Damp Basement Walls: Causes and Solutions – Part 2

In part 1 of this 2-part series, we discussed what might be causing your damp basement walls. We encourage you to check out the beginning of this series to familiarize yourself with what the root problem might be. Because there are multiple reasons you may have damp basement walls, part 1 may help you deduce what your own basement’s ailment is. However, if you’re ready to hear solutions, here they are.

Differing Solutions

Because damp basement walls can be caused by different things, there are different solutions for each cause. However, there is some overlap. Let’s take a look at the most effective solutions.

For Moisture Leakage

When your problem is caused by your basement walls failing to hold out ground moisture, the solution is not an easy one. You might think some kind of putty or cement in the cracks of the wall will cut it. Unfortunately, most of the cracks causing your moisture problem are smaller than you can repair. Plus, filling cracks from the inside can actually cause a lot more problems than solutions. 

Filling in cracks from the inside is a problem because you will only be doing a surface repair. The water leaking in through your walls will remain within the wall itself. If you’ve blocked the water’s route in, it will stay there, freezing and expanding with the change in seasons. This is a one way ticket to major structural damage.

The only foolproof solution to water leakage is basement waterproofing. This is an extensive repair, but a necessary one. In short, it involves excavating around the basement walls and coating them, from the outside, in waterproofing materials. This includes a wet membrane that seals the cracks and evens the exterior wall’s surface. That is followed by a solid membrane that locks out water and protects the more delicate first membrane.

For Condensation

Because condensation is caused by water in the interior air, it can be completely mitigated with some insulation. The important thing is having your basement checked for leakage as well. That’s because, if you insulate the interior side of a basement wall when it’s leaking in moisture from outside, the moisture will then be invisible from the inside but will, instead, collect in the insulation behind the finished wall. That’s a huge mold hazard that you do not want to deal with.

If your waterproofing professionals have confirmed that you are not dealing with water leakage, you can proceed with finishing the interior wall.

The reason finishing the interior wall and insulating helps is because insulation, covering the cold, stone walls, will help regulate the temperature of the finished, internal wall. If your interior wall of choice is drywall, your insulation will keep the drywall from being affected by the cold, stone wall. Then, because your drywall will remain at a warmer temperature, it won’t draw moisture from the air.

Contact Waterproofing Professionals

The most vital step in solving your damp basement wall problems is contacting your local professionals at Leaquida Waterproofing. We can check out the source of your moisture problems and give you the best solution and the best price. Give us a call today if you need a consult.