Home and Garden

Common Causes Of Basement Moisture And Ways To Fix Them

Poor (or Missing) Drain Tile and Sump Pit

Many houses do not have a subsurface drainage system. Basements in older homes often were not intended to be habitable spaces, thus an under-the-floor drainage system wasn’t necessary. 

More modern homes that do have a drainage system often experience problems with their system. This can range from a clogged pipe, broken connection, or a broken sump pump. You can hire a professional waterproofing company via  https://mcgillbrothers.com/ to keep safe from moisture.

How To Fix It: Unfortunately, problems with your subsurface drainage system, or adding one where there wasn’t one, are a much more serious project than some of the aforementioned solutions. If you think this is where your problem lies, it’s best to call in the professionals. It involves digging up your flooring and adding a drain system, which leads to a pump that will expel any moisture. 

Building, or repairing a subsurface drainage system is a complex task, best left to experts with tools and knowledge to get the job done right the first time.

Condensation

Basement condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes in contact with your cool basement walls and floor. As the walls cool the warm air, moisture is created, just like condensation on a cold beer on a hot summer day. 

You’re in luck if the moisture in your basement is coming from condensation, rather than a leak or drainage problem, as these issues are typically much easier and less expensive to resolve.

How To Fix It: There are a few ways to deal with condensation in your basement. First off, check the exhaust of your dryer and drain the central air conditioner. Ensure they are not clogged and are flowing properly. Both can cause a surprising amount of moisture to be put into the air.