Determine if the water on your basement walls is from condensation or migrating in through the foundation wall.
Condensation in basement walls.
If moisture collects on the backside after a few days then water is wicking through the foundation wall from outside.
If you have seasonal or ongoing moisture problems correcting them may go a long way to reducing condensation.
This is straightforward and easy to do.
Some condensation is harmless even normal.
If you think condensation might be the problem in your basement there is a simple test.
Fortunately you can get rid of excess condensation on your walls and control excess moisture in your home.
Simple solutions like directing gutter downspouts away from the house and improving outdoor drainage can solve many.
If you re not sure of the cause of a damp patch on a wall try the foil test.
Because moisture is allowed to penetrate the block cores it is essential to cap the tops and place a vapor retarder coating on the interior basement walls.
Insulating the places where condensation builds up can also help to eliminate moisture.
If you have regular seepage or water puddling after storms even once every few years you have to fix it permanently before finishing.
Most homeowners think that basement moisture is the same as basement flooding.
Moisture seeping through basement walls and foundation joints can be a significant source of humidity in basement air.
The basement should be treated the same as if it were leaky.
In your basement condensation develops when you have relatively warm moist air contacting the cool surface of the walls.
The most common cause of condensation on your walls is excess moisture inside your home.
But excess condensation can lead to a host of problems.
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Once you understand how condensation forms on the walls of your basement it s easy to stop it using the methods explained above.
Controlling basement moisture is key to preventing mold and a necessary first step if you want to fully finish the space.
Covering those places such as walls pipes and ducts with insulation will help keep warm air from coming in contact with the cool surfaces thus preventing condensation.
As the walls cool the air droplets form on the walls and you ve got a damp basement.