Common Reasons For Basement Moisture And How They Can Be Fixed

As Los Angeles water intrusion specialists , we understand many homeowners experience moisture issues in their basements. Basements are often overlooked spaces that may only receive attention once a problem occurs. When left unaddressed, these issues can be severe and compromise the home’s structural integrity. 

At Absolute Maintenance & Consulting, our Los Angeles water intrusion specialists can promptly assess the root cause of the moisture issue and apply appropriate solutions. If your Los Angeles home’s basement is leaking, here are a few common signs when you should contact our leak detection experts.

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs

With over 30 years of experience as Los Angeles water intrusion specialists, homeowners often fail to recognize early warning signs of water intrusion. In fact, it is not uncommon for us to discover that these problems have been present for some time before homeowners schedule a consultation. 

So, don’t ignore certain warning signs that your basement has developed moisture issues, such as:

• Condensation on Floors and Walls
• Mold and Mildew Odors
• Standing Water on the Floor
• Rotting Wood or Deteriorating Carpeting

If you notice any of these signs of basement moisture, don’t hesitate to contact our Los Angeles water intrusion specialists for prompt response and solutions.

Common Sources of Basement Moisture

Given that moisture does not simply materialize out of nothing in your basement, it must have originated from one of several potential sources. Our Los Angeles water intrusion specialists have identified a few basement moisture sources, including:

• Rain and Groundwater
• Entrance of Humid, Outside Air via Ventilation
• Interior Sources

Consider this: for a 2,000-square-foot home in Los Angeles, just one inch of rain can unleash an astonishing 1,250 gallons of water onto your home, demonstrating how even seemingly minor leaks can result in severe basement moisture problems.

Interior Leaks

Our Los Angeles home waterproofing experts are extensively trained and experienced in identifying interior leaks, whether from rusting pipes, washing machines, or sinks; our team will locate the source of the leak. 

With our expertise and swift repair solutions, we can quickly alleviate your moisture problem and protect your home’s structural integrity.

Defective Gutters and Downspouts

Defective gutters and downspouts are a primary cause of damp basements in Los Angeles homes. If these systems are not functioning correctly, water that should have been led away accumulates near the foundation, permeating the soil and creating a hospitable environment for moisture infiltration. 

Our Los Angeles water intrusion specialists team can quickly identify and rectify these issues, ensuring your home is preserved and protected from water damage.

Foundation Cracks

Even the smallest foundation cracks in Los Angeles homes can pose a significant threat as they can allow water to infiltrate the basement, leading to structural damage if not promptly addressed. 

Drainage System Issues

We have encountered numerous cases where drainage system issues are the root cause. Common problems include clogged pipes, malfunctioning sump pumps, and broken connections, which can result in damp basements, regardless of the type of drainage system installed.

Condensation

Finally, when hot outside air meets cool basement air, condensation on walls and floors results. We recommend installing a basement exhaust fan, increasing air circulation with an AC unit, using a dehumidifier, or insulating certain basement areas to solve this problem.

Common reasons for basement moisture also include poor ventilation, water seepage through cracks in the foundation or walls, inadequate insulation, and leaks in plumbing or HVAC systems. 

Poor ventilation can lead to stagnant air accumulating excess condensation and moisture buildup. Water seepage through cracks in the foundation or walls can occur due to improper grading, where the slope of the ground around the house allows water to pool near the foundation. 

Inadequate insulation can lead to condensation and moisture buildup. Leaks in plumbing or HVAC systems can go unnoticed for a long time, leading to significant water damage and mold growth.

Los Angeles Water Intrusion Specialists

With over 30 years of experience providing expert home waterproofing solutions, Absolute Maintenance and Consulting is the go-to choice for homeowners in Los Angeles.  

We offer leak detection, waterproofing, water damage repair, mold testing, sealing, resurfacing, and various water damage-related solutions. Our team of experts offers fast, friendly, and reasonably priced service, ensuring that the job is done correctly the first time. 

Contact us today for prompt and professional assistance with any basement moisture issues!