Damp Basement

The basement is the lowest floor or level of a structure varying in size and type. It generally houses the furnace, water heater, circuit breakers, and more. Depending on its type, a basement has a variety of different functions. In the form of a "crawlspace," a basement can be used for a minimum amount of storage. In general, a crawlspace does not have high enough ceilings to stand (the height can be as little as a foot or two) and they generally have a dirt floor. A crawlspace may be finished with wood, concrete or plastic flooring.

A "cellar" can be used for storage as well, but is much larger than a crawlspace. It has taller ceilings, with plenty of room to stand. Because cellars are designed to stay at a constant cool temperature, many people use them to store food and wine. With the exception of cellars and crawl spaces, most other basements are either partially or fully below ground level. They can be used for storage space, a laundry or workspace. They can also be refinished to include bedrooms, bathrooms, gyms, dens, offices, play rooms, or just about anything the homeowner wants.

Many basements may function in the same way as other parts of a structure, with one major exception—most basements are susceptible to water and moisture problems such as flooding and excess humidity which causes mold, mildew, and rust. These conditions can damage furnishings, tools, and clothing; they may also lead to rot, health problems, even paint and structural damage. The spores released by mold can cause respiratory problems and can also trigger allergy attacks.

Damp Basement Causes

So what causes a damp basement? Excess water, moisture and humidity can come from many different places such as a leaking toilet, shower, tub, a leaking water pipe, or normal daily activities like showering, drying clothes, or cooking. Water can also seep into your house from tiny gaps around doors and windows, or there could be an outside leak in the foundation. During the hot summer months, when humidity is high, condensation can form on the cold concrete floors and walls of a basement causing excess moisture or humidity. According to experts, one of the most common causes of a damp basement is the process of moisture migrating through a concrete foundation; the moisture evaporates and indoor humidity increases.

Damp Basement Solutions and Prevention

Dehumidification and insulation is the key to controlling condensation. Pipes, air conditioning, and well tanks attract condensation—start by insulating them. Second, purchase a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers help to remove excess moisture from the air. Next, repair all cracks and holes in the basement walls and floors by using hydraulic cement. Then, waterproof all walls by applying waterproofing cement to the walls. If there is still "some" leakage, a sump pump may have to be installed.

A sump pump is a drainage device that removes accumulated water from a hole dug into the ground specifically to collect water. This hole is commonly referred to as a "sump pit." There are two sump pump types available: pedestal and submersible. The motor on a pedestal pump is above the pit, which can be rather noisy and generally has a short life. However, the pedestal pump is very budget-friendly. The submersible pump is more expensive, installed outside the pit, and specially sealed to avoid electrical short circuits. It is also quieter than the pedestal pump. If a sump pump must be installed, it is strongly recommended that you hire a professional. While do-it-yourself waterproofing is an option, it might also be best to hire a professional to avoid costly mistakes and prevent further damage.