A basement moisture problem is one that no one wants to deal with. It can get messy depending on the actual source of the problem. Indoor leaks, faulty gutters, flawed landscaping, and cracks in your foundation are all issues that can cause moisture buildup in your basement. However, there are ways to fix these issues. Some you can address on your own, while others require the help of professional plumbers. Check out how you can tackle moisture in your basement.
Indoor Leak
If you’ve ever encountered an indoor water leak, you know it’s not an issue that you want to revisit. This can wreak havoc on your basement, causing excess water to buildup and dampness to take over. It’s not a pleasant combination, and the sooner you find and fix the problem, the better it will be for you. The source of the problem could be leakage related to one of several things, including appliances, bathrooms, old, broken pipes, or toilets. The solution begins with following the leak/water to the origin. Find the source of the leak, which is usually indicated by a significant pool of water, and repair or replace a pipe where necessary.
Flaws in Your Landscaping
Grading that is not done correctly can be a reason your basement has moisture. If its slope faces outwards, allowing rain, snow, and sleet, for example, to slide away from the home, there shouldn’t be a moisture problem. A poorly done grading will cause water to build up against your house, where water seepage can occur into your basement. One solution is to get professionals to redo the sloping, dig a trench for collecting the rainwater, or create a rock barricade lining your house to block rainwater from entering your basement wall.
Gutter Mishap
Chances are your basement moisture problem results from misplaced or missing gutters. If the gutters are absent or misplaced, there will be no efficient aid to direct rainwater away from your walls and home’s foundation. Leaky troughs and missing shingles make it possible for water to drip or make its way into your foundation. Your gutters should adequately extend outwards and you should avoid running pipes down your house. Anything that can affect the structural integrity of your gutter should be addressed, whether it’s debris or melting snow. Ensure that your downspouts are roughly 4 feet away from your home’s foundation.
Foundation Cracks
It’s not unusual for you to find, over time, cracks in your concrete, which leaves your foundation vulnerable to moisture buildup. Still, some cracks can occur in freshly poured concrete for flooring or walls. Walls with foundation cracks can impact the ceiling and external basement structure and cause water to seep through. Some cracks are simple DIY jobs that can be fixed with patching cement, chisel, and putty knife. If you have a compromised drainage system, which can lead to a world of problems you don’t want to deal with, hire professionals who have a solid working knowledge of hydraulics and plumbing.
If you are facing basement moisture issues, Bruno Guerriero Construction can help identify and correct your moisture problems. We tackle the toughest moisture issues in your home head-on, guaranteeing you a thorough result that will make your basement space worthwhile hanging out in. Give us a call today.
