Water in your basement can mean a lot of bad things, from electrical burnouts and mold to actual flooding. But where does it even all come from? How does your basement from normal underground room to having three inches of water on the floor? If you haven’t had an actual flood or a period of time with consistent heavy rains, the cause can be puzzling. Charles Pellaton is the owner of Quality Dry Basements in Wilton, Connecticut, and in his years waterproofing basements all over the tri-state area, he has seen it all. There are different sources of the moisture accumulating in your basement, but the bottom line is that it has to go.
As you would guess, rain is of course a common source of basement water damage. According to research done by the University of Minnesota, in a circumstance of rain that amounts to one inch, 1,250 gallons fall on the roof of a house of about 2,000 square feet. If your home does not have the right grading, gutters, and downspouts, this water flows down and some makes its way into your basement. Furthermore, whatever water accumulates in the ground can eventually give way to flooding, and even moderate flooding can cause water to get into your basement. The level of where the water is in the ground normally, called the water table, can rise in these conditions, pushing in through the foundation and fill of the basement floor.
Moisture can also come from inside the home. If you have a dryer without a vent, that can cause condensation and moisture. It can also come from cooking, showering, and using humidifiers. If a lot of processes involving water are going on in your house, there is a chance that not all of that water is getting drained, and it’s got to go somewhere.
Another source of moisture is ventilation. If you actually spend time in your basement, you may open the windows on warmer days to get some air coming in. However, in the summer, depending on your climate, this can mean humid air and therefore moisture entering the basement. It accumulates to form condensation on the floor and on the walls. Over time, if this happens repeatedly, it can turn into moisture build up that won’t do your water damage prevention any favors.
If you waterproof your basement, you can perform these tasks without worrying what they will do to the condition and structure of your basement, and ultimately, your home. It means your basement isn’t so sensitive to weather and household activities, and that it can withstand moisture. It also means you can feel safe knowing where the moisture comes from and that it’s not getting into the basement anymore. You don’t want to have to worry about unseen leaking every time you cook or vent the basement out on a hot summer day. These are all functions you should be able to do in your home safely and securely — and all your basement needs is that one waterproofing step to get there.
