Has a wet basement become a recurring issue in your home that you just can’t seem to solve? You’re not alone — damp and musty basements are common problems for Maine homeowners. But letting moisture collect in your basement season after season can result in serious water damage and encourage mold growth, which is a health risk for you and your family. So how do you put a stop to basement moisture intrusion once and for all? Evergreen Home Performance has the answers.
Why Is Your Basement Wet?
Runoff from rainwater and melted snow can easily get inside your basement if you don’t have proper drainage around your home. But there are other, lesser-known causes of water intrusion that could be causing your damp and musty basement, including:
Infiltration
Most homes are riddled with small gaps and cracks that are commonly found in basement walls and floors, and around old or poorly installed doors and windows. Moisture can easily get inside your basement through these openings, and sealing them up is one of the best solutions for a damp and musty basement.
Poor Basement Insulation
Insulation probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think about basement moisture control, but it plays an important role in keeping your basement dry. When your basement surfaces get cold, the moisture that’s naturally present in the air will condense as it comes into contact with walls, floors, windows, and non-insulated pipes. Upgrading your insulation will make it easier to control the temperature in your basement and reduce the chance of condensation.
Old Basement Windows
Old and poorly installed windows tend to leak around the edges, bringing water into your basement every time it rains. Aging caulk or sealant is often the culprit when it comes to leaking windows, which can be easily repaired, but if there’s a bigger issue at play, your basement windows may need to be replaced.
How to Waterproof Your Basement
No matter what’s causing your wet basement, the problem needs to be resolved—and fast. Here at Evergreen Home Performance, we specialize in wet basement solutions and can help you keep your basement dry for good. Some of the basement waterproofing services we offer include:
Before undertaking a basement waterproofing project, however, you need to figure out where the problem is stemming from. Otherwise, you could end up wasting a lot of time and money implementing solutions that don’t address the source of the problem. With a comprehensive energy audit, our team can evaluate the overall health and performance of your home and figure out whether air leaks, weak insulation, or another issue may be causing your wet basement. Then, we’ll be able to recommend the right solution to keep your basement dry.
