Many homeowners deal with wet basement problems that result in property damage, poor indoor air quality, and other concerns.

While the go-to basement repair for dampness and wet basements is usually to paint it with a waterproof coating, this is not always the appropriate remedy.

To determine the most effective basement repair solutions, homeowners must have their home diagnosed as to the true cause of their wet or damp basement.

Where Does Basement Moisture Originate?

The first thing to understand when experiencing wet basement problems is where the water is coming from.

There are only three places where water entering the basement can come from and the specific basement repair depends on knowing that.

Those three sources are rainwater or groundwater, interior sources of water (leaks), and condensation due to humidity.

Interior water sources must be tracked to the source, whether an appliance or a water pipe and the appropriate repair made.

Condensation, which typically occurs when moist warm air enters cooler spaces, must be addressed by locating the source of humidity and correcting it.

Requiring more significant basement repair solutions are moisture issues caused by rainwater and groundwater on the outside, somehow making their way inside.

The Common Causes of Wet Basement Problems

Of the true wet basement problems caused by rainwater and groundwater, the most common ones that homeowners experience and require some sort of intervention include:

Incorrect Grading Around the Foundation - One of the easiest mistakes made when finishing new homes that can cause moisture problems in the basement is poor grading that does not divert water away from the foundation. When water is allowed to pool around the foundation, it can eventually seep its way in through hairline cracks and other imperfections in the foundation.
Missing or Damaged Gutters and Downspouts - Similar to the issue of poor grading, a roofline that is missing gutters or has damaged downspouts both permit water from the roof to pool around the foundation and can contribute to moisture finding its way inside. When the soil around the foundation ends up saturated, seepage can happen or problems that require more substantial basement repair can occur due to hydrostatic pressure pushing on the foundation.
Foundation Cracks - Whether caused by settling, hydrostatic pressure, or some other issue, cracks of any kind in the foundation can lead to moisture inside. Hairline cracks can cause basement dampness, while larger more serious cracks might cause actual leaks.
Poor Basement Drainage - Some basements, especially in older homes that do not have subsurface drainage systems, might exhibit leaks and wetness. In these situations, basement repair solutions might include the installation of drain tile and sump pump systems or other methods of collecting drainage water and diverting it back outside.

Wet Basement Repair Needs A Good Diagnosis

Regardless of the cause, wet basement problems should be assessed by foundation specialists who can find the true root of the issue.

In doing so, they can also recommend the right basement repair solution that will stop the moisture problem and prevent any additional foundation damage.

While simple basement repairs like waterproofing might be suitable in certain cases, a professional diagnosis will ensure that homeowners are not missing a more serious problem!