6 Most Common Causes of Basement Moisture

Most people may think that having a damp basement is perfectly normal, but it is, in fact, not so! Basement moisture is very bad news as is could be the sign of a serious leak, and/or a crack in the foundation of your home. Moisture also allows the spread of mold and mildew, and attracts bugs.

Here at the 6 most common causes of basement moisture

Internal Water Leak

The most common cause of basement moisture is a leak. Check all your pipes – showers, sinks, toilets, washing machines and so on. Water from the leak is trickling down into your basement, causing the dampness.

Defective Gutters or Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts are geared to prevent water from coming off of your roof and into your foundation. If they are not doing their job properly – if they are, for example, blocked or damaged – then water will be getting into your foundation, causing basement water intrusion issues that need to be resolved as soon as possible.

Foundation Cracks

Pressure from groundwater in the areas surrounding your home can cause your foundation to weaken. If they weaken enough, they will crack. Once a foundation has cracked the groundwater will find a way to enter your home, resulting in a damp basement. If not treated, your foundation will weaken further, potentially causing serious structural issues.

Poor or Missing Drain Tile and Sump Pit

Modern houses are built so that the basement can be a livable area or a useful storage or utility room if so desired. They are then built with a subsurface drainage system, as the basement is usually, of course, beneath the ground.

If your house has a subsurface drainage system that is failing, then this can obviously cause a damp basement.

Ineffective Grading

When built, the ground surrounding your home should have been graded downwards and away from the structure in order to help with water drainage. Over time the ground may have settled and now be grading towards your home. Water is likely draining into your basement if this is what has happened.

Condensation

Air is typically moist, and the moisture in warm air is attracted to the coolness of your basement walls and floor. Over time this moisture will build up to create water intrusion issues in your basement.

Do Any of These Basement Issues Sound Familiar?

If you have issues with water intrusion in your basement, then consider having your basement waterproofed. This is something that Tom’s Basement Waterproofing can help you out with. Just give our friendly, family owned company a call at any time at (586) 949-7826 or (586) 776-7270 or use our online contact form.