Nashua Wet Basement Inspection Leads to Prevention

7/2/2017 (Permalink)

Basement Dryness in Nashua Keeps the House in Better Condition--If Wet, Call SERVPRO

Continual Dampness Needs Remedial Help from SERVPRO in Your Nashua Basement

A nuisance is how most people describe finding water in their basement or crawlspace. An annoyance that most people try to fix with a Wet-Vac and hanging carpets outside to dry. That may work for a single incident, but when it happens regularly, there is an underlying problem.

The more common reasons for a wet basement in Nashua or anywhere in New Hampshire are condensation and runoff. SERVPRO understands how these causes affect a home, how to treat them and prevent a recurrence. Condensation is also known as sweating. It appears in the form of wet spots, water droplets on the walls and ceilings, and small puddles on the basement floor. They develop when warm, moist air encounters cool, foundation walls or poorly insulated cold-water pipes. In a full-size basement, this leads to damp carpets, rusting metal in shelving and appliances such as washers and dryers. In crawlspaces, this speeds up wood rot, encourages insect growth, and damages stored property.

Our first step to stopping condensation is to set up a commercial grade humidifier. We can remove over 20 gallons per day depending on the humidity level. If the HVAC system has vents in the basement, we turn up the heat to speed up drying. If there is no heat, we bring in portable heaters to raise the temperature. Once the walls are dry, technicians lay down a coat of waterproof sealant to form a barrier against further water intrusion. For crawlspaces, we recommend covering the ground and walls with polyethylene plastic sheeting that serves the same purpose. Ask us about a full encapsulation program for your crawlspace.

Runoff is melted snow or rainwater that runs off the roof and down the side of a home, rather than through rain gutters and drainpipes. The water works through the topsoil and collects along the foundation walls. It eventually works its way through the porous concrete and into the basement

or crawlspace. To stop this, technicians first clean out and repair or replace the drainage system. A proper drain system directs further water away from the foundation and lets the walls begin to dry. If there is a driveway or other covered area next to the foundation, we also check that for cracks and joint separation. These allow water to get under the concrete where it eventually gathers against the foundation.
With the problem identified, we begin digging. We expose the foundation walls so we can check them for holes, cracks and other openings such as the entry points for pipes and cables. Technicians seal everything with a waterproof caulk and then apply a rubber cement over the entire area to prevent further intrusion. Once the coating is dry, we replace the dirt along the foundation.

Dealing with a damp basement or crawlspace is almost the definition of nuisance. When it becomes a recurring problem, you need a professional restoration service. SERVPRO of Nashua has years of experience and hundreds of hours in basements drying, helping our neighbors put their homes and lives back together. If you need us, call (603) 889-2311 today.

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