Spring is the season for possible
flooding due to temperature rise and melting snow. While all of our homes are
built with sump pumps, exterior foundation coating, and drain tile, the source
of most basement moisture sources is rainwater & groundwater. See below
information from the City of Madison Engineering Dept for some valuable
information heading into spring:
Rainwater
and Groundwater
In a one-inch rain, 1,250
gallons of water fall on the roof of a 2,000-square-foot house. Without proper
grading, gutters, and downspouts, some of this water flows into the basement.
The below-grade water table can also rise due to flooding or seasonal site
conditions. This is why drain tile systems are recommended around basement
walls even in sandy or gravel soils.
Under normal conditions
basements are designed to be dry (if somewhat damp/humid) spaces. In large part
humidity is unavoidable because the concrete used to construct basements is a
porous material and will allow water/ moisture to pass through it at a very
slow rate. New construction is designed to avoid serious, free flowing water
problems in many ways, including: provision of sump pumps, exterior basement
coatings and extensive tile/pipe drainage systems surrounding the foundation.
Generally even these new homes need to have a dehumidifier operating in these
spaces to keep humidity levels within the recommend range. Generally the
recommended humidity level for basements is between 40% and 50%. If basement moisture
is allowed to reach 60%, the basement will likely have a musty smell.
If you currently live in an
older home, please see link below for additional information of what to watch
for:
https://www.cityofmadison.com/.../BaseDrainGuide.pdf
And
please remember to keep your sump pump plugged in at all times!
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