Do you remember the last time you realized that your concrete was having problems? I started looking at our yard a few months ago, and I realized that our driveway had more than a few big cracks. I didn't want the issue to blossom, so I started talking with different concrete contractors about how they could help. Although I wasn't expecting much, the contractors came out soon after I called and worked with me to get the issues repaired. When they were finished, my driveway and sidewalks looked a lot better. This website is completely committed to getting concrete fixed the right way the first time.
If your home has a wet basement, it's important you take the necessary steps to fix the issue. A wet basement poses two primary problems. First, it is unpleasant to be in. It usually smells dank and feels uncomfortable. There may be a strong aroma of mold and mildew in the air, and people with allergies, asthma, sinus problems, or respiratory illnesses may find their health compromised by breathing in this air. A basement that has a mold and mildew problem will spread the poor air quality throughout the house via the duct and heating system.
Secondly, a basement that is continuously wet will reduce your home's value. The space is essentially unusable as it isn't safe to store things in, and a wet basement will eventually cause rot, which will adversely affect your rafters, studs, flooring, and walls. Here are three ways contractors can solve your wet basement problems.
Waterproof the Exterior
The best way to correct a wet basement, and the only method that will completely solve the problem, is to waterproof the exterior. This is done by first excavating the dirt around the entire perimeter of the home. Once the basement is completely dug out, a concrete contractor can come in and make any necessary repairs to the foundation. Cracks will be filled, and the walls may be resurfaced, both inside and out.
A French drain will be installed. This is a type of drain that uses gravel and perforated piping to draw water down and away from your home's foundation. Some soil types, especially clay, hold the water in and require manual assistance to move the water away.
Once the repairs are made and the French drain is installed, the exterior basement walls will be power-washed to ensure they are completely clean. After they are completely dried, a contractor who specializes in basement waterproofing will spray on a polymer-based waterproofing product. This material hardens quickly but remains slightly flexible to allow for slight movement.
When it is completely cured, the soil will be put back in place and the crown, or the top layer, will be carefully graded to ensure it slopes away from the foundation. Some contractors will also "paint" the interior basement walls with an interior sealant.
Contact a professional for assistance with basement waterproofing.
Install New Gutters
Rain gutters carry the rain away from the roof and away from the home, but when they get old, they can crack and deposit water directly next to your foundation instead. Or, your soil may require that your gutters have extensions to carry the water even further away from your home to ensure it doesn't find its way into the basement.
Use a Humidifier
A humidifier alone isn't going to solve your wet basement problems, but once you have addressed the issue by waterproofing the exterior, a humidifier will help keep your basement comfortable.