How to Get Rid of Moisture in a Basement

Rotten wood, damaged plaster, crumbling concrete and ruined carpets are all visual signs of moisture and mould in our basements that have at least 20% of buildings worldwide. Besides, moisture and mold can cause respiratory, allergic reactions and other detrimental health problems. Babies and children, elderly people, people with existing skin problems (like eczema), respiratory diseases, (like allergies and asthma) and with weakened immune system are all in the risk group.

Is it possible to stop growth of mold and prevent moisture if once you’ve fixed one source of moisture, another source appears? Can anyone finish a basement without eradicating of this serious issue?

Think pragmatically and realize that it’s extremely difficult to 100% rid moisture, no matter what measures you take. So, in most cases, you can greatly reduce basement moisture issue than completely eliminate it. Creating  perfectly dry finished basement should be your number one priority.

Basement moisture isn’t the same as basement flooding, as it develops from seepage and condensation connected with typically cold temperatures there. As you know, airborne water droplets condense on cold surfaces.

The signs of moisture can be either obvious, like standing water; or rather invisible, like peeling paint on the walls, white, powdery substance on brick walls (efflorescence), rotting wood; rusting dryer, washer, water heater or other appliances. So, learn to act as a detective and search for indirect hints.

Discover imperative steps to get rid of basement moisture.

 1.  Prevent water from moving toward the foundation by regrading soil around foundation walls            and directing downspouts far away from basement walls with downspout extensions. Be sure to           clean gutters.  In this way you’ll reduce seepage around basement.  

2.  Fill large foundation holes and cracks with a hydraulic water-stop cement.

3.  Seal outside foundation wall

4.  Apply waterproofing masonry sealer  

5.  For major water intrusion hire a professional contractor to install a sump pump. As your basement floor must be broken up and later re-patched, the installation process involves plumbing and electrical wiring works as well. Keep in mind that you require a lot of technical inputs from contractors to sub-contractors and even city officials without which you might end up with a terrible result of your basement-finishing work.

6.      Install insulation, provide access to all mechanicals and comfort options for heating and cooling, select the proper below-grade materials, check the quality of electrical installation.

       After you’ve taken these measures, the area should be completely dry and moisture-free.