How to Fix a Wet Basement
By Adriana J. Noton
When fixing a wet basement it is important to establish first the conditions that caused the problem. Not doing this step means that any repairs made will all be temporary fixes and the problem will simply recur when the next heavy rain happens. Some repairs can be a simple, do it yourself, one day affair. Others jobs will require the services of a professional. Nevertheless, it is important to know what to do when you experience this problem because you will use what you know when the time comes when a professional repair job is required.
The urgency of fixing a wet basement rises when the area is part of living space. Wetness spreads rot and mildew. It is conducive to making people sick. Electrical appliances will not last long in this environment. Most of all, wet and damp spaces are very uncomfortable places to stay.
The easiest wet basement problem to fix is when you smell dampness in the air during hot and humid summers. This happens when moisture in the air condenses when it contacts with the cool basement floor. If you can live with the heat, just install a dehumidifier in order to remove trapped wetness. Another option that will significantly increase the comfort level of the area and remove moisture at the same time is to install an air conditioner.
Another simple fix-it job is dripping water caused by condensation on pipes. The solution is to prevent air from contacting the pipes. You can do this by insulating the pipe with foam. If condensation forms at a rapid rate, then it means that the air is already highly humid. You can install air conditioning to reduce humidity and improve comfort conditions.
Damp walls and dripping condensation is another common problem especially during humid seasons. Although this seems to be a big problem, it has a surprisingly simple solution. Find ways to decrease the amount of moisture trapped in the air and you are done. You can bring in a dehumidifier or better, for increased comfort, install an air conditioner.
The next problems that will be discussed will require more extensive measures to fix. An example would be water seeping from walls and floors especially after heavy rains. If water seepage is caused by water draining into the soil near the basement walls, redirecting the drainage away from the house could be an effective solution. If there is a noticeable slope that leads towards the house, leveling the soil could fix the problem. If the problem persists, then professional repair jobs could be needed.
If the amount of water seeping is very significant even when there is no rain, then there must a broken pipe somewhere. If it only happens during rainfall, cracks caused by uneven settling of the foundation may cause water to leak into the room. Both cases already require professional intervention in order to solve the problem.
Wet basement problems have a range of solutions depending on the causes. Some are repairs that you can do yourself and can be done cheaply. Knowing the cause of the problem is important even if you know that the job is too big for you. You can use this knowledge in negotiating the amount estimated by a pro for doing the repair job.
About the Author: Have a wet basement? Consider basement waterproofing and crack foundation repair to restore the health of your home.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=928564&ca=Home+Management
[RSSImport display="5" feedurl="http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch_feeds?q=build+home+bar&hl=en&safe=off&output=rss" displaydescriptions="true" html="true"]
