Hidden Basement Moisture: The Facts

If your basement appears dry, it must be dry, right? Well, not always, unfortunately. While the appearance of a dry basement is certainly more comforting than a visibly wet one, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your basement is actually dry. One of the most frustrating things about home moisture damage is that the visible damage is more of a larger symptom of a structural issue, rather than the problem itself.

With our real estate culture praising and even expecting finished basements to push up a home’s value, the pressure is on to keep a dry and secure space for family use. All within a space that is physically underground, and surrounded by natural moisture. Now that it’s been phrased this way, it seems crazy, right? But the reality is that the basement is a high maintenance part of your home. It is also a space that the rest of your home is dependent upon, for foundational and stabilizing structure.

Sagging walls, wilting insulation, and a strange smell all point to a hidden moisture issue. If these are situations you’ve observed in your basement, a leak and visible moisture is not far behind. And then the issue is worse, and costs more in time and money.

Water from outside, naturally occurring water vapor, and “wicking” are all factors that could be making your basement wet, yet make it seem deceptively dry. “Wicking” is the process through which a dry-seeming wall may actually be gaining dampness as it pulls water inside itself, similar to a sponge.

Seasonally, warmer weather increases the risk of unwanted moisture. Water that enters your home may pose no threat in colder months when outside air is colder than your indoor basement’s air. In spring and summer, however, the warm outside air allows for a greater birth with which moisture may enter.

For this reason, a condensation problem becomes likely in a home’s basement. Condensation is not uncommon. Even during months of low precipitation, warmer weather will still make your basement wetter than at any other time of year. Humidity serves as the perfect catalyst for mold, dust mites, and the beginnings of visible damage.

If you notice any telltale signs of hidden moisture, or become concerned for your basement’s wellbeing, Master Services is always available to help, and offers free estimates on your home.