If you have a basement, good chances are that at one point or another, you have experienced moisture problems. This could have originated from a water leak in your basement walls, water intrusion around basement windows, cracks in the foundation walls, structural damage, and a wide variety of other ways. Regardless of how it happened, basement moisture, in excess, is never a good thing.
Effects of Basement Moisture
Basements are known for being moist every now and then, especially after heavy rainfall. However, an excessively moist basement for a prolonged period of time is not a good thing. A wet basement causes moist air which raises humidity levels inside living spaces in your home. Humid air can negatively affect the inner parts of your basement including drywall, drop ceilings, furniture, carpets, and so much more.
Aside from material damage, excessive basement moisture can lead to mold and other issues that can lead to health problems in the future. A moist basement can really seem overwhelming when it becomes a problem over time. So, where do you begin in solving the problem?
What Causes Basement Moisture?
Most people report excessive moisture in basements after heavy rainfall which leads to localized flooding. While it is very common for water to travel down cracks and crevices in the top block of your basement/foundation, it is also common for water to enter basements along the corners of your basement walls from dysfunctional gutters and downspouts.
This is why it’s always a good idea to regularly check your gutters and downspouts to be sure they are free from debris that might clog them up. If they are clogged, remove the debris which will allow water to be carried at least 8-10’ away from your basement.
Many basements deal with excessive moisture because of faulty subsurface drainage systems or French drain systems. While both are responsible for deterring water away from your basement, they are entirely different kinds of drains. For example, subsurface drainage systems are responsible for carrying water away from your home before it gets to your foundation or basement walls. These drains are often found in yards or somewhere around the outside of your home.
French Drains & Subsurface Drains
A French drain is installed along the footer of your basement. Most new homes have this installed during the building process. However, some older homes (pre 60s) are oftentimes lacking French drains. If you’re unsure if your basement has a working French drain and you’re constantly dealing with excessive moisture and water, it’s a good rule of thumb to get it checked out by a professional waterproofing company.
Moreover, when installed, a French drain catches any runoff water that runs down the waterproofed, paneled walls and directs the water out of your basement before it ever has the chance of penetrating drywall or wood panelling.
Give Us A Call
So, if you’re dealing with excessive basement moisture and you’re looking for an answer that will work, give us a call. We specialize in basement and crawl space waterproofing, and we are located right here in Cleveland, TN. We look forward to serving you very soon.