While many Oklahoma homes have crawl spaces, there are plenty of older, historic properties that actually have basements. And since roughly 6 out of 10 homes in the U.S. have wet basements (according to the American Society of Home Inspectors), it pays to know what to do to protect your property and loved ones from unwanted moisture in your home.
8 Reasons Your Basement Gets Too Damp
Your basement constantly faces the pressure of the soil around it—and all the water contained in it. This means at some point you’ll deal with dampness inside the space.
Here are 8 of the most common causes of wet basements and how to address the issue.
1. Concrete Cracks
Every house settles over time, sometimes leaving cracks in the foundation. In fact, this issue is pretty common. But left unaddressed, these cracks allow moisture to seep in.
Remedy:
Small cracks may be repairable with a chisel, a mallet, some patching cement, and a putty knife. But it’s best to call in a professional first to assess the issue, because foundation cracks can be a sign of significant structural problems.
2. Gutter Failure
Did you know that a 1-inch rainstorm can dump almost a thousand gallons of water around your home? Much of that moisture will end up in your basement if gutters and downspouts aren’t working properly.
Remedy
If your home doesn’t have gutters or downspouts, get them installed. If you have gutters, take time to clear away clogs, leaves, and other debris. Lengthen downspouts with extensions that move water safely away from your foundation.
3. Improperly Sloped Patios and Walkways
Outdoor spaces must be carefully installed to direct water away from your home. If patios and walkways are poorly constructed or damaged, they may end up sloped toward your home—forcing water to gather around the foundation, resulting in a moist, musty basement.
Remedy
A large patio or long walkway that’s wrongly sloped can be difficult to fix. Options may include sealing cracks, adding concrete curbs to direct water away, or even a full replacement. To do this right, get professional help.
4. Indoor Leaks
Leaky appliances or plumbing pipes inside the home, even on upper floors, can lead to moisture in your basement. Improper or broken drainage for dishwashers, toilets, and washing machines are all culprits here.
Remedy
Follow the moisture trail, if possible, back to the source. When located, either repair the appliance, fix the drain pipe, or if it is too much to handle, call a plumber.
5. Issues with Your Driveway
Does your driveway slope downward toward your home? Even a small slope can lead to lots of water around your foundation, giving it a chance to sneak into your basement. Neighboring homes with poor drainage can even contribute to this problem, making it worse for you.
Remedy
Hire a concrete contractor to design and install a small curb where the driveway meets the house. When water meets the curb, it will be redirected away from the house and down to the street.
6. Indoor Humidity
When your home interior is too humid, that moisture can condense in the basement. If you’re noticing a musty smell and peeling wall paint without any apparent leaks as the cause, it’s probably a humidity issue.
Remedy
Keep your basement free of allergens, mold, and mildew by installing a heavy-duty dehumidifier. Many top-of-the-line dehumidifiers are sleek, stylish, quiet, and efficient. Be sure to measure your basement and get a unit fitting for its size.
7. Leaning Landscape Grade
The grading of the ground around your house should slope down and away from your foundation. If landscaping drains toward the home instead of away, the excess water is bound to seep down into the basement.
Remedy
Create a strong slope away from your foundation, and aim for a vertical drop of around 8 inches for the first 2 feet away from your home. You may need to build up the soil quite a bit next to the exterior walls or install systems like French drains. It’s wise to consult an expert to be sure this is done correctly.
8. Sprinkler Leaks
At times, the cause of water seeping into a basement is a garden sprinkler that is aimed wrong. A garden hose or outdoor water spigot with a slow leak can also be the source of the problem.
Remedy
Check sprinklers, hoses and spigots to see how they’re working. Don’t let them leave excess water anywhere closer than four feet from the house.
Prevent Future Damage with Basement Waterproofing
So, should you take the added step of installing a waterproof seal in your basement? Think about it like this:
Excess moisture in your basement doesn’t easily evaporate. It stays there, where it can damage flooring, rot wood joists, cause cracks in your foundation, promote mold and mildew, ruin stored items, and eventually result in costly repairs.
So, if dampness is an ongoing issue that you can’t seem to resolve with simple fixes, it’s time to figure out if a more lasting solution such as waterproofing may be needed.
Increase Your Home’s Value
Homeowners are able to finish a basement that has been waterproofed. Finishing off the basement space with bedrooms or additional living areas will add resale value to the home. Potential buyers desire a home with more space and one that is free of moisture. Waterproofing prior to finishing the basement is essential.
Get a Lasting Solution to Your Basement Concerns
Edens Structural Solutions knows Oklahoma homes inside and out. We’ve helped hundreds of people get solutions that protect their foundations and keep their basements and crawl spaces dry and safe. You’ll enjoy peace of mind when you know for sure your home is structurally sound.
Explore our basement waterproofing solutions—and remember that we’re here to help you be confident in your home’s condition for years to come.
