Stopping Basement Water Problems

Where does this moisture come from? I am asked this question often when looking at houses for people. The basement of old, has become the needed space addition of new. More and more people are finishing the basement on their homes to give that extra living space they need and want. These are not the panel wall type of the 60s and 70s either. These are all out full 2×4 drywall, the full works additions with full whirl tub bathes and home media rooms. The remodeling that has been going on since the housing market bubble has kept people investing more into their own homes when seeing the high prices of the next home they thought they wanted. So, when people do buy into a home with a unfinished basement or are looking to add space by utilizing a current basement, they want to know, where is the moisture coming from.

Enough already, lets jump in, the waters fine. Really, what most people fail to see is that their basement water problems start up on their roof. Thats right the roof. On many houses there is a great water disposal system called gutters. Now through the years gutters, just like anything else on a home age and need replacement. People don’t view the leaking gutter or missing down spout as a basement problem. Water needs to be guided away from the house. The water that stays in and around the house follows the foundation walls down. When water builds up on the exterior of a concrete block wall it begins to leach through to the other side. This gives a wet look to the wall at first then can turn to a mold problem or drys out when the weather outside is dry. When a wall that has this problem drys it leaves chemical deposits on the wall, these are called efflorescence. These are how many home inspectors can tell that there is moisture in the area even when there has been a dry season. Making sure your gutter system has no leaks and your down spouts have no leaks is a great start to a dry basement. Also a big element is the down spout extensions, make sure they are getting the water at least 3 feet or more away from your house.
I also always tell people make sure their gutters are clean. A clogged gutter system. is just asking for a basement full of water.

The next problem area is the pitch of the surface areas directly around the foundation of your house. The pitch, needs to be, what is called a positive. The water when it hits this area runs away from the foundation not towards it. This is also a big source of basement water problems. Normally this is a problem, that is solved by bringing in more dirt around the house and grading the dirt as to give the positive pitch. When there is areas of concrete, for instance a patio slab that has settled causing water to run towards the foundation, this must be fixed via mud jacking or removal and installation of a new concrete slab. I think you can see the general theme here, water needs to be guided away from your home, not towards it.

Large bushes up against the side of a house can have negative effects on the basement walls via large root structures, depending on how and big the bush is it can put pressure on your foundation causing possible water problems. When the bushes are new and smaller they are less likely to cause the problems, again it is when they have aged and become so over grown the problems start. The next largest root problems is trees. Trees that are to close to a house can have very negative results on foundations causing leaks and structural problems. The willow tree is known to have roots as long as the tree is tall. The roots actively seek out water and are known to grow into foundation drain tile systems. This type of root structure inside a homes drain tile can cause a basement to fill with water as the drain tile cannot get the water away from the foundation when this occurs. When willow trees become large and they are to close to a home it is generally recommended that they be removed as to not cause foundation problems.

These are a few sources of basement moisture problems. Now, that you are aware you can correct these problems and see if you get the dry basement you have been hoping for. We have just touched the surface here with this article. I will keep writing if you will keep reading. Until next time, I hope this article is helpful for the your basement moisture problem needs.

Always remember when doing any home improvements, safety first!