Do Basements Work in Humid Areas with Wet Soil?

Most homeowners love basements. The fact that lower levels can increase your storage space or even transform into a comfortable guest room can easily convince a homeowner to make use of the space. Basements also work as shelter during heavy storms, you’ve got yourself a winning combination. But it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.

Basements in humid areas don’t work quite well. At least, that’s what most homeowners think. The fact that it’s a lower level and that soil in these areas is full of water can be worrying if you don’t have the budget to construct or maintain it properly. Places like Virginia Beach, Virginia, where the climate is humid and the water table is high, doesn’t typically suit basement construction.

But what if we tell you that a lower-grade level can work in such areas? With the use of several techniques and construction solutions, you can build a perfect basement or repair an old one. In this post, we’ll describe the dangers and remedies for water-related problems, and hopefully help you have a functional and safe basement yourself.

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Basement Benefits

Going back to older times, the main idea behind basements was to have additional storage space. Due to them being underground, they were ideal for storing all sorts of goods such as food, wine, and even water. The reason they’re so popular is that they don’t use extra space on your property. They go into the ground rather than expand on the surface.

These days, most homeowners use their basements for extra living space. They redecorate them into guest, hobby, or party rooms where they can hang out with friends. Also, in areas where storms are common, you can safely go into a basement until the danger is over. Of course, just like any other thing in the world, these lower-grade levels have cons too.

The Negatives

Due to basements being underground, they’ll likely experience water-related problems. The biggest issue is hydrostatic pressure. When it rains, the water needs to go somewhere, and that’s the ground on your property. If the climate has high humidity and rain is almost constant, the soil will become saturated. This means the ground won’t be able to drain itself properly.

When this happens, the water will apply pressure on the soil and push it onto other surfaces that are in contact with it. In this case, these surfaces are your basement walls. Unfortunately, the force will become so strong that even the hardest of concrete walls won’t be able to fend it off. The water will cause cracks in the walls, pass through, and finally end up flooding your basement.

How To Avoid Basement Problems

The first solution when constructing a lower-grade level in a humid area is to go for a walkout basement. This option is pretty popular in hilly landscapes as well, as it combines half the structure underground and the other in open space. In other words, their structure is partially below grade, and you can easily go in and out of your yard. But this isn’t the only option you can go for.

To have a proper and functional basement in these wet conditions, you’ll need to find a property with good drainage, proper grading, quality soil, and waterproofing.

Drainage

If you’re building a new home, you should invest in drainage materials. These materials redirect water from the saturated soil toward the foundation drain, relieving hydrostatic pressure on your basement walls and avoiding serious structural damage in the future.

Alongside a functional drainage system, you’ll be able to collect the excess water before it builds up and threatens your basement. You won’t have trouble with rainwater pooling and settling into the ground below, which can only lead to high hydrostatic pressure and basement nightmares.

Soil Grading

Grading refers to the incline of the soil that surrounds your home. Your home needs to be higher than the rest of the yard. If it isn’t, the water will flood toward your basement. You can achieve proper grading by reassembling the soil in your yard with professional help. It will be dirty work, but it will also help you lower the amount of water that comes in contact with your basement walls.

Quality Soil

It’s not uncommon for engineers to replace the soil on the construction site. The whole idea is to improve the quality of the location for foundation purposes. Hence, if the soil on your property has poor characteristics in terms of load-bearing and overall strength, you should consider replacing it with some other type. Depending on your needs, you can use various types of backfill soil.

Waterproofing

No matter how well you construct your basement, you’ll have trouble with mold at some point. This is also true for homes that aren’t in humid climates. However, if you choose to properly waterproof your lower-grade level, you’ll be able to fend the mold off and prevent any further damage that can endanger your home’s safety.

Contact JES Foundation Repair for Expert Basement Solutions

If you have a basement in Virginia Beach or Manassas and the humid climate affects your home, contact a local basement waterproofing specialist for help. JES Foundation Repair provides free inspections and repair quotes. After assessing the area, we create tailored waterproofing solutions for your home.

Basement Waterproofing FAQs

Is Waterproofing Necessary When Finishing My Basement?

Basement finishing has become more and more popular in recent years as homeowners seek to make the most of every square inch of space that their home has to offer. There are many regulatory requirements around what is needed to class a basement as a ‘habitable space’. For example, you will need an egress window of a certain size. However, waterproofing is not technically necessary to finish your basement fully.

However, it is a very good idea to waterproof your basement before you begin any finishing work. After all, nothing is certain to ruin your hard work and furnishings quite like dampness, flooding, and mold. The benefits of waterproofing your basement before finishing it are many, and the process itself should be very straightforward and cost-effective, unless there are serious underlying issues that must be addressed first.

Generally speaking, waterproofing your basement will start with clearing all obstructions and debris from the space. After this, insulation will be cut to size and installed alongside vapor barriers to prevent moisture from seeping through the bare concrete walls and into your home. Depending on the space you have, a professional may also suggest perimeter drains and a sump pump system to make sure that your finished basement stays safe and dry in even the worst weather. Waterproofing your basement before you finish it will not only protect your hard work, but will make your finished basement more comfortable to be in.

Can exterior landscaping impact the moisture levels in my basement?

Yes, the way your landscape is designed can impact your basement’s moisture levels. Improper grading or drainage can lead to water pooling around your foundation, increasing the risk of water seeping into your basement. Ensuring that your yard slopes away from your foundation and that downspouts direct water well away from your home can help mitigate this risk. If you suspect landscape-related moisture issues, JES Foundation Repair can provide guidance and solutions.

How often should I inspect my basement for signs of water intrusion?

It’s recommended to regularly check your basement, especially after heavy rainfalls or during seasons with increased precipitation. Monthly checks can help you spot early signs of water intrusion, allowing for timely intervention.

Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for almost 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.