If you have a wet or damp basement, fixing it is probably the first thing on your mind, and understandably so—water intrusion is a serious threat to your home’s structural stability and health.
But in order to implement an effective wet basement or crawlspace solution, you need to know what’s causing the problem. Otherwise, you’re likely to end up putting a bandaid fix on your wet basement that covers up a symptom but doesn’t address the source of the problem.
Where Does Basement Moisture Come From?
Basement moisture usually comes from one of three sources:
-
Groundwater or rainwater
-
Humid, moisture-heavy air
-
Pipes and water-using appliances
Some of these sources, like humidity and rainwater, originate outside your home and find their way in. Others are sourced from something inside your home, such as a washing machine or shower. Figuring out where the water is coming from is the first step in putting a stop to it.
What’s Causing Your Wet Basement?
Some of the most common causes of wet basements include:
Leaks
Leaking pipes, washing machines, showers, sinks, and the like are common sources of basement water problems. Take a look at any water-using appliances you have in your basement—if water seems to be coming from a pipe or appliance, your wet basement is likely being caused by a leak.
Cracked Foundation
A cracked foundation gives groundwater the perfect opportunity to seep inside your basement.
Condensation
Unless your basement is a finished and conditioned space, it’s likely colder down there than it is in the rest of your home, and when hot, humid air gets inside through an open window or air leaks in your walls and foundation, it will condense on cold surfaces like your walls and floors.
Grading Issues
If the ground around your home is not sloped away from your basement, water will flow toward your house, collecting around your foundation and working its way inside.
Broken or Missing Sump Pump and Drainage System
A functional sump pump and drainage system is your home’s first line of defense against basement flooding. Sump pumps and drainage piping can help prevent moisture intrusion from causing a serious water problem in your basement.
How to Fix Basement Moisture Issues
Once you know what’s causing your wet basement, you can start working on a solution. Some of the best fixes for a wet basement include:
-
Sump pumps and sump pits
-
Basement drainage piping
-
Crawlspace floor insulation
-
Dimple drainage matting
-
Dehumidifiers
-
Vapor barriers
Not sure what solution is right for your wet basement or crawl space? Vermont Foam Insulation is here to help. We specialize in wet basement solutions and offer a full range of moisture, standing water, and basement waterproofing services to homeowners throughout Southern Vermont and Southwestern New Hampshire. Our expert technicians can inspect your basement, find the source of the problem, and implement a solution that will keep your basement dry for good.
