Causes of Water Problems

There are four basic reasons that cause basement water, basement mold, moisture, and dampness problems in Michigan basements and Ohio basements:

1. Surface Water

Excess surface water penetrates the exterior foundation walls, and enters the basement through gaps, cracks, and seams. Excess surface water generally occurs as a result of non-functioning gutters and downspouts, or reverse grades. Both will send water toward the foundation instead of away from it.

2. Footing Drains

The drainage system installed around the exterior perimeter of the foundation, down below the level of the basement floor, is designed to drain water that accumulates at the bottom of the foundation. If the drainage system fails, usually as a result of clogging over time, water builds around the exterior perimeter. Pressure is created when the water has no place to drain. It is only a matter of time before the water is forced into openings at the base of the foundation, usually through the seam where the wall and floor meet. If the foundation is built from hollow concrete blocks, water can rise upwards in the blocks, and show up in areas above the level of the floor.

3. Vapor Transmission

Because foundation building materials are made from porous masonry products, water vapor can move through the foundation, from the cooler damper soils, into the warmer, drier, environment of the basement. This is the reason that vapor barriers are required when installing wall or floor covering.

4. Humidity

In the warmer, humid months, warm, humid air circulating into the basement shrinks as it cools from the lower air temperatures in the basement. As the air cools and shrinks, the relative humidity increases. As it continues to cool, or comes in contact with cooler surfaces, like cold water pipes or cold concrete walls and floors, the water condenses. Cold water pipes drip water onto the floor. Dampness appears on basement walls and floors.

At Best Cellar Basement Systems, we know how to keep your basement dry AND looking bright and clean, so you can get the most out of the value of your home. Find out more about stopping Wet Basement Issues.