Water carries chemicals or minerals from inside the concrete and the ground, as well as dissolved radon. The continuous water flow leaches out the concrete and makes it more porous, which increases the intake of moisture. When you cover the floor and walls, the moisture naturally migrating through the concrete gets trapped. Increased humidity promotes molds, mildew, dust mites, and biological air contaminants, which cause allergies, asthma, or other health problems. A musty smell may develop.
Molds thrive in carpeting, upholstered furniture, drywall, and wood.
The furnishings have to be discarded and the source of moisture removed. There are cheaper interior systems, which channel water seeping through the walls to a sump pump. Or, you may wish to reduce radon to a minimum to protect the health of your family, particularly, if your children are spending lots of time in the basement. But the concrete has been covered and it may be impractical to simply seal the concrete with RadonSeal. Deterioration of paints and floor covering after remodeling The unreacted chemicals from inside concrete are carried by water to its surface, where they attack all paints or adhesives, floor covering, and even the concrete surface itself.