There are two potential sources of moisture in basements: indoor humidity and water or water vapor that comes from outside the home. Everything from rainwater to melting snow can wind up leaking through cracks in the basement’s walls or penetrating its porous concrete in the form of vapor. No matter where it comes from, the moisture in a Wet Basement in Rockville can lead to damage to both the basement itself and anything kept in it.
Serious leaks are always best handled by professionals, but there are some sources of indoor humidity that can be remediated at home. Read on to find out about a few of them.
Get Rid of Excess Humidity
Eliminating excess humidity can help to dry out a wet basement. Try sealing leaky dryer vents and keep any basement windows closed during humid weather. If these steps don’t work and there is still noticeable condensation on cool surfaces, consider investing in a dehumidifier.
Insulate Pipes
The condensation that drips from cold pipes is unlikely to be the sole cause of excessive moisture in a basement, but it could well be contributing to it. Cover any cold water pipes running through the basement with foam pipe insulation to remove this problem.
Insulate Walls
If the excess humidity in the basement is coming from an interior source, insulating the walls can help to prevent condensation. However, it’s never a good idea to cover the walls with insulation if the water leaks are coming from the outside, as this will only cause unnecessary problems with mold.
Keep Water Away from the Foundation
It’s quite common for the soil surrounding a home’s basement to begin settling over time, leading to rainwater runoff accumulating around the foundation. Be sure that there is a slope leading away from the foundation and cover the sloped soil with a layer of 6-mil poly, which will prevent the water from soaking into the ground near the basement.
Know When to Call a Pro
If the previous tips and tricks have not solved a homeowner’s problem with his or her Wet Basement in Rockville, it’s time to call in some professional help. Armored Basement Waterproofing can determine the source of any water leaks and offer practical solutions to permanently fix them. Follow us on Twitter.
