Moisture in a basement can lead to a variety of problems. You may begin to notice the signs of water damage before you find the source of the moisture. You may notice condensation, high humidity, or water trickling into the basement. You may need a professional inspection to find out where the moisture originates. Many basements have moisture caused by leaks, drainage problems, and appliances.
Plumbing Leaks
A leak can come from many different sources. Leaks that compromise your basement may come from a pipe underneath your home, or indoor plumbing. If you have a leak coming from the main part of your house, you may notice moisture on the ceiling or wall of your basement. If the leak comes from under your home, you may notice moisture on the floor or wall of the basement. Once you have the plumbing resolved, you can move forward with basement repair in Alabama.
Bathrooms and Appliances
If you have a bathroom or laundry room in your basement, you may have extra moisture in the air. The steam from a shower in the basement may not dissipate as easily as it does in the main part of the house. Moisture becomes trapped and may cause long-lasting humidity and condensation. The vent from your dryer may also cause moisture to accumulate in the basement.
Foundation Damage
If you have a sealed basement and begin to see moisture, you may have an interior problem or foundation damage. If your house settles and shifts it can cause foundation issues. You may not notice small cracks in your wall or flooring. Water can get into your basement through these cracks. Once you resolve the foundation issue, you can have the basement sealed again.
Inadequate Outdoor Drainage
The gutters and downspouts on your home move water away from your home. If these do not work properly, you may have excessive water in the soil around your basement. Clean your gutters and downspouts regularly to avoid this problem. The grading of your lawn should also help water drain away from your house. If you notice standing water near your home, you may need to have the grading checked.
Outdoor Air
If you have windows in your basement, you may open them to air out the area. This can invite outdoor moisture into the home, however. If you like to enjoy the fresh outdoor air, use a fan in your basement to help reduce moisture. You can also add an air conditioning vent or try a dehumidifier to dry out the space. You may also minimize the problem by keeping windows closed on excessively humid days. Look out for humidity and condensation when you open the windows.
When you notice moisture in your basement, you may have concerns about the source of it. Schedule a professional inspection to have someone troubleshoot for you. Pay attention to the details of the moisture problems so you know what to tell the workers that come to your home. Some repairs require more than one specialist to remedy. You may need both a plumber and a foundation expert, for example. Be aware of the causes of moisture damage and work to prevent problems in your basement.
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