Condensation In Basement Walls

If you have regular seepage or water puddling after storms even once every few years you have to fix it permanently before finishing.

Condensation in basement walls.

If moisture collects on the backside after a few days then water is wicking through the foundation wall from outside. Simple solutions like directing gutter downspouts away from the house and improving outdoor drainage can solve many. The most common cause of condensation on your walls is excess moisture inside your home. 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.

As the walls cool the air droplets form on the walls and you ve got a damp basement. Dry the wall surface with a fan heater then tape some kitchen foil tightly over the affected. But excess condensation can lead to a host of problems. If you think condensation might be the problem in your basement there is a simple test.

In your basement condensation develops when you have relatively warm moist air contacting the cool surface of the walls. Some condensation is harmless even normal. Controlling basement moisture is key to preventing mold and a necessary first step if you want to fully finish the space. Moisture seeping through basement walls and foundation joints can be a significant source of humidity in basement air.

Once you understand how condensation forms on the walls of your basement it s easy to stop it using the methods explained above. If you have seasonal or ongoing moisture problems correcting them may go a long way to reducing condensation. Covering those places such as walls pipes and ducts with insulation will help keep warm air from coming in contact with the cool surfaces thus preventing condensation. Insulating the places where condensation builds up can also help to eliminate moisture.

If you re not sure of the cause of a damp patch on a wall try the foil test. This is straightforward and easy to do. The basement should be treated the same as if it were leaky. Determine if the water on your basement walls is from condensation or migrating in through the foundation wall.

Most homeowners think that basement moisture is the same as basement flooding. 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.