How to Fix Damp Walls & Floors in Your Basement

Water and dampness in your basement are never pleasant, but they can be dangerous. Dampness like this can be a sign of deeper issues at work in your home. From leaks to foundation damage, the potential causes of dampness are as numerous as the many issues that high levels of humidity can cause. So, if you frequently find that your walls are wet or you need to mop the floor after a rainstorm, it may be time to consider waterproofing your basement. If you have recently bought or inherited an older home, this is particularly good advice; many of the older homes in Roanoke, VA, do not have basement waterproofing in place. 

Potential Causes of Wet Basement Walls and Floor 

There are many causes of dampness in a home, of course, but if you are noticing water and dampness in particular areas this can help you to narrow down the potential issues at play. When it comes to wet walls and flooring, the most common causes are: 

• Cracked flooring 
• Foundation damage 

• Bowing Walls 
• Cracked walls 
• Leaking windows or access hatchways 

Wherever the water is coming from, dampness can cause a huge number of issues in any home. These issues range from lowered internal temperature and increased humidity to the formation of harmful mold species and ruined belongings. Alongside these issues, however, there are other, more serious problems. 

Structural Damage 

The most worrying kind of damage that can result from dampness and water in your basement is structural damage. This is most common where a property has exposed wood; wooden stairs, support joists, and flooring can start to warp and rot when the environment is constantly damp. This will not only attract pests, but it can undermine the structural integrity of your property and lead to more damage over time. So, if you notice any signs of dampness and water in your basement, especially if they recur time and time again, you should start thinking about what you can do to protect your property. 

What to do About Wet Basement Walls 

The first thing you should do when you notice wet walls and floors in your basement is call a professional basement repair company to assess the extent of the damage and formulate a sensible repair plan. JES Foundation Repair offers free inspection appointments to homeowners across Roanoke, VA. 

Depending on the nature of the damage and the current state of your property, repairs and waterproofing measures can be installed internally, externally, or both. Internal measures include: 

Interior Drainage 

Interior drainage helps to control dampness by collecting water that does make it into your basement to funnel it to a sump pump system and out of your home and away from your perimeter. Of course, it’s ideal to keep water out of your home, but if it does get in, an interior drainage system will prevent it from sticking around. 

Sump Pumps 

If you do not already have a sump pump, installing one could drastically reduce dampness and remove standing water from your basement altogether. If you have a sump pump already but you still notice standing water, it may be time to upgrade. 

Dehumidifiers 

If you don’t see standing water, but there is a general dampness and humidity in your basement, installing or upgrading your dehumidifier can make the environment in your basement far healthier and noticeably more pleasant. 

These internal solutions are some of the best for homes with wet walls and floors in the basement, but there are others, and, in some cases, these other solutions may better suit your home. That’s why you should always start with a professional assessment. In the event that more serious intervention is needed, exterior waterproofing can be undertaken. This is a more invasive process that will require excavation around your exterior foundation, but it can yield results both immediately after installation and in the long run after waterproofing. Finally, if you want to minimize pressure on your basement walls and foundation exterior landscaping and drainage can go a long way at relatively low costs. 

Are you ready to tackle those wet, damp basement walls and floors? Contact the expert team at JES Foundation Repair today to schedule your free inspection and repair quote!