 Basement - Damp Remedy # 2 - Foundation If you have tried to rectify the basement damp by doing everything listed in remedy #1 and there is still a damp or mold problem, continue here. Concrete block foundation. Once concrete block gets cracks or starts to deteriorate it is very hard to stop the deterioration, without stopping the water penetration that is doing the damage. You will want to consider having a waterproof barrier and drain system installed on the outside of your home. To do this a trench is dug around the house; this trench is dug down below the floor level of the basement. Plastic drainpipe is then installed to take the water away from the house. In cases where the pipe does not have the ability to drain away from the house a sump pump is installed (outside). The pipe is then covered with pea gravel. The complete foundation is sprayed with a tar type sealant and sheets of Styrofoam with special water channels are secured to the wall. The Styrofoam sheeting creates a solid barrier that funnels water into the drain at the base of the foundation. Do not use any system that deals with the problem by managing it on the inside, these systems are only a cosmetic repair that do not stop the deterioration of the block foundation.
Poured concrete foundation. Poured concrete foundations tend to have few problems that cannot be solved easily. Over time with settling cracks may appear that let in a small amount of water. On this type of foundation, epoxy or polyurethane crack sealant is very successful at stopping water penetration through cracks in the concrete. If the walls are damp they may need to be sealed, and an external barrier and drain system installed. Wet floors. This problem is usually solved when outside water or foundation wall problems are resolved. If the problem is serious and persists, a series of drains connected to a sump pump may need to be installed. Note: We strongly suggest you do not use over-the-counter waterproofing sealant! In most cases they fail and will have to be removed adding additional cost and aggravation! | Welcome to BIS | About BIS | Home Inspections | Get Started | Technical FAQ | Contact us |
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