A damp basement is not something any homeowner wants to have as it can result in problems such as bad air quality and mold. There could be a few different reasons why your basement is damp but first, it’s good to determine if there are other problems with the property that are causing this to happen, here are a few of them:
Leaking gutters and downspouts. If these have become clogged or damaged in some way they could cause water to pool around the home’s foundations. This may also happen if downspouts have not been installed properly. For example, downspouts should be fitted in such a way that water will drain away from the building, ideally about 10 feet.
Location of the home. If your house is situated at the base of a hill or incline, you may well experience damp basement problems and pooling water. One solution for this is to dig small ditches (or Swales) approximately 10 to 15 feet away from the property which is designed to divert water away from it.
Insufficient grading. If you are noticing pooling water around your home’s foundation, the property may have insufficient or uneven grading or slope. This would stop water from draining away from the building and could be the reason for your damp basement.
These are just some of the reasons your basement may be damp. If you are concerned about the damage your damp basement may be causing, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to advise you.
