If you live in the Tampa Bay area, you may not be used to seeing many houses on foundations; however, believe it or not, there are several houses throughout the area that do in fact have bases. Most homes in Florida are built without a basement due to hurricane related issues. Building codes insist that home floors be built above storm surge elevation. If a basement is allowed to be built, it is typically built as a “non-living” space, so in other words, homeowners can have the basement for additional storage, but no bedrooms. However, while bases provide extra space for storage and cooler places to hang out on hot days, they also have their share of moisture-related issues.

When it comes to basement problems, moisture is the most common basement problem. Moisture most commonly enters from exterior sources, although it can also occur indoors. Often, most homeowners are unaware that the soil around basement walls can contain a great deal of moisture. The reason for high soil moisture content could include surface water seeping into the soil or even from a high water table. A high water table could be explained by heavy rain causing the water table to rise higher than the basement floor. Often, water can find its way into a basement by gravity or through a crack or failure in the foundation’s waterproof layer. Water can also be drawn in by a “sucking action” or “pushed up” by the hydrostatic pressure of the soil under the walls or floor. In the summer, warm, humid air from outside can enter the home and cause condensation to form on the basement walls or floor. In areas that can experience freezing temperatures, the following situation can occur if a crack is present: water will enter through the crack and then freeze and expand. With each cold season, the crack will eventually grow larger due to the expansive properties of frozen water.

Regardless of the cause of water damage, basement moisture problems often include: leaky foundation cracks, standing water/flooded basement floors, limescale (efflorescence), mold growth, damp insulation, damp carpeting , suffocating odors, high humidity and decaying wood. If a homeowner experiences any of these problems, he or she should perform a thorough inspection of the basement and basement surroundings. When checking the exterior, the homeowner should check the slope of the ground around the basement: does it allow water to drain in rather than away from the home? What type of storm drain does your house have? A poor storm drain system will continue to provide a large volume of water that can seep into or overwhelm basement drainage systems. Are there visible cracks in the exterior or interior structure? Severe or active cracks can be an indication of future structural problems or even present an unsafe condition. Also, in Florida, they could be an example of a sink under your house. Check the window wells: are there signs of leaks? Water can collect in wells, leading to possible leaks into the basement through or around the window.

There are several ways to help prevent moisture damage problems in a foundation. The first rule of thumb is that there are no dirty bases. Although these are less common today, it’s good to note that dirt floors not only hold a lot of moisture, but can also emit a variety of gases. When building a foundation, make sure you have a floor drain with a trap installed at the lowest point of the floor. With no floor drain, water spilled inside cannot escape. If necessary, install a sump pump and make sure the sump cover is sealed well. Sump pumps are often used where flooding due to a high water table can be a problem. Also, waterproof the exterior of the foundation walls and install a perimeter drainage system.

An often overlooked problem with foundations is moisture that comes from humidity. The easiest way to control humidity is to expel the water vapor produced in the house outside. Signs of high humidity include: condensation on windows, pipes, or other surfaces, as well as a general feeling of humidity in the air, humidity, and odors. Damp is often caused by exposing the basement to outside air (open windows), hanging wet clothes to dry in the basement, storing firewood in the basement, and/or venting a dryer that goes indoors. . To reduce moisture, there are several things a homeowner can do: install energy efficient windows, insulate walls and cold water pipes, insulate floors if possible, run dryer vents for direct exhaust outside and do not dry clothes or firewood in your basement. In summer, use a portable dehumidifier or air conditioner to reduce humidity. In hot, humid weather, keep basement windows closed. Run the furnace fan continuously to circulate the air in the house. The key to keeping basement humidity low is to keep them well ventilated and keep extra moisture out of the basement.

Another aspect to consider when trying to keep your basement free of moisture and mold is storage. Too many items stored, especially on the floor, will allow hidden corners to get even damper and encourage mold growth. Get rid of unused items and put them away on the shelves. Avoid storage in cardboard boxes that easily absorb moisture and are easily damaged by mold. The key to proper basement storage is to allow air to circulate.

Moisture problems are caused by accumulation from a variety of water sources. Whether it comes from surface or ground water that percolates, water that is absorbed, or water vapor that condenses, it must be controlled. If future flooding seems inevitable, do not install interior insulation or water-damaged finishes, as they will provide a place for mold to grow and cause additional difficulty and expense in flood cleanup. Additionally, correcting moisture problems in your foundation can improve the durability of your home and eliminate some dangerous health risks. Hire a professional renovator for below-grade drainage and water protection issues, large or moving foundation cracks, concrete placement, or major structural repairs. You may also need a heating contractor to install heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment. A dry, clean foundation provides a happy, mold-free foundation for any home.