If you begin to notice wet spots on the basement floors or walls, you probably have a basement moisture problem. Persistent condensation can lead to structural damage. In many cases, a dehumidifier can provide a solution. Another common contributor to a wet basement is runoff from gutters.
How do I treat damp basement floor?
When faced with damp in concrete floors, there are two options available:
- Dig up the old concrete floor, install a new damp proof membrane and lap up edges before replacing the concrete slab.
- Fully isolate the dampness in the floor using a surface Damp Proof Membrane (DPM)
How do I stop moisture coming up in my concrete floor?
Methods Used to Stop Moisture in Concrete Floors
- Low-permeance Vapor Barrier or Retarder. A Low-permeance vapor Barrier or retarder can effectively keep below-slab moisture from reaching the flooring system. …
- Allow Natural Drying of Concrete Slab. Ad. …
- Keep Excavation Free of Water.
Can moisture come up through concrete?
Humidity—warm and humid air condenses into surface moisture when it comes into contact with the cool surface of your concrete floor or slab. Faulty/Missing Vapor Barrier—moisture from the ground can seep up and through the concrete.
Why is my concrete floor damp?
Damp affecting Concrete Floors
Damp in concrete floors are much more difficult to treat than having damp walls. The reason for this is that concrete is a very porous material meaning that water can rise through capillaries and therefore lead the property to suffer from having damp floors.
Should you run a dehumidifier in the basement all the time?
The level of humidity in a basement should perform just enough to keep humidity at a safe level. Basements are more exposed to a constant source of moisture from the external environment; therefore, your dehumidifier should run very frequently. Molds tend to become a problem at a relative humidity of 60% and above.
Can you seal a damp concrete floor?
Use a sealer designed for concrete moisture protection, such as an epoxy concrete sealer, which often comes in two parts that must be mixed immediately before applying. Pay special attention to the corners and edges of the floor, where cracks can let extra moisture seep in.
Can water seep up through basement floor?
There are several reasons you have water in your basement. It’s the lowest point in any home, making it easy for water to collect there. Also, water pipes and sewage lines usually run through your basement walls or floor. Plus, water can seep into your basement through foundation walls or up through the floor.
What are the signs of rising damp?
Rising Damp Signs
- Damp Or Wet Patches Appearing On Walls. …
- Salts Within The Plaster | One of the Most Frequent Signs of Rising Damp. …
- Flaky Or Bubbling Plaster. …
- Rotting Skirting Boards And Flooring. …
- Damp and Musty Smell. …
- Rusting Iron And Steel Fasteners. …
- Crumbling Bricks and Mortar Between Bricks.
How do you stop rising damp in a basement?
How to Treat a Damp Basement
- First, start with diagnosing the cause of the damp. …
- Make sure your basement is free of leakages. …
- Proper ventilation is the key to a dry basement. …
- Run a dehumidifier in your basement to control the moisture levels in the air.
Can you treat rising damp yourself?
The only way to treat rising damp is to create a new damp-proofing course to prevent moisture movement through the structure. Historically, walls were cut into and masonry removed to install a new physical damp-proofing course along the masonry line. This process poses a number of problems for most structures.
Will a dehumidifier get rid of damp?
A dehumidifier will extract moisture from the air, a bit like a tumble dryer extracts moisture from clothing. This will help your home dry out much faster. If you’re damp problem was caused by condensation in the first place, then a dehumidifier will solve the problem without you having to get the landlord involved.
