Floor cracks: due to pressure from the rising water table located underneath your basement floor. Footing of your foundation: It is common to have leakage where the footing, floor and walls meet. Cracks in basement walls or mortar joints: filling the hollow cores of cement blocks, which, in addition to leakage, also causes a loss of "dead-air" insulation - often making your wet basement a cold basement as well. Water pressure seeping into the walls on the outside: eventually pushing the moisture through to the inside surface of the basement walls.
Ways to combat these problems through simple maintenance: - always make sure you clean your gutters and downspouts.This way, the water is directed away from your foundation. It's also important to make sure that your gutters are adequately sized for your roof. Homeowners should maintain or cover your window wells to prevent the water collecting in these areas, which could also lead to leaks. Additionally, there are some things you can do inside your home to prevent outside water from getting in. Look around your basement for signs of efflorescence, the white marking created when moisture comes in contact with concrete. The white deposits are actually salt deposits left after the surface has dried.
You can also prevent excessive dampness by wrapping pipes and water tanks with insulation material made for this problem. You can also invest in a dehumidifier. This controls the moisture levels in the basement and keeps condensation from building up, leading to musty odors. If your water leakage problem persists, you should consult with a waterproofing professional.
A wet basement can be more of a problem than simply the loss of usable utility space. For the typical wood frame home, chronic basement dampness can increase the potential for structural rot and wood boring insect infestation. The potential impact of a wet basement is even greater in many newer homes where lower air infiltration rates (or "inadvertent ventilation") increases the time exposure of the structural framing to moisture. Moreover, many newer framing materials, such as plywood truss joists, have a much lower resistance to a moisture-induced loss of strength. Source: Realtytimes.com
Most basements, by the sheer nature of the fact that they are built into the ground, present the possibility that water can intrude, turning what was once a dry basement into a wet basement. This is because water in the soil can put constant pressure on basement walls. Plus, water follows the path of least resistance inside a home and over time can find its way into a basement. Source: homebuying.com
This consumer guide outlines the various causes and the variety of available remedies for wet basements. The guide is designed to ensure that you know the issues, are able to evaluate advice you receive from contractors, and feel confident about undertaking a solution before the water damage becomes too severe. Source: Fox5vegas.com
If your basement suffers water damage after a hurricane or heavy rain, mold certainly is another concern. I’ve already e-mailed my neighbors down the block a link to “Mold: Is your home at risk?” Last night, I helped them deal with the heavy water in their basement, and I know they’ll want to avoid a mold problem. Source: ConsumerReports.org
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Moisture Control The key to mold control is moisture control. It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all molds and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldresources.html
Biological Pollutants Biological contaminants include bacteria, molds, mildew, viruses, animal dander and cat saliva, house dust, mites, cockroaches, and pollen (see more about Asthma triggers at www.epa.gov/asthma). There are many sources of these pollutants. Pollens originate from plants; people and animals transmit viruses; people, animals, and soil and plant debris carry bacteria; and household pets are sources of saliva and animal dander. The protein in urine from rats and mice is a potent allergen. When it dries, it can become airborne. Contaminated central air handling systems can become breeding grounds for mold, mildew, and other sources of biological contaminants and can then distribute these contaminants through the home.
By controlling the relative humidity level in a home, the growth of some sources of biologicals can be minimized. A relative humidity of 30-50 percent is generally recommended for homes. Standing water, water-damaged materials, or wet surfaces also serve as a breeding ground for molds, mildews, bacteria, and insects. House dust mites, the source of one of the most powerful biological allergens, grow in damp, warm environments. http://www.epa.gov/iaq/biologic.html
Steps to Reduce Exposure:
Install and use fans vented to outdoors in kitchens and bathrooms.
Vent clothes dryers to outdoors.
Clean cool mist and ultrasonic humidifiers in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and refill with
clean water daily.
Empty water trays in air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and refrigerators frequently.
Clean and dry or remove water-damaged carpets.
Use basements as living areas only if they are leak-proof and have adequate ventilation. Use dehumidifiers, if necessary, to maintain humidity between 30-50 percent.
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html#ref3
American Lung Association
Basement Mold When humidity is high, molds can be a problem in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Make sure these areas have good air circulation and are cleaned often. The basement in particular may need a dehumidifier. And remember, the water in the dehumidifier must be emptied and the container cleaned often to prevent forming mildew. http://www.lungusa.org/site/c.dvLUK9O0E/b.22555/k.D7F6/About.htm
Biological Pollutants in Your Home Outdoor air pollution in cities is a major health problem. Much effort and money continues to be spent cleaning up pollution in the outdoor air. But air pollution can be a problem where you least expect it, in the place you may have thought was safest -- your home. Many ordinary activities such as cooking, heating, cooling, cleaning, and redecorating can cause the release and spread of indoor pollutants at home. Studies have shown that the air in our homes can be even more polluted than outdoor air.
Many Americans spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors, often at home. Therefore, breathing clean indoor air can have an important impact on health. People who are inside a great deal may be at greater risk of developing health problems, or having problems made worse by indoor air pollutants. These people include infants, young children the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.
What You Can Do About Biological Pollutants Before you give away the family pet or move, there are less drastic steps that can be taken to reduce potential problems. Properly cleaning and maintaining your home can help reduce the problem and may avoid interrupting your normal routine. People who have health problems such as asthma, or are allergic, may need to do this and more. Discuss this with your doctor.
Medical facts from Envirochex
Fungi are a natural part of the environment with outdoor airborne levels subject to numerous ambient conditions. Indoors, airborne levels of mold are primarily influenced by outdoor organisms unless a colony are established within the structure.
When indoor areas have mold problems, fungal components can be dramatically elevated over outdoor levels. These elevated levels are generally believed to be the cause of problems with otherwise healthy individuals. http://www.envirochex.com/Mold/Mold_Health.htm
Mayo Clinic
Allergy proof your house
Flooring. Remove moldy or water-damaged carpeting. If possible, use cement or linoleum flooring. If that isn't an option, use low-pile instead of high-pile carpeting and vacuum weekly with a vacuum cleaner that has a small-particle or high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Install plastic sheeting (vapor barrier) under carpeting to prevent moisture seepage. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/allergy/HQ01514
