The American Society for Homeowners says that more than 50% of homeowners in the US have to deal with wet basements. This is often as a result of water runoff, condensation and swelling. The water damage restoration Pasadena CA solution you opt for will largely depend on what causes your basement to get wet.
Factors to Consider
Don’t ignore a stale stench. Before making any modifications to your house, identify the cause of the wetness. In case you have a problem with the groundwater swelling, get an expert to help you deal with it.
Keep an eye on water table fluctuations. You can do this by getting in touch with your local municipal council. You can also check with the National Association of Waterproofing Contractors.
Condensation
Condensation takes place when humid air comes into contact with cold foundation walls. You can also carry out a simple test to help you find out if this is the problem. Take a plastic bag and tape in on the damp area and then check on the plastic after a few days. If you see that the wetness on the plastic is on the outside, then it means that there’s a leak. However, if the wetness is inside the plastic, then it means that you are dealing with a condensation problem.
To deal with this issue, open the windows in the room or use a dehumidifier for water damage Pasadena.
Runoff
The major cause of water runoff is if there’s a lack of proper drainage for rainwater or melted snow. Water is then forced into the floors or walls through cracks as a result of hydrostatic pressure. To prevent runoff, ensure that grounds outside your home slope away from your house. For every 12 inches of horizontal travel, the ground should slope off by an inch. You should also ensure that downspouts don’t collect close to the foundation of the house.
A sign that shows this is the problem you’re having is dampness on the floors and walls and algae or mold will start growing on the walls or floor.
Groundwater Swelling
This happens when the maximum point of the water has been exceeded and the ground around your house is no longer able to hold the extra water.
In this case, the basement floors will usually be wet for long periods of time after a storm. You might also notice water bubbles in between walls and the floor.
The water damage restoration Pasadena solution for this problem can be quite expensive, considering that most homes are not built with this in mind.
Basement Waterproofing Solutions
It’s essential that you deal with this problem as soon as you notice it. Not dealing with it can affect the structural integrity of your house.
Applying Concrete Sealer
Sealers can be used to coat the walls and floors of basements. Remove any stagnant water first before applying it.
Fitting a Polyethylene Membrane
Use this to hold back water. Set up a sump pump and install channels which can get rid of the water that collects behind the polyethylene membrane.