set it to run repeatedly for a week. Make sure to empty the water tank frequently to ensure you're using the device efficiently. If this doesn’t solve the issue, bring in a basement specialist who may recommend insulating pipes and walls or sealing access points to reduce this issue.
Basements can gain inches of water during rainstorms as groundwater seeps in. You can reduce this problem by grading the land outside your house to create a slope that encourages runoff to flow away from the foundation. Installing new gutters and downspouts can also prove useful for managing precipitation.
It’s possible that your foundation has a crack or a seal issue that is creating pooling in your home. Basement waterproofing professionals can locate potential leak sources and stop the problem by repairing any cracks or drainage system problems.
To learn more, call Cincinnati Basement Waterproofing & Drainage today at (513) 898-9723.