basement , concrete sweating, what to do?

Question

just bought this house, basement is complet but on hot days carpet is damp, I have ordered a dehumitfier, what else

Answer 1

You can try Paint that is made specifically for basement concrete wall Interiors but that will only go so far.

You can also invest in a drainage system that is installed on the base of the concrete wall. Any moisture that drips down the wall will go into the drain and flow to the area where your sump pump well is.

Sounds like you have a finished basement so both of the fixes will not work unless you completely remove the finished studded walls.

If you are building a wall in the basement, I've found it best to leave at least a 1/2 inch to 1 inch gap for air to circulate between the concrete wall and interior studs.

On the internet you can find many sites that talk about the drainage systems I described earlier.

If the floor of the basement is also sweating, they do have certain fix arounds that you can install. Again, on the internet you should be able to find those type of systems.

Right now, with your basement being finished, a Dehumidifier is the only way.

You should also consider taking out any carpet that is in your basement until the water problem is fixed. Damp carpet is a villain for black mold which can cause respiratory problems.

Here is a start for you.... http://www.radonseal.com/basement_remodeling.htm

Answer 2

That is the best thing that you can do all basements sweat to some degree. If you have central air make sure to run it on hot days because it could eventually develop a mold problem. All basements do this because concrete blocks are porous and although they do not let large amounts of water in they can let through small amounts which you have noticed. Try to waterproof the walls and also investigate other problems. Is your hot water tank leaking? Or do you have drainage problems outside of your house. Make sure all of your gutters are clean and that they do not drain right up against the foundation. If there are any trees on your property or old cisterns this could also be a problem. If the dehumidifier does not solve the problem check into other things. Make sure to check the carpet visually for mold or with a testing kit also to keep you and the other people that might live with you safe. Good luck.

Answer 3

I am assuming that there are no water leaks in the basement and no pools of water.

If this is the case, you have a serious problem and you need to dig around the foundation, install drain lines and a sump pump. The previous owner should have disclosed this problem to you.

If you do not have the above problem, it is likely that you are seeing condensation from high humidity. The basement temperature is below the ambient dew point and condensation results. Dehumidification is the answer. Close the door to the upstairs when you do this.

Answer 4

Your foundation in the basement is a bare slab laid on sand or dirt and will sweat non stop--you need to pull the carpet and have a moisture barrier installed and then continue to use the dehumidifier. Source, lived in one and I also sprayed constantly with lysol to kill mold spoors.

Answer 5

1 word
Dehumidifyer
Buy a dehumidfyer its it will work you may need 2 if the walls are sweating..

Answer 6

Cover it with anti perspirant