Moisture in Your Basement: Finding the Problem
You may notice the signs of moisture before you see a leak. Sometimes a leak happens due to plumbing. Moisture in a basement, however, can stem from several different sources. You may need a professional to find the leak. Plumbers and foundation specialists often work together to solve issues in basements. You can expect professionals to consider some of the following issues when looking for the source of moisture in your basement.
Plumbing
It can take some expertise to find plumbing issues. If a pipe leaks under your house, you may notice moisture in your basement. You may see condensation on the walls or floor. You can also have foundation problems if water leaks under your home for a long time. This can lead to cracks in the walls or floor. You can also experience high humidity in a basement when plumbing becomes a problem.
Drainage Problems
Drainage problems on your property may lead to signs of moisture, as well. This is another issue that causes water to accumulate under and around your home. A specialist may look for leaking hoses or a malfunctioning sprinkler system. Water can also remain too close to your home if your gutters or spouts become clogged. Finally, check outside your home the next time it rains. Water should drain away from the home. If your yard slope has changed, water may move towards your home, instead.
Indoor Moisture Sources
Many people use the basement for extra living space. This may mean you have a bathroom in your basement. The air in your basement may not circulate as well as it does in the rest of your house. Condensation from a steamy shower may build up in your basement. Try using a fan or dehumidifier to clear it out. If you do laundry in your basement, the dryer vent may also send moisture into the air.
Lack of Ventilation
When you move into a home with a basement, check to see if the basement has an air conditioning vent. You may have better success with moisture prevention if you have good ventilation. This simple addition may save you significant amounts of money in repairs for many years.
Sealant Problems
If you have a sealant in your basement, you may have moisture from an indoor source, or your sealant may have issues. Sealant usually needs replacing at least every 10 years. If your foundation shifts, you may have cracks in the wall or floors that let moisture in. You may need some foundation repairs, as well as a new sealant in these areas. Check with an Alabama basement repair company to learn about treatment options.
You may need an inspection to find out where the moisture originates in your basement. You can take notices of some clues to help you recognize a moisture problem. Pay attention to changes in humidity and temperature in the room. You may also notice condensation on the walls or floor. If you have a leak, you may have water trickling into the basement, low water pressure, or wet soil around your home. A quick diagnosis and repair can halt the progression of damage to your home.
