Northeast Property Restoration
August 19, 2019
3:00 pm
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8 Ways to Eliminate Basement Moisture

8 Ways to Eliminate Basement Moisture | Basements are susceptible to moisture. Heavy rains, leaks, and ground water can cause flooding. From dampness to a foot of water, any moisture can cause major damage.

At Northeast Property Restoration we find that basements are the #1 area for disasters. Both water damage and mold growth can happen. However, don’t feel discouraged if water and flooding continually occur. There are many affordable ways you can dry your basement and eliminate water intrusion.

1. Find the Source

Water or moisture in basements comes from two sources.

1. Indoor Humidity: condenses on cold surfaces, much like water droplets form on a cold drink on a humid day.

2. Water or Water Vapor: comes from outside, rainwater, melting snow or groundwater can saturate the soil around your foundation and leak in.

Tip: Tape aluminum foil to your basement wall and inspect it a few days later. Moisture on the outside surface means there’s high indoor humidity, moisture behind the foil means water is leaking through the walls.

2. Keep Water Away From Foundation

If your basement leaks due to heavy rains or large amounts of snow melts, the water may not be properly diverted from your home’s foundation.

Lawn edging and gravel are contributors
Create a 6ft wide slop that drops 4in away from foundation
Cover the sloping soil with 6-mil poly & cover with mulch, soil, or gravel

3. Add Gutters & Extend Downspouts

Gutters are placed on a home to catch and channel water to the downspouts, so the water is directed away from the house.

Make sure your home has gutters & downspouts. Install more downspouts to help move the water away from the foundation or lengthen the ones you have to about 4- to 6-ft. Lengthening will help ensure the water is moved far away from your home’s foundation.

4. Fix Holes & Cracks

Holes and cracks in your foundation can let moisture and water seep into your basement.

Hydraulic Cement: Small to large crack & holes. Can be used when the area is wet or under water. It expands as it sets to seal the hole or crack.
Carbon Fiber Patch: Larger cracks can be patched with a carbon fiber material. Fill the crack with Hydraulic Cement or Epoxy before the patch is placed.

5. Waterproof the Walls

Waterproofing materials that go on like paint fill the pores in the concrete or masonry walls and prevent water from leaking in.

Waterproof Masonry Paint: Paint must be applied to bare concrete or masonry walls, remove loose debris, clean the area, apply 2 thick coats to fill every pinhole, dry the first coat completely before applying the next.

6. Install a Sump Pump

Water buildup can be due to poor drainage.

Install a Sump Pump: A sump pump will pump the water out of the basement through piping.
Install a Channel: A channel will lead the water into the sump pump basin to than be removed.
Install a Drain: Avoid backup by having a place for the water to go.

7. Insulate Pipes

Have you noticed condensation dripping from pipes? This can contribute to basement water problems.

Cover water pipes with foam pipe insulation to eliminate condensation.
Foam insulation is very inexpensive and easy to apply.

8. Eliminate Excess Humidity

Eliminating the sources of humid air will help dry out your basement.

Seal Dryer Vents: Foil tape can prevent unwanted humid air from entering your basement.
Keep your basement windows closed in the summer.
Run a dehumidifier to keep the indoor humidity below 55.

Dehumidifiers are very important to have running at all times in a basement. They come with an automatic shut off when you set the humidity level. If your basement has a drain you no longer need to empty the unit.

Eliminate Moisture Affordably

Severe basement water damage could end in a costly expense. Therefore, eliminate water intrusion before is gets worse. Use the information above to determine what will work for your basement issues and expenses. Also, you can contact us today for a free inspection and estimate. We can help find how the water is coming in and inform you on the best way to solve the problem.

Service Area:

Broome County, Tioga County, Tompkins County, Cortland County, Susquehanna County, Lakawanna County, Chenango County and more!