Damaged wall plumbing in a house closeup can lead to a damp basement.

The problem of a damp basement is hard to deal with. Every homeowner wants to stay away from that situation. A damp basement can turn into a nightmare for any homeowner if it is not handled carefully. All traces of moisture need to be removed fast if present. Moisture is not only a threat to the structural integrity of the house but over time, can lead to mold growth. Mold can pose a danger to the residents of the house. To find a solution, one needs to find the source of the problem too. There are many damp basement causes that homeowners are unaware of. Knowing them helps in fixing the problem.

How to Identify a Damp Basement 

There are a few common signs to identify a damp basement. These include: 

  • Water trickling down the ceiling cracks or walls
  • Excessive humidity
  • Rotting of wood or carpet 
  • Standing water on the floor 
  • Dampness rings or lines along the base of the walls 
  • Pockets behind the wall or wall covering 

Once these signs are identified, one can be assured that they have damp basement issues. It’s important to know the probable damp basement causes. There are several ways that moisture can enter the basement. It is hard for any homeowner to identify those causes. Hence, asking a foundation repair specialist to determine the apparent factors can help.

What Causes a Damp Basement? 

The following are the probable damp basement causes that a foundation specialist can point out: 

Leaks – Leaks from the roof can lead to moisture accumulation in the basement. Check for clogs and blocks in the drains and downspouts as it can move the water towards the substructure. 

Cracks – Any minor crack in the basement floor or the walls can lead to the accumulation of water. Foundation settlement causes cracks through which water enters the basement and results in dampness. Hydrostatic pressure can also be one of the causes. This pressure pushes the water from the surrounding soil to seep through the pores in the concrete walls and floors. 

Rain and groundwater accumulation due to improper structure – The inappropriate structure of the property can also result in a damp basement. For example, if the roof is not appropriately graded, or if the downspouts and gutters are not correctly installed, then precipitation can end up running in the basement instead of away from the property. Groundwater and rainwater can also accumulate in the basement of there is no drainage system around the walls of the foundation and basement.  

Contacting a Basement Waterproofing Specialists

Whatever the cause might be for a damp basement, finding a solution is key. Basement waterproofing is one of the solutions that homeowners can opt for. Crack repair, sump pump installation, and dehumidifying the basement can also help dry out the basement properly. An expert can help choose the best solution