Why Have A Dry Finished Basement?

A finished basement, clean basement will make your home more appealing as an investment.  A dry basement will be free of any leaking basement walls.  You will enjoy your home more, knowing that it is healthy and safe.

If you have leaking basement walls, your home's value will decrease and that space is both unsafe and wasted space for you and your family.  SKV Construction can help you eliminate the source of moisture problems, and get your home safe and dry.

3 Common Issues That Cause Leaky Basement Walls:

1. Moisture and Wall Cracks
2. Leaky Pipes
3. Wall-Floor Joint Wetness

Issue #1:  Moisture and Wall Cracks

High humidity and moisture will lead to a musty, bad smell. The odor is due to the direct result of mold growth.  To get rid of the mold growth, you will need to install a properly sized dehumidifier.  SKV Construction will help you install a product that will perform effectively.

Issue #2:  Leaky Pipes

Plumbing pipes in a basement often have water dripping off of them, and contribute to excess moisture in the basement.  This condensation is best eliminated by having them insulated.

Issue #3:  Wall-Floor Joint Wetness

Where the basement wall meets the basement floor is often a source of moisture.  Heavy rainstorms, improper slope of the landscape, poorly working gutters, and inefficient sump pump sytems may all be contributing to the moisture buildup.  See our article Tips to Prevent a Flooded Basement.  SKV Construction can inspect your home, and determine what needs to be corrected.  Contact them today!

Why Basement Condensation?

If you have persistent dampness in your basement, and you're sure it is not related to rainfall, then basement condensation might be your problem.

Basement condensation can come from many sources.  A few sources are:

• not enough air circulation
• indoor clothes line
• venting a dryer directly into the basement
• plumbing leaks
• non-insulated exposed water lines
• plugged air conditioning drain hose

An excess amount of moisture build-up can lead to a musty odor coming from your basement or your crawlspace. The excess moisture is likely from condensation that forms during the hot summer months. Warm, moist air comes in contact with the cooler basement walls and water droplets develop.  This type of basement condensation is not as serious as moisture from a leaking wall. Even so, if not eliminated this condensation can lead to more serious problems later.

Two Approaches to Stopping Condensation

Consequently, there are two approaches to stopping basement condensation.  First, eliminate the sources of the condensation as mentioned above.  Second, reduce the extent to which warm moist air can condense on colder surfaces.  As a result, moist air can't contact a cooler surface.  Therefore, there won't be any condensation.

The second approach consists of insulating exposed water pipes, insulating ducts, and even insulate walls.  Read the article 9 Affordable Ways to Dry Up Your Basement.

In addition, if you are not sure which approach to use, call SKV Construction. We will know how to determine the source of condensation, and suggest ways to remove it. Large amounts of basement condensation can lead to mold, damage your drywall, and even damage your personal belongings. It is critical that you act quickly!

Depending on your situation SKV Construction may suggest specific condensation removal products be installed. This will make your home better, more energy efficient, and healthier for you and your family.

If you have a basement condensation problem needing attention, Contact Us for a no obligation proposal.