3 causes of a Damp Basement in New Jersey

New Jersey damp basement  causes

  “Although we used a dehumidifier we kept getting mold in the basement. There was no sign of a leak or standing water.”

Number 1:     The basement is made of porous concrete

• A damp basement in New Jersey is most commonly caused by moisture migrating through a concrete foundation.
• The tar applied during construction has degraded and the foundation is no longer sealed.
• The un-sealed concrete starts to absorb the water.
• Another common cause is condensation on the cold concrete walls and floors during humid months.
• Water vapor molecules are smaller than water molecules.
• The water vapor comes right through the concrete and causes a damp basement.

Number 2:     A high water table causes a damp basement

• There may not be a sign of any leak or standing water, but the moisture evaporates, increasing indoor humidity.
  

  What causes a damp basement?
• The high water table is part of the earth and cannot be graded away.
• Because it rains over a wide area water table typically covers a wide area.
• High water tables are above the level of basement floors which cause a damp basement.
•  Some homes can bring as much as 20 gallons of water per week into the basement in the form of water vapor.

Number 3:     The basement is located below the frost line

• The frost line is the depth in the ground in which the water NEVER freezes.
• Because this seepage is constantly moving beneath the frost line, you should expect a damp basement year round.
• That means water can be present around the foundation in Winter.
• Dampness enters your basement through water vapor.
• Water vapor causes your basement to be  damp.

The damp basement causes unhealthy effects for your home

1. Dry-rot fungus
2. Pests
3. Mold
4. Rust
5. Poor Indoor Air Quality