| From Start to Finish > Project Files > Dealing with Moisture in your Basement |
| Dealing with Moisture in your Basement |
 Typically, two factors lead to dampness in basements: water leaks and high humidity. In the long run, both can lead to undesirable mould and mildew growth. If the biological growth in your basement gets out of hand, it can lead to wood rot, structural damage, premature paint failure, and a countless number of health problems. Sometimes leaks happen for too long before any action is taken to correct the problem. The end result can be a buildup of mould and mildew, so you may require a contractor who specializes in mould remediation and water damage repairs.
Diagnosing the source of your damp basement can be troublesome, but it is an essential task.First, take note of where the problem is occurring. If the problem is localized to a spot on the ceiling or on a wall, then your problem is most likely a water leak. If the problem is widespread to a whole wall or room, then humidity may be the source of your issue.The first line of defense in approaching any home problem is to attempt the low cost and easy solutions first. Then you can proceed in a logical order to remove or control the source of the moisture. Through a variety of ways, water and humidity can permeate your home.
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| Dealing with Water Leaks |
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If you suspect a water leak, it can be fixed through various methods depending on the source of the problem. Water stains on ceilings and walls indicate a possible leak from a specific source. Water can come in directly from the outside through gaps around windows and doors. Controlling the entry points for these water leaks is key and can be done by installing a drainage plane. Drainage plans work by directing water down the plane and away from the structure with the use of flashing and water-resistant paper. Also, water leaks can develop on the inside from leaking water pipes, toilets, showers, sinks, etc. In these cases, it is best to call a plumber for repairs. These possible origins of water leaks are among the simplest to solve.
Usually, basements become damp because of moisture migrating through concrete foundation. Surface water seeping down or high water tables can increase the moisture level of soil surrounding your home’s walls. There are a few different ways water can find its way inside. Gravity will pull water down through cracks or flaws in the water protection layer of the foundation. Alternatively, water can be pulled up by a “wicking action” caused by hydrostatic pressure from the soil under the walls or floor. Even though there may not be any evidence of a leak or standing water, that doesn’t mean you are problem free. As water evaporates, the evidence disappears leaving behind higher humidity levels inside your home. A leak in the foundation is likely if you have standing water on the floor of your basement after a heavy rain. You can minimize the effects of this leak by clearing rain gutters and redirecting the downspout away from the foundation. Also, by ensuring the ground around the house slopes down away from the foundation, water will follow the laws of gravity and move away from your house. Unfortunately for some homeowners, it may be necessary to re-grade the slope.
Dealing with water leaks from the inside of the basement is a possibility. Small cracks visible from the inside can be patched using a cement based material or an injection-type foundation repair system. Large cracks on the inside can be filled with a hydroscopic material that expands as it dries. If there are large, expanding cracks, it is best to contact a structural engineer or basement specialist for advice. Please keep in mind that many homeowners have attempted to solve their moisture issues with a membrane or coating on the inside. Because the water is still present, eventually these systems either deteriorate or simply move the water to another pathway into the basement. Interior drainage systems are normally installed when water is still entering the basement. There are three possible solutions: interior drainage channel above the concrete slab, interior drainage channel within the slab edge, and interior drainage system beneath the slab. These three solutions are all more labour intensive and costly than the other solutions examined thus far.
If the leak still persists, you may need to proceed with an interior or exterior drainage system. Although exterior drainage systems are the most costly, they are also the most effective in controlling water. This system requires digging up around the perimeter of your house and rebuilding it. Traditionally, these systems use free-draining sand in the backfill. Drain tiles can then be placed beside or on top of the footing with a minimum of 12” of coarse aggregate surrounding it. An alternative exterior solution is to use free-draining membranes or boards. Because backfill is expensive, some homeowners prefer to install a drainage mat against the foundation wall and then backfill the area with any soil on site. At this point, the drainage must have a free-flowing path to the perforated drain pipe below. Ideally, all exterior drainage systems drain to a sump that can be pumped out. All sumps must have an airtight, childproof cover. Usually, these exterior drainage systems are the last line of defense for homeowners due to their cost and labour intensity.
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| Dealing with Humidity |
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As opposed to water leaks, humidity is natural and needed in the environment. Not only do breathing and perspiring add to humidity levels, but sometimes everyday activities can result in increased humidity levels in your home. Showering, cooking, dishwashing, and drying clothes all add to humidity levels. Keeping firewood in the basement, as well as hanging wet laundry indoors, can increase humidity levels even further. During the hot, sticky summer months, high humidity definitely becomes more of a nuisance in need of a solution. Humidity causes condensation on windows, wet stains on walls and ceilings, mouldy bathrooms, musty smells, and allergic reactions.By knowing the possible ways water and humidity enter your home, you can help prevent and resolve your water issues.
Several methods can be employed by homeowners trying to reduce indoor humidity. One of the first things you should do is buy a hygrometer. This instrument is a humidity sensor, and it can measure the humidity level in your house. Not only will it confirm your humidity problem, but it can also be used to measure efficiency as you employ various humidity control methods.
Humidity in basements has several typical causes. First of all, in basements with dirt floors the floor should be covered completely with plastic to slow down water vapour coming through the soil. By getting rid of some of the clutter in the basement, humidity can be lessened further. For example, a buildup of cardboard boxes can contribute to the issue by preventing proper air circulation and readily absorbing moisture. Since the cardboard can become damp so easily, it encourages mould growth. Another common cause of humidity can be from condensation build up on cold concrete walls and floors during especially humid periods.
A possible solution to these basement humidity issues is to use a dehumidifier during hot, humid months. The dehumidifier can reduce condensation on the walls, but it is not a permanent or complete solution. If the dehumidifier is too efficient and the basement becomes too dry, moisture will be drawn into the basement rapidly causing efflorescence (e.g. white chalky stains on walls or floors) and spalling of concrete.A dehumidifier works best when employed in conjunction with other solutions.
To further reduce humidity levels, you should use ventilation fans in kitchens and bathrooms that vent directly outside. The same is true for clothes dryers. Inspect the vent duct to make sure it is properly attached to the dryer, free from obstructions, and vents directly to the outside. Whatever you choose for ventilation, be sure the basement is not directly ventilated with air from outside. You do not want hot, humid air creeping into the basement during summer months adding to your moisture problem.
Your home’s ventilation can be controlled by its heating and cooling system. Even for homeowners with heating and cooling systems, humidity can be an issue. Generally speaking, running an air conditioner in the summer will alleviate humidity problems. If your system is not the right size for your home and is not operating properly, humidity levels may still be high. Assuming your system is sized correctly, ask your contractor to examine the duct system for leaks and air flow to each room. By sealing duct air leaks, high humidity levels can be lessened.
When trying to solve the issue of moisture in your basement, it is important to start with the simplest solutions first. Not only are they the least costly, but they can be done as a DIY project without the use of professionals.
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