Wet basement solution

We brought you the best wet basement solutions thinking that this area, when wet, becomes almost useless, and that the excess of humidity can be bad for your health. The longer you wait to solve this problem, the worse it becomes. Not to mention the basement maintenance that becomes more and more expensive. START ASAP.

1.  Check for Leakings

To prevent moisture in the basement, you need to know its causes. Check to see if there is any hot air leaking into the cold basement through the rim joist and search for gaps around the joist and sill plate – both of them are the most common causes of trouble. Seal the gaps.

Be aware! If you decide to do this by yourself, use approved mortar or a low-shrink sealant and not any other kind of products, and if the sealing needs to be made around a cast penetration that has a sleeve, such as a gas or water line, also seal the space between the service line and the sleeve to ensure everything is alright.

2.  Install Sensors

To prevent a wet basement, install floor and valve sensors for monitoring its humidity levels. With them, water leaks can be detected before they become a problem. Some of them can also shut off power and leaky valves when triggered.

3.  Design Landscaping Correctly

Since the basement is below ground, exit your house and see if the soil around the area is sloping away from the foundation wall. If it's correct, fine, otherwise, you will have to make some corrections and maybe do a landscaping redesign. This is one of the most important ways of controlling basement moisture.

Tips:

  • do not over-water the soil during landscaping;
  • make sure the top of your foundation is 8 inches above the ground minimum; and
  • place any plant at least 2 feet from the foundation and low into the ground.

Take note.

4.  Insulate Your Basement

Most condensation problems caused by moisture – and that leads to a wet basement – can be solved with an automatic dehumidifier, but for a better, long-lasting solution, insulate your basement. Use foam tubes to insulate, but don't do it yourself: call a professional. You can also insulate and run the dehumidifier itself.

5.  Add a Perimeter Drain

To drain the water of any space, use a drain. Sounds obvious, but most people forget to add a perimeter drain around their houses and to prevent or solve problems with wet basements.

When installed, the drain will collect any groundwater and carry it away from the basement foundation. Just surround it with gravel infill for protection, and use a tube that has a filter sock to prevent sludge and clay soils from getting in.

6.  Invest on a Damp Basement Floor Solution

Here are some tips related to DPM damp basement floor solutions and some waterproofing for extensions that will help you secure your place:

  • place a DPM above ground;
  • use DPM liquid epoxy for existing concrete floors;
  • install a DPM floor membrane above concrete slabs; and
  • install a moisture-proof foundation for concrete floors.

Remember you need a DPM under laminate flooring, there is a difference between DPC and DPM, so search more if you need other information, and the DPM goes above the floor insulation.

There is a Difference Between DPC and DPM

A Damp Proof Course (DPC) is a horizontal barrier, inserted into the wall to prevent moisture from rising through the structure. DPM, on the other hand, is a plastic sheet membrane that sits between a concrete slab or table to prevent moisture from entering a property through the ground.

Check some other commons questions out!

You Need a DPM Under Laminate Flooring

Yes, to prevent moisture from rising through the concrete floor, a DPM must be used under it. The DPM must also be placed, of course, on wood, laminate, vinyl and tile floors.

DPM Goes Above the Floor Insulation

Let's put it this way: if placed under the DPM, moisture can degrade it over time.

Now you finally know how to keep moisture out of your basement and can make some changes with what you need to tidy up the area before everything goes down the drain (literally)!

Call a basement waterproofing contractor and ask for help to avoid any possible damage to your house and well-being – it may cost less than DIY.

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