Basement Moisture Problems in Existing Basements

The University of Minnesota has written an excellent document of "Typical Causes of Basement Moisture Problems." They also offer solutions in their document ""An overview of Solutions to Basement Moisture Problems" which is well-written, easy to understand, and has excellent illustrations.

The main causes of basement moisture problems are:

  • Inadequate Grading around the house
  • Defective or missing gutters and downspouts
  • Improperly Designed Window Wells
  • Ineffective Drain Tile and Sum Pit
  • Improper Drainage with Underslab Ducts
  • Structural Cracks

Rainwater or melted snow that isn't routed away from the house is also a common cause of basement and crawl space moisture. Read this article about Drying Out a Wet Basement from This Old House to determine if your wet basement is being caused by condensation, runoff, or if a subsurface water source is the cause.

Moisture Control Example

Solutions to basement moisture problems:

The approach to moisture problems should always be to remove the source of the moisture—not to try to stop it at the last line of defense (the basement wall).

It is appealing to try to solve a basement moisture problem with a membrane or special coating on the inside. In some cases that solution might seem to work for awhile. However, the water will still be there.

Return to Building Concrete Basements

Find Finished Basement Contractors
Design Ideas
Concrete Basements - Outrageous ProjectsOutrageous Basement Projects
Concrete Basements - Bowed Bas WallsBasement Wall Repair
Concrete Basements - Floor Myths7 Basement Floor Myths
Concrete Basements - Tips for FinishingTips for Finishing Basements
Other Resources
Concrete Basements - Find Concrete ProductsFind Concrete Products
Concrete Basements - Hiring a Contractor8 Tips for Hiring a Contractor