If you live in the Tampa Bay area, you cannot be accredited to see a lot of basement homes; however, believe it or not, there are several houses throughout the area that do have basements. Most homes in Florida are built without a basement due to hurricane problems. Building codes insist that residential floors should be built above the storm surge lift. If a basement is allowed for construction, it is usually built as an “uninhabitable” space, so in other words, homeowners may have a basement for additional storage, but not a bedroom. However, while the basements provide extra room for storage and cooling to hang out on hot days, they also have their share of problems with humidity.
When it comes to problems with the foundation, the most important issue in the foundation is moisture. Moisture most often comes from external sources, but can also be produced internally. Often, most homeowners are not aware that the soil around the basement walls may contain large amounts of moisture. The reason for the high moisture content in the soil may include surface water, which is seen in the soil or even because of the high level of groundwater. The high level of groundwater can be explained by heavy rains that raise the level of groundwater than the basement. Often, water can enter the basement under the influence of gravity or through a crack or defect in the water protection layer of the foundation. Water can also be rolled by a “capillary action” or “pushed” by hydrostatic pressure from the soil under the walls or the floor. In summer, warm, humid air from outside can enter the house and cause condensation on cool walls or the basement floor. In areas where freezing temperatures may occur, the following situation may occur if a crack is present: water flows through the crack, then freezes and expands. With each cold season, the crack eventually becomes larger due to the expansive properties of frozen water.
Regardless of the cause of water damage, soil moisture problems often include foundation cracks that leak, sewage / submerged basement floors, small stains (fading), mold growth, damp insulation, wet carpets, stuffy smells, high humidity and rotting wood. If a homeowner experiences any of these problems, they should conduct an inspection of the territory and territory. When checking the appearance of the homeowner should check the slope of the land around the basement - this allows water to drain, and not be away from home? What is your rain sewer? A poor rain drainage system will still provide a large amount of water that can leak or suppress basement drainage systems. Are there any visible cracks in the outer or inner structure? Severe or active cracks can be a sign of future structural problems or even unsafe conditions. In addition, in Florida they can be an example of a sink under your house. Check the window wells - are there signs of a leak? Water may accumulate in the wells, leading to a possible leakage into the basement through or around the window.
There are several ways to prevent problems with moisture damage in the basement. The first rule of thumb is the absence of basements. Although they are less common nowadays, it is good to note that mud floors not only contain a huge amount of moisture, but can also emit various gases. When building a basement, make sure you have floor drainage with a trap installed at the lowest point of the floor. Without a floor drain, any water spilled inside cannot escape. If necessary, install a pump pump and make sure that the sump cover is tightly closed. Dump pumps are often used when the problem of flooding due to high groundwater levels can be a problem. In addition, it is waterproof outside the basement walls and install a perimeter drainage system.
An often overlooked problem in the basics is moisture, which is caused by moisture. The easiest way to control humidity is exhaust fumes that form in a house outside. Signs of high humidity include: condensation on windows, pipes or other surfaces, as well as a general feeling of moisture in the air, dampness and odors. Often moisture can be caused by exposure of the basement to outside air (open windows), with wet laundry dried in the basement, storage of firewood in the basement and / or a ventilation fan that comes out from the inside. To reduce humidity, there are a few things a landlord can do: install energy-efficient windows, insulate walls and cold water pipes, insulate floors as much as possible, dry dry vents directly and not dry laundry or wood in the basement. In the summer, use a portable drier or air conditioner to reduce humidity. In warm, humid weather, keep the basement windows closed. Regularly start the furnace fan for air circulation in the house. The key to keeping the basement low in humidity is good ventilation and the retention of additional moisture from the basement.
Another aspect to keep in mind when storing your basement without moisture and mold is storage. Too many stored items, especially on the floor, will allow hidden corners to get even wetter and more favorable mold growth. Get rid of unused items and store items on the shelves. Avoid stopping in cardboard boxes that potentially absorb moisture. The key to proper storage of the basement is the possibility of air circulation.
Humidity problems are caused by the accumulation of various sources of water. Regardless of whether it is a surface or groundwater that flows, water that drains, or water vapor that condenses, needs to be controlled. If future floods seem imminent, do not install internal insulation or coatings that will be damaged by water, as they will give the mold a place to grow and cause more difficulties and costs in cleaning up the floods. In addition, correcting moisture problems in the foundation can increase the longevity of your home and eliminate some of the dangerous health hazards. Take professional repair for external, waterproof and drainage tasks below level, large or moving foundation cracks, concrete placement or major repairs. You may also need a heating contractor to install heating, cooling and ventilation equipment. A dry, clean basement provides a happy, mold-free foundation for any home.
