Is the basement in your old home damp? If so, you’re not alone. Many homeowners have to deal with this problem. The good news is that there are ways to fix a damp basement in an older home.
In this blog, we will identify the potential cause of this damp basement problem and how to fix it. So, keep reading.
What Causes Wet Or Damp Basements In Older Homes?
More than 60% of American homes have moisture problems, indicating that it’s a common issue for many homeowners. This is especially true for those living in older homes.
Basements are among the areas in a home most susceptible to moisture issues. As one of the lowest points in a house, basements are more likely to accumulate water. This is why we always recommend waterproofing your basement firsthand to avoid costly repairs later.
Before we tackle the solutions, it’s essential to determine the cause first. If you are experiencing dampness in your older home’s basement, one or more of the following may be the cause:
Groundwater Seepage Or Hydrostatic Pressure
Groundwater seepage occurs when water from the soil surrounding a home’s foundation infiltrates the basement. This happens because soil naturally contains moisture, which can migrate through the porous materials of the basement walls and floors.
On the other hand, hydrostatic pressure refers to the force exerted by the standing water in the soil against the foundation walls. When the soil becomes saturated with water, the hydrostatic pressure increases. As explained in Waterproof Magazine, this pressure pushes water through cracks, joints, or porous spots in the basement walls and floor.
Leaky Plumbing System
The US Environmental Protection Agency reports that an average household wastes 10,000 gallons of water yearly due to leaky plumbing systems.
In older homes, plumbing systems may be decades old. So, it’s unsurprising that they may have developed leaks over time. If you have a leaky plumbing system, the leaked water can seep into your basement through cracks in the foundation walls or floor.
Condensation
Condensation can cause dampness in basements, particularly in older homes. Condensation happens when warm, moist air meets cooler surfaces, like basement walls, floors, or pipes. The warm air cools down, losing its ability to hold moisture, which then condenses on the cooler surface. The result is a layer of water droplets that you can see on walls or floors. If you have a damp basement, condensation is likely one of the causes.
Rainwater Runoff
During rainstorms, water collects on the roof and is channeled to the edges, where gutters are supposed to capture and direct it away from the house. When rainwater is not directed away from your home’s foundation, it can accumulate and seep into your basement.
Problems With Drainage Systems
Effective drainage systems prevent water accumulation around a home’s foundation. If your drainage system is damaged, water can collect around your home’s foundation and seep into the basement.
Here are common drainage problems and how they lead to damp basements:
- Sump pumps are devices that help remove excess water from your basement. If the sump pump malfunctions or fails to operate correctly, it can result in water accumulation and a damp basement.
- Many older homes lack an adequate drain tile system, essential for managing groundwater and directing it away from the foundation. Without a proper drainage system, groundwater can easily seep into the basement, leading to damp conditions and potential water damage.
- Drains can get clogged with debris, dirt, and other materials, preventing water from effectively channeling away from the basement. When drains are clogged, water can back up and cause flooding, leading to a damp or wet basement.
Structural Problems
Structural issues in a basement can significantly contribute to dampness and water infiltration.
Here are two common structural problems and their implications:
- Bowing Basement Wall: As the wall bows, it can generate gaps between the wall and the foundation, allowing water to seep. This can result in damp spots, water stains, and, eventually, flooding in the basement.
- Cracks or Leaks in Basement Walls: Cracks or leaks in basement walls are common structural issues that allow water to penetrate the interior space.
A bowed or cracked basement wall is a strong indication hydrostatic pressure is pushing against the wall.
Ineffective Grading
The ground around the home should slope away from the foundation. This slope helps rainwater and other sources of surface water to flow away from the house rather than pooling near the foundation walls.
If the ground around the foundation is flat or has a negative slope (sloping towards the house), water can collect near the foundation instead of draining away. This stagnant water increases the risk of basement dampness.
How To Fix A Damp Basement In An Older Home?
So, how do you fix a damp basement?
If the cause of the dampness is not that serious, say, clogged drains, condensation, and rainwater runoff, you can do the following:
- Redirect the water from the gutters away from the foundation using downspout extensions.
- Repair the gutter system or drains, if damaged.
- Unclog any clogged drains.
- Install dehumidifiers to reduce the moisture in the air.
However, if the cause of dampness is more serious, the best course of action is to hire a professional to fix the problem. Many things can cause a damp basement, and you should identify the root cause before taking any action.
Here are some of the damp basement solutions that a professional can do for you:
Sealing Or Basement Waterproofing
- Basement Waterproofing: Waterproofing your basement involves sealing the walls and floor with a waterproofing material like cementitious coatings, liquid rubber, etc. This prevents water from entering your basement through cracks or other openings. Effective basement waterproofing also involves installing a drain tile system.
- Vapor Barriers: Vapor barriers in basements, typically a plastic or foil sheet, serve as protective layers that prevent moisture infiltration from the surrounding ground and exterior environment. They are usually installed on walls or floors and work by controlling moisture levels to ensure a comfortable living space.
- Epoxy Crack Injection: Epoxy crack injection can repair cracks in concrete structures, such as basement walls, to prevent water leakage and address dampness issues. This technique involves injecting a two-part epoxy resin into the cracks, which cures to form a strong, impenetrable bond.
Fixing Structural Damages
If the cause of the dampness is linked to your home’s structural integrity, such as cracks and bowing basement walls, it’s essential to address the issue as soon as possible.
Here are some of the solutions that a professional may recommend:
- Wall Anchors: C-Channel wall anchors, Helical tie back wall anchors, or a Wall plate anchor system
- Bracing Systems: Steel I-beams and Carbon fiber wall repair
- Steel Push Piers
Fix Damaged Pipes And Drainage System
If you have leaky pipes or damaged drainage systems, you can hire an expert plumber or contractor to fix the problem. They will be able to identify the cause of the leak and repair it accordingly.
Install A Drainage System
If you don’t have a drainage system yet, you should have one installed as soon as possible. The basement is one of the lowest points in a home, so water and moisture will eventually find their way into it.
Here are the two most common types of drainage systems for your basement:
- Sump Pumps: A sump pump is usually installed in the lowest part of your basement or crawlspace to prevent flooding by removing water accumulating in a sump basin. When the water level in the basin rises to a certain point, a float switch activates the pump, which then pushes the water out through a discharge pipe, directing it safely away from the home’s foundation.
- Drain Tile: Drain tile systems are perforated pipes surrounded by gravel installed around a building’s foundation to redirect groundwater away and prevent flooding. As water rises, it filters through the gravel into the pipes, channeling it to a designated drainage area.
Who To Call If You Have A Damp Basement?
A damp basement is a common problem, but that does not mean you should ignore it. Simple moisture problems can escalate to serious structural damage if not addressed. If you have a damp basement, it is essential to call a professional as soon as possible.
Epp Foundation Repair is ready to help you with the damp basement problem in your old homes. We provide basement waterproofing services in Lincoln, Omaha, Grand Island, Kearney, NE, and other areas. Contact our repair team to schedule an inspection and receive a customized estimate for your needs.
