What Causes Leaks In The Basement?

It is important to note level lawns are a necessity. The smallest amount of rainfall can go under the foundation, creep through the cracks in the walls and the results are leaks. Having to do the cleaning once the rain is over is something, but the leftover dampness causes moldy scents and harmful effects to the owner's property. The results of the wetness result in problems and stress to the owner's.

Wetness In The Basement Causes Allergies From The Mold

Anyone who resides in the house having allergic reactions to mold and mildew will need to be extra careful when it is humid outside or in the basement. Mold is an especially harsh irritant to those who have allergies. The top allergy-causing agent in basements is the feces of the dust mite. What do I do to get rid of them? Dust mites live for humid conditions. Adding a dehumidifier in the basement has been shown to help but it will depend on which particular brand you choose. Each one is different in the size and effectiveness. Industrial size humidifiers will be the right size to clear the air. The Sani-Dry basement Air System is the tops in the marketplace. It offers a large capacity, superior working dehumidifier with an air filtering quality in the one unit. It holds up to one hundred pints of water each day that it removes from your home and the dry air is circulated throughout the basement.

A few ask if having a home dehumidifier is better than an industrial dehumidifier… Home humidifiers cannot deal with the size of a basement because of the amount of water taken from the air. The home dehumidifiers are not big enough to push the dry air through the basement correctly. Industrial dehumidifiers will save you the trouble of manually taking the water from your home instead of having you do it yourself.

The idea is... Wet basements are damaging! How do I fix the problem?

The Warning Signs

The first issue to deal with in a wet basement is being able to see the results of a leak. It might be necessary to call in a professional who is experienced in dealing with waterproofing. They will be able to pinpoint the leaks in the basement. Do not call yet, learn the warning signs:

1. Water leakage through the floor and wall
2. Regular state of dampness
3. Dry rotting or bent paneling or wood
4. Obvious cracks in the wall or floor
5. Obvious mildew and mold
6. A moldy smell in the basement
7. Loose floor tiles in the basement
8. Rust signs on the furnace or tank holding water
9. A white powdery substance on the walls
10. Problems with termites or other insects
11. Paint peeling from the wall
12. Basement walls that appear to be bowing or bending

The waterproofing professionals are great when you need to get explanations about a system for keeping the dampness and odor out of the basement. If any contracting company or individual provides a quote for waterproofing your basement before inspecting it, hang up and call another.

What About Gutters Or Troughs For The Eves?

The reason gutters or troughs for the eves are installed are to lower the rain and water a basement drain tile system deals with. The water moves along the ground to the drain tile system. This system grabs the silt and sentiment in the water. These two things will eventually cause your drain to become clogged causing leakage to the basement. By providing clean gutters, downspouts, and making sure they are a minimum of six feet from the house, you are reducing the water levels that go to the drain tile. This increases the longevity of your system. When your basement starts to leak, it is past the time allowed to move the gutters or downspouts. Take time now to do this before more harm is caused and the wetness causes thousand or more in cost. Try the phone book to see if you can find a waterproofing company in your area.