Wetness is the leading reason that most people do not fully utilize their basement. Yet in many cases the causes of wetness can be eliminated, or at least controlled. It is critical to fix wet basement problems before you tackle a remodeling job.
Wet basements are a common problem throughout much of the country.
The reasons are obvious - a basement is by definition an underground room. As the rainwater hits the ground around the house, gravity pulls it downward through the soil along the external walls of the basement. The water may then collect at the base of the foundation and find its way into the walls, or it may rise through the basement floor as the water table rises. Once the water enters the wall, particularly with block wall construction, the concrete will absorb the water through capillary action, much like a sponge soaks up water. In addition, as the earth settles around your house over time, it may shift your foundation and basement walls, which in turn may cause the waterproofing material on the outside to crack and open.