Do you have a basement in your house? Then a wet basement floor is a problem you’re likely to encounter sooner or later. Water in the basement is common, but that doesn’t make it any less annoying. . Moisture can even cause serious damage and can pose health risks.
What are the causes of a wet basement floor? And which solutions really work against a wet basement?
Moisture in the basement: always bad news
Moisture problems in the basement are never harmless. The basement literally forms the foundation of your home. When moisture penetrates there, the entire structure of your home can weaken. Moreover, moisture in the basement is almost always accompanied by mold growth, and the moisture can spread to the ground floor. You will then struggle with peeling plaster, damp spots, and a musty odor that you just can’t get rid of.
In addition, persistent moisture also has an impact on health. Molds thrive in a humid environment. They spread through spores that are toxic when inhaled, especially for children and people with respiratory problems. And of course, all the items you store in the basement will also be damaged. Moisture has no mercy!
The causes of a wet basement floor
A wet basement floor doesn’t just happen. In most cases, there is one clear cause, although combinations also occur. We list the main causes.
Soil moisture and groundwater pressure
The most common cause of a wet basement floor is soil moisture. The basement is located underground and is therefore in direct contact with the moist soil. When it rains heavily, or when you live in an area with a high water table, all that water will exert pressure on the basement walls. When that happens for years on end, the bricks will eventually absorb the moisture and the soil moisture can end up in your basement.
Leaks
Another possible cause is leaks. Pipes often run in the basement and they can start to leak due to frost or simply because they are worn out. The water that is released accumulates around the basement floor and causes wet spots. These leaks are sometimes very treacherous because they spread very slowly and are barely visible.
Outdated or damaged constructions
Over time, basement floors and walls can show cracks. Outdated constructions or subsidence in the basement floor or walls cause cracks to form. And even the smallest cracks are sufficient to let in soil moisture.
The solutions against a wet basement floor
Fortunately, there are effective solutions to permanently tackle a wet basement floor. The correct method depends on the cause and severity of the problem.
Basement sealing
Basement sealing is a commonly used and effective solution for soil moisture and penetrating moisture. Our experts then make the basement waterproof again from the inside. We do this by thoroughly cleaning the walls and floor and then covering them with several layers of a special waterproof coating. We create, as it were, a new basement wall inside the old one. In this way, moisture can no longer penetrate and you can simply use the basement again as before.
Basement drainage
In situations where the water pressure is too high or where water regularly remains on the basement floor, we are more likely to look towards basement drainage. We then place a drainage system along the basement floor and basement walls. For this we use special studded membranes that collect penetrating water and lead it to a central drainage point. There is a pump ready there that brings the water back outside. All of this is of course neatly hidden.
A basement drainage system does not combat the moisture problem, but manages it in a controlled manner. The water no longer has a chance to cause damage. This solution is ideal for basements that structurally have to deal with groundwater.
Don’t forget condensation in basements either
Important: not every moisture problem in the basement is the result of penetrating water. Condensation also occurs frequently, especially in poorly ventilated basements. Warm, humid air that comes into contact with cold basement walls or floors then condenses and leaves water droplets on the walls. You can recognize condensation by wet walls, mold growth and damp spots on the ceiling of your basement.
The solution? No basement sealing or basement drainage, but good ventilation. In most cases, it is sufficient to install ventilation grilles or a mechanical ventilation system. This way that humid air is removed, no water vapor can precipitate and you keep mold out of your basement.
Solusio combats your wet basement floor
Are you suffering from a wet basement floor and do you want to tackle the problem thoroughly? Solusio specializes in moisture control, also in basements. Our experts are happy to visit you to find out the cause of the wet basement floor and propose the most suitable solution for your home.
In any case, don’t wait until the damage gets even greater and expensive repairs are required. Contact Solusio today without obligation and quickly enjoy a dry, healthy basement again!