Basements often have a reputation of being cold, dark, and damp. Along with feeling (and smelling) unpleasant, a damp basement can also represent potentially dangerous living and storage conditions for you and your family. If the moisture in your basement increases drastically after a heavy rain, there is almost certainly damage in the basement walls or in the foundation of your home.
Running a fan in the basement to help water evaporate is not a reasonable solution. The dampness is a symptom of a much bigger problem, and treating the symptom will do nothing to stop the root cause. The source of the problem must be identified before you can implement a lasting solution.
Common Causes of Dampness
One potential cause for a damp basement is insufficient moisture curing. When new concrete is laid, it must be cured properly so that it can withstand moisture. Properly cured concrete will also be able to keep its integrity even as the water around it expands due to freezing and thawing cycles.
Excessive groundwater might also cause higher humidity in a basement. If the water in the soil does not drain properly, it will accumulate and press in on the foundation. This increased pressure can lead to shifting foundations, bowing or cracked walls, and leaks through the cracks. If water is leaking through hairline cracks in the foundation or basement walls, the cracks will grow over time and cause water damage.
Repair Methods
There are many different methods available to fix damp basements. Some of these may seem very simple, such as a paint designed to “seal in moisture.” Unfortunately, this merely covers the problem and does nothing to address the excess groundwater around the home.
Drain tile is another popular solution. Unlike surface solutions like waterproof paint, drain tile is designed to drain water away from the home once it approaches the walls or foundations. Unfortunately, it can become clogged with dirt quite easily, decreasing its effectiveness.
Intech Anchoring Systems Solutions
At Intech Anchoring Systems, we recommend two solutions: installing the Hydraway drainage system and repairing cracks properly.
Hydraway is the best draining product available today, and is incredibly effective at keeping water away from the home. It is made of flexible, yet durable, filter fabric that does not clog and can be installed up to 50 feet deep. It can withstand an enormous amount of pressure and keeps water from ever getting near walls and foundations.
Crack repair is achieved one of two methods. First, urethane injections can be applied to damp surfaces and will seal the crack effectively to help support the wall and prevent any future leaks. Second, carbon fiber may need to be applied to the surface to add minimally invasive structural support.
If you are experiencing trouble with a damp basement and are unsure how to properly tackle the problem, contact Intech Anchoring Systems today. We can send a certified contractor to inspect the damage, identify the source of the dampness, and give you a professional assessment and free price quote for any necessary repairs. We can also help you make changes to help rid your basement of its humidity problem. For more information, call Intech Anchoring Systems at 800-223-7015.