Damp basements can be a real problem for homeowners and render the space unusable. Because of it’s location, a basement is more prone to water intrusion, which can cause mold, rotting foundations, and bad air quality. One of the reasons a basement will be damp is pooling water around the building’s foundations. How can this be avoided?
- Check your gutters and downspouts to ensure they have been correctly installed. If downspouts have not been fitted correctly, water will gather around the foundations, instead of draining away from the building.
- Another problem that can prevent proper drainage is an insufficient or uneven slope. It is good to have this checked out because many water intrusion issues are the result of inadequate grading.
- Properties will commonly experience pooling water if they are located at the bottom of a hill or incline. One possible solution is to create swales, or small ditches, which will divert water runoff away from the foundations.
If you would like more advice on the cause and solution to your damp basement issues, why not schedule a home inspection? This way, you can find the exact source of the problem.