Basements are known to be a bit damp and musty, especially in older homes. Most people just accept the fact that their lower level will never be quite as cozy as the main and upper floors. This, however, does not need to be the case. Basements can be leaky for a number of different reasons, but all of them can be resolved with the right techniques and material.
Determine the cause of the moisture
The first step in finding a solution is determining the cause. If you inspect your home’s interior and exterior, and don’t see any major damage to the foundation, it’s possible that humidity inside the home is the problem. If this is the case, simply installing de-humidifiers, and ensuring that there is adequate venting to the outdoors may be all you need to solve the problem. Interior cracks and minor damage can often be fixed from inside the house as well, without the need to excavate or address the exterior finish of the home.
More commonly, however, we find that there are cracks in the home’s exterior that are allowing moisture to enter the house. In these situations, it’s important to ensure that repairs are done correctly – not just so you can enjoy your basement, but also to protect your home from even greater damage such as mold and mildew inside the walls. What starts out as a not-so-pleasant odour in your basement could very well turn into a health hazard to your family if left unchecked.
How are foundation problems repaired?
The method of repair will depend on the scope of damage, the type of materials originally used in the home and the structural integrity of the foundation.
If you have a few cracks on the exterior that aren’t causing too much harm, a simple exterior repair will likely be enough. If, however, you have an old stone foundation that is crumbling and worn, or your home is starting to shift, it is recommended to have the existing finish removed and have the parging on your home replaced entirely. This will repair any existing cracks and leaks, will protect against further damage, and will add a uniform finish to your home. Parging can be applied on any surface to waterproof and beautify your home.
If your basement is soggy and damp, don’t just accept it as part of your older home’s charm. Call the experts at J and J Coatings to assess the situation and come up with some cost effective solutions to resolve the problem once and for all.
