Condensation In Basement Walls

While water may seep into your basement from the ground surrounding the basement walls and even under the basement floor condensation can be equally damaging.

Condensation in basement walls.

If you have seasonal or ongoing moisture problems correcting them may go a long way to reducing condensation. If you have regular seepage or water puddling after storms even once every few years you have to fix it permanently before finishing. The basement should be treated the same as if it were leaky. Controlling basement moisture is key to preventing mold and a necessary first step if you want to fully finish the space.

Some condensation is harmless even normal. If moisture collects on the backside after a few days then water is wicking through the foundation wall from outside. Moisture seeping through basement walls and foundation joints can be a significant source of humidity in basement air. Dry the wall surface with a fan heater then tape some kitchen foil tightly over the affected.

Simple solutions like directing gutter downspouts away from the house and improving outdoor drainage can solve many. As the walls cool the air droplets form on the walls and you ve got a damp basement. Plus sign if content is closed x if content is open. Once you understand how condensation forms on the walls of your basement it s easy to stop it using the methods explained above.

Insulating the places where condensation builds up can also help to eliminate moisture. Because moisture is allowed to penetrate the block cores it is essential to cap the tops and place a vapor retarder coating on the interior basement walls. In your basement condensation develops when you have relatively warm moist air contacting the cool surface of the walls. Determine if the water on your basement walls is from condensation or migrating in through the foundation wall.

If you think condensation might be the problem in your basement there is a simple test. If you re not sure of the cause of a damp patch on a wall try the foil test. But excess condensation can lead to a host of problems. Start by drying off a section of your basement wall about a foot square then cut a piece of aluminum cooking foil just a little smaller in size.

The most common cause of condensation on your walls is excess moisture inside your home. Most homeowners think that basement moisture is the same as basement flooding.