How to Avoid Mold and Water Damage in Your Basement
If you live in the Tampa Bay area, you may not be used to seeing many homes with basements; however, believe it or not, there are several homes throughout the area that actually have basements. Most homes in Florida are built without a basement due to hurricane-related issues. Building codes insist that home floors be built above storm surge elevation. If a basement is allowed to be built, it is typically built as a “non-habitable” space, so in other words, homeowners may have the basement for additional storage but no bedrooms. However, while basements provide extra storage space and cooler places to hang out on hot days, they also have their share of moisture-related issues.
When it comes to basement problems, moisture is the most common basement problem. Moisture enters most often from external sources, although it can also occur indoors. Often times, most homeowners are unaware that the ground around basement walls can hold a large amount of moisture. The reason for the high moisture content in the soil could include surface water seeping into the ground or even from a high water table. A high water table could be explained by heavy rains that cause the water table to rise higher than the basement floor. Often times, water can find its way into a basement by gravity or through a crack or failure in the base’s water-protection layer. Water can also be pulled upward by a “wicking action” or “pushed upward” by hydrostatic pressure from the ground under the walls or floor. In the summer, warm, humid air from outside can enter the home and cause condensation on the walls or basement floor. In areas that may experience freezing temperatures, the following situation can occur if a crack is present: water will enter through the crack and then freeze and expand. With each cold season, the crack will eventually enlarge due to the expansive properties of frozen water.
Regardless of the cause of water damage, basement moisture problems often include: leaky foundation cracks, standing water / flooded basement floors, chalk stains (efflorescence), mold growth, damp insulation, damp carpets, suffocating odors, high humidity, and decaying wood. If a homeowner experiences any of these issues, they should conduct a full inspection of the basement and the surrounding basement. When checking the exterior, the homeowner should check the slope of the soil around the basement – are you allowing the water to drain inward rather than away from the home? What type of storm drain does your home have? A poor rain drainage system will continue to provide a large volume of water that can seep into or overwhelm basement drainage systems. Are there any visible cracks in the exterior or interior structure? Severe or active cracks can be an indication of future structural problems or even present unsafe conditions. Also, in Florida, they could be an example of a sink under your house. Check window holes – are there signs of leaks? Water can collect in wells, which can cause a possible leak to the basement through or around the window.
There are several ways to help prevent moisture damage problems in a basement. The first rule of thumb is that there are no dirt basements. Although these are less common today, it is good to note that dirt floors not only retain a large amount of moisture, but can also emit a variety of gases. When building a basement, make sure you have a floor drain with a trap installed at the lowest point in the floor. Without a floor drain, water that spills inside cannot get out. If necessary, install a sump pump and make sure the sump cap is tightly sealed. Sump pumps are often used where flooding due to a high water table can be a problem. Also, waterproof the exterior of the foundation walls and install a perimeter drainage system.
An often overlooked problem in basements is moisture that comes from humidity. The easiest way to control humidity is to expel the water vapor produced in the house to the outside. Signs of high humidity include: condensation on windows, pipes, or other surfaces, as well as a general sense of dampness in the air, humidity, and odors. Often times, humidity will be caused by exposing the basement to outside air (windows open), having wet clothes hanging to dry in the basement, storing firewood in the basement, and / or a dryer vent leaking into the interior. . To reduce humidity, there are several things a homeowner can do: install energy efficient windows, insulate walls and cold water pipes, insulate floors if possible, open dryer vents directly to the outside, and not dry clothes or firewood in the basement. In summer, use a portable dehumidifier or air conditioner to reduce humidity. In hot and humid weather, keep basement windows closed. Run the furnace fan continuously to circulate the air in the house. The key to keeping basement humidity low is to keep them well ventilated and keep extra humidity out of the basement.
Another aspect to consider when it comes to keeping your basement free from moisture and mold is storage. Too many stored items, especially on the floor, will allow hidden corners to get even more damp and encourage mold growth. Get rid of unused items and store items on shelves. Avoid storing in cardboard boxes that easily absorb moisture and are easily damaged by mold. The key to proper basement storage is allowing air to circulate.
Moisture problems are caused by the accumulation of a variety of water sources. Whether it comes from seeping surface or groundwater, absorbing water, or condensing water vapor, it needs to be controlled. If a future flood seems unavoidable, do not install interior insulation or finishes that will be damaged by water, as they will give you a place for mold to grow and will cause more difficulty and expense in flood cleanup. Additionally, correcting foundation moisture problems can improve the durability of your home and eliminate some health hazards. Hire a professional renovator for drainage problems and protection against below-grade water, large or mobile foundation cracks, concrete placement, or major structural repairs. You may also need a heating contractor to install heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment. A clean, dry basement provides a happy, mold-free base for any home.
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