Why is Your Basement Humid?
Hibu Websites • December 31, 2020
We all know that feeling. That thick, sweaty, uncomfortable feeling of a humid basement. If you walk into your basement and you get that humid feeling, it may be too high. The reason for this is because concrete basement walls are porous and if the soil surrounding your home is saturated with water, pressure builds which can result in a weakening in the integrity of your walls.
This force is called hydrostatic pressure, which results in moisture infiltrating the basement. If you notice dampness in your basement or if the walls feel clammy, you may want to invest in a dehumidifier while you troubleshoot the outdoor issues causing your humidity problems with drainage techniques.
Make sure you have Proper Grading
When constructing a new home, the land is usually graded so that it slopes away from the foundation which helps the moisture away from your home. Unfortunately, over time, erosion and soil compaction can alter the grading and make it less effective. It can actually begin to slope towards the house and the foundation. If this is your case you should make sure to act on it as soon as possible. You can fill in the surrounding dirt to correct the direction of the grading. In the event that you have improper grading on your concrete slab patio or driveway, you may need to have the concrete replaced. Replacing the surrounding dirt with gravel may also go a long way in reducing the hydrostatic force on your basement walls and improves the drainage conditions in your property.
Exterior Drainage is Important
Using gutters is ideal as they are intended to move the rainwater away from your home. When gutters are clogged, rainwater will start to spill over the edges and drip toward your foundations. Make sure your gutters empty three feet from your foundation. If this doesn’t happen, try attaching gutter extensions so the water moves farther away from your home.
Landscaping too close to your home can create drainage problems. Make sure your plants are at least two feet from your foundations so that while you water your plants you’re not saturating your foundation with water. Using these tips do what you can to protect your foundation from water damage. If you start noticing issues like stair-step cracks in walls, or mildew and mold growth between cinder blocks, it might be a good idea to contact a trusted, licensed professional to inspect your home for water damage.
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