Valuable Basement Finishing Tips for Damp Walls

You have probably heard of all the gory stories of leaky basements. So how do you know if it’s time for you to deal with your basement finishing effectively? Read on for the top signs.

Check Doors, Windows and Frames

Squeaky doors and windows may seem a nominal issue. But if you find squeaky doors and windows in the basement, it could be due to moisture seeping through. Also take a look at the frames. If you find that the frame has swollen or is spaced away from the sill, it indicates moisture problems.

Check Walls

If there are cracks in door and window frame corners or corner of walls, it probably indicates that you need to act on your basement remodelling plans. If you have a fireplace, check its walls too. If the wall paper has started peeling off or paint has started to flake off, it is an indicator.

Check Flooring

If you have a carpeted floor basement finishing, pull out the carpet from a corner and inspect the tack. If it is light in colour, no need to worry. If it is dark or turning black, get professional help. If the walls and floors are tiled, check the filling material in between two tiles. It should be of a light colour. If the shade has turned darker, it indicates dampness. If you’ve used vinyl laminates, they’ll start curling up due to moisture. If your basement wall panels or floor panels are moisture affected, they will swell at the edges.

What Can You Do?

Thankfully, there’s no dearth of options when it comes to water proofing products. If you find that the middle of your walls is bulging, Carbon Fibre Strips are the best. These can be fitted at any time and are very strong. Further, after restoring the walls this way, any type of finishing will look good including basement wall panels.

Shotcrete is a kind of spray on concrete. If your walls show extreme damage, another wall may need to be built next to the original one. The new wall surface can be covered using shotcrete. This too, can be installed at any time of the year.

If you find that walls are tilting or sloping, you will need to apply other techniques. Wall anchors can help stabilize your walls from the outside of your home. Beam systems do the same work for your basement, but from the inside. ‘I’ shaped beams will be placed along regular intervals to stop walls sloping any more and also can make your basement waterproofing.

Keep a check on all drainage pipes and systems. Further, make sure that there is proper ventilation in the basement at all times. Cold water pipes should have insulation around them.