Basement
Wet basement in Murfreesboro: work out why before you pay for a fix
“Wet” covers everything from sweaty walls in August to a puddle after each storm. They have different causes and different cures.
Three kinds of wet
- Condensation. Warm, humid air touches a cool wall, floor or pipe and leaves droplets. It is worst in summer, appears evenly over a surface and has nothing to do with rain.
- Seepage. Moisture moves slowly through masonry from damp soil. You see dark patches, peeling paint and white powder, usually low on the wall, and they grow after wet spells.
- Leaks. Liquid water arrives through an opening during or just after rain and leaves a trail you can follow.
A simple check separates the first two. Tape a square of plastic wrap or foil tightly to a damp wall and leave it for a couple of days. Droplets on the room side point to condensation. Dampness under the plastic means water is coming through the wall.
What to try before calling anyone
- Clean the gutters and make sure every downspout empties several feet from the house, onto ground that slopes away.
- Look at the soil along the foundation. If it is flat or tilts toward the wall, add soil so it falls away, keeping it below the siding.
- Check that window wells are clear of leaves and that their drains are open.
- For condensation, run a dehumidifier, keep basement windows shut in humid weather and vent the clothes dryer outdoors.
- Watch through two or three good rains. Note where water shows up and how long after the rain starts.
If the basement dries out, you have your answer. If it does not, those notes are exactly what a waterproofing company needs to hear.
When it is time to call
Call when water keeps returning after the outdoor fixes, when it comes in at the base of the walls, when you see it in more than one place, or when stored things and finishes are being damaged. The company will usually suggest one of three routes: a repair to a single leak, an interior drain system, or waterproofing from outside.
Wet basement questions
Is a damp basement a health problem?
Persistent damp lets mold grow on paper, wood and fabric, and many people find that air unpleasant or irritating. Questions about symptoms belong with a doctor. Drying the space is the part a waterproofing company can help with.
Is a dehumidifier enough?
For condensation, often yes. For seepage it helps the air but the wall stays damp. For leaks it does nothing useful.
Does the white powder mean mold?
Usually not. White, crusty deposits that crumble to dust are mineral salts left behind as water evaporates from masonry. They show that water is passing through the wall.
Still wet after the simple fixes?
Say what you have noticed under the house or in the basement. A short description is enough to get the conversation started.
Call from Murfreesboro or nearby
You will be put through to an independent local company that does this kind of work.
Call (615) 555-0113Calls may be recorded. Read the referral disclosure to see how this service is paid for.