Moisture in the Basement? Don’t Let It Linger!

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When it comes to water leakage and excess moisture, there is one area in the home that tends to reign above the rest: the basement. This is especially true in the spring here in MidCoast Maine, when melting snow and rain storms can cause water to accumulate around a home’s foundation. We all sure know all about rainy Maine springs this year.

Basement moisture is a serious issue which can wreak major havoc on your entire home; so if you notice excess humidity in your basement, it’s important to act as quickly as possible. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to address water issues and keep unwanted moisture out.

The Problem with Basement Moisture

Even if you don’t venture into your basement often, this key area has a major influence on the air quality and structural integrity of the rest of your home. A moisture-ridden basement offers exactly the dark and damp environment that mold and mildew need to multiply. Mold and mildew, in turn, release harmful allergens into the air, which rise through tiny holes and cracks into the rest of your home. Meanwhile, moisture, mold, and mildew can also cause building materials like wood, concrete, drywall, and insulation to deteriorate.

Signs of Excess Moisture in Your Basement

Wondering if excess moisture is seeping into your basement? Many moisture related basement issues are amplified during the spring, so now is the perfect time to watch for these signs:

  • Musty odors or damp smells

  • Visible mold or mildew

  • Water stains on floors & walls

  • Condensation on walls & windows

  • Dry rot on wood surfaces

How to Keep Moisture Out of Your Basement

To keep you and your family safe from the hazards that basement moisture poses — including unhealthy indoor air quality — it’s important to target water related issues at the source. At Evergreen Home Performance, we recommend a comprehensive approach including drainage, sealing of foundation cracks, and basement encapsulation.

Drainage

The drainage process draws excess water out of the basement and prepares it for additional upgrades like encapsulation. Depending on your particular needs, our team may build a trench around the foundation of your home or install sump pump to handle bulk water. We frequently install lightweight, flexible mats to channel water effectively.

Sealing Cracks

In addition to removing existing water, it’s important to target areas where outside water can seep in. Comprehensive sealing in the basement area can eliminate leaks and cracks in the foundation.

Encapsulation

Once existing water is under control and any air leaks are sealed, we recommend basement encapsulation to prevent future moisture infiltration. The encapsulation process involves installing a reinforced vapor barrier along the foundation floor and walls, and then securing this barrier in place using water resistant spray foam insulation.

Worried About Basement Moisture in Your Maine Home? Talk to Evergreen

If you’re worried about basement moisture and are looking for an expert in basement solutions, get in touch with the team at Evergreen Home Performance. We specialize in improving Maine homes from the ground up, so our customers can experience better comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency year-round. It all starts with a free consult, where you can discuss your basement moisture issues with a home expert.

Have moisture in your basement? Evergreen can help. Call 207-594-2244 or contact us to schedule a free consult!

Wondering why there is water in your basement?

Schedule a free consult to find out. 207-594-2244

Evergreen was so helpful in securing us Efficiency Maine funding for a big attic insulation project early this winter. They did all of the paperwork, and totally guided us through a vermiculite removal process that included a payment from a trust for the procedure. I could instantly feel the second floor being so much warmer than before. The boiler does not kick on nearly as frequently since they completed the job. It was worth every penny! Brian Robinson was so thorough throughout the whole process including a full walk through after the job had been completed.

Todd W.

Camden

Evergreen has insulated two homes that we've owned now and both times we experienced exceptional service and craftsmanship. Our rep, Justin, went above and beyond answering questions and the installation team was attentive to every detail, including pulling out old poorly installed insulation and redoing a bathroom fan that wasn't up to current code. They also left the place spotless every day! Our home is already so much warmer this fall and we are looking forward to using less oil this winter.

Eva G.

Falmouth

In the final stages of selling our home, and with a closing date set, an inspection came across an unanticipated issue in our attic. We quickly called in contractors, but nobody was able to identify the source of the problem. Then we thought of Evergreen. Brian Robinson was on site the next morning and immediately identified the source (a faulty roofing job completed three years earlier which had effectively sealed up portions of the ridge vent and restricted air flow - not easily visible with a quick inspection).

Robin McIntosh

Camden

The Evergreen Team did a fabulous job and was very tuned and responsive to the particular needs we had. The job was done right on budget and we are thrilled with the improved warmth and energy efficiency.

Ira M.

Rockland

The Evergreen team was amazing from initial assessment and planning to the crew that came to complete the work. Our basement encapsulation is the best money we've spent on our house by far. The work was thorough and high quality. And what a wonderful group of people to work with. I highly recommend Evergreen!

Martha Bracy

Several years ago Brian Robinson evaluated the crawl space at my summer home on Islesboro where I knew moisture was becoming a problem. I had done quite a bit of work in the space many years prior with mixed results. When Brian offered some suggestions, they were ideas that incorporated work previously done, and would be a relatively low cost effort to improve the situation. He offered this advice over several phone conversations of some length, informally, and at no charge.

Cliff R.

Islesboro

We just finished a large project air sealing and reinsulating our 1890s basement and attic. It had been completely renovated 8 years ago, but still felt cold, and lacked proper energy assessment and corrections. We met with Justin in December and were very impressed with his knowledge, professionalism and communication skills and knew Evergreen was who we wanted to work with. Dave was our on hands project manager and was excellent. The office staff has been quick to respond and helpful as well when needed.

E Gallant

Kennebunk

This team of individuals was professional at all times. They set up barriers that kept the dust at a minimum. They conducted an air flow audit and cut the draft circulation from the outside in half by sealing cracks. They hauled out the old insulation and replaced it with blown in insulation with an R - 60 Value. They also did the rebate paperwork so that I could get my $1500.00 rebate from the state of Maine. I highly recommend Evergreen Home Performance!

Daniel B.

Rockland

Last week, my oil company asked if we were using some other kind of fuel because our usage was so much less than they had expected We are very happy with the results; the house is much more comfortable

Steve T.

St. George

The folks at Evergreen did a great job fixing a rather major insulation problem in my house, which they helped identify with a great audit. When the work began, they were thorough, upbeat, and -- dare I say it -- efficient. I strongly recommend them.

Michael Williams

We had Evergreen Home Performance of Rockland come in to make our home more energy efficient, and what a TOP notch crew. Brian and his crew did an amazing job from start to finish. Very knowledgeable and professional. We would Definitely highly recommend this crew to anyone who is looking for energy efficiency in their home with a company that truly is an expert and knows how to do a quality job and truly cares about their customer.

Melissa S.

Owls Head

Thanks Evergreen Home Performance for helping to make our home more efficient. Many thanks as well to Bryan for the initial walk through and recommendations to make our home more efficient and to Dave, Roland, and Jacob for a job that was done professionally and courteous.  We were amazed at the level of efficiency and everyday they made sure to protect our floors, carpets, and furniture. We had daily discussions with Dave about progress and what was being done and where they were at in the project.

Carol Fink

Working with Evergreen was a dream! Professional, knowledgeable, and super clean work. Communication was fast and service impeccable. The bedroom floors in our 1960's split ranch will be warm with the new insulation between them and the garage. Bring on the snow! (not really, but sort of)

Jess Dee Proctor

Great job installing windows and insulation.

Bob S.

Rockland

My husband and I bought a home on the water in Owls Head and decided to make the investment in Evergreen's recommendations for insulation. Brian Robinson spent 3 hours examining every nook and cranny before he made practical suggestions and explained them thoroughly to us.

Marie McNeely

Owls Head

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