Resolving Basement Moisture and Mold: A Flexible Solution Case Study

Monday, June 19th, 2023 by Anna Webb

Challenge

Samantha is a young professional aged between 25 and 30, who encountered a moisture and mold/mildew problem in her basement. The issue first became apparent with a peculiar odor permeating the house after rainfall. Upon investigation, Samantha discovered mold on the walls in the northwest corner of her basement, along with some belongings near the area that had absorbed the seeping water. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Samantha realized that she needed to address the problem promptly, not only to protect her newly purchased home but also to safeguard her cousin, who resided in the basement, from potential health risks and damage to her belongings. After exploring various options by consulting different companies, Samantha came across Midwest Foundation Repair and reached out to us for a complimentary estimate.

Did You Know?

The health of your family can be significantly affected by mold and mildew, as these harmful substances spread quickly and can infiltrate your entire house if they are present in the basement. This can lead to additional complications. It is crucial to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, especially considering the prevalence of mold allergies among children. When there is excessive moisture or humidity, wood rot can occur, causing the wood to break down and mold to develop. This can become a serious issue if your home's structure primarily consists of wood, as it weakens the wood and potentially impacts the foundation.

Moisture or water accumulation on the exterior of a wall can lead to cracked or crumbling walls. The pressure exerted by the moisture can create cracks or sections that crumble over time. This compromises the structural integrity of the home, especially when existing cracks expand due to the presence of water and moisture.

Damp air and musty smells are often a result of wood rot, mold, mildew, and excessive moisture and humidity in the air. When a basement experiences water problems, the associated odors can spread to the upper levels of the home due to the movement of warmer air. Wet drywall or flooring occurs when there are elevated moisture levels in the air or water seepage through cracks in the walls or floor. This water can leave behind puddles and create a conducive environment for mold growth, which, if left unchecked, can weaken the foundation of a home.

The Diagnosis

Despite receiving bids from other contractors, Samantha expressed her appreciation for the flexibility and cooperative approach of our System Design Specialist, Kevin. He later stated, "I worked closely with Samantha to tailor a solution that met her desired level of protection. She also valued the time I spent with her and our willingness to accommodate her schedule, allowing her to save money for the project." Kevin visited Samantha's home to assess the issue. As seen in the provided pictures, he identified excessive moisture seeping through the cement blocks of her foundation walls, resulting in efflorescence and mold/mildew growth in the northwest corner.

Did You Know?

Several factors can contribute to basement leaks, starting with an aspect known as fill soil. The soil surrounding a home is typically less adept at absorbing water due to its backfilling during the foundation construction process. As a result, the soil becomes less dense than natural soil and more susceptible to expansion when it rains. Water can infiltrate cinder block wall foundations due to various reasons:

Hydrostatic pressure: This occurs when water accumulates in the soil surrounding the foundation. Rising water tables or heavy rainfall increase the pressure exerted on the foundation, forcing water through cracks, gaps, or porous areas in the concrete blocks and leading to infiltration.

Capillary action: Concrete blocks contain small pores and capillary channels. When the soil around the foundation becomes saturated with water, moisture can be drawn upward through capillary action. This can result in water seeping through the concrete blocks, especially if they lack proper sealing or coating.

Poor drainage: Inadequate or malfunctioning drainage systems can contribute to water penetration through concrete block wall foundations. Improper soil grading or issues with gutter systems, downspouts, or French drains can lead to water accumulation and increased pressure against the foundation, making water infiltration more likely.

Foundation cracks: Over time, foundations may develop cracks due to settling, soil movement, temperature fluctuations, or structural stress. These cracks provide direct pathways for water to enter the basement or crawl space. Concrete blocks are also prone to cracking, allowing water to infiltrate through the block itself.

Insufficient waterproofing: Inadequate waterproofing during construction or deterioration of existing waterproofing over time can increase vulnerability to water penetration. Waterproof coatings, sealants, and membranes are typically applied to the exterior or interior of foundation walls to create a barrier against water intrusion.

Freezing and thawing cycles: In colder climates, freeze-thaw cycles contribute to water infiltration through concrete block foundations. Water can penetrate small cracks in the blocks, and when it freezes and expands, it widens the cracks, making them more susceptible to further water infiltration.

Regardless of the exact cause of the moisture in Samantha's basement, it was evident that action needed to be taken to address the issue.

Solution

To resolve the problem, we installed full-height CleanSpace Wall System on over half of Samantha's foundation walls. This solution provides protection against water infiltration, and mold/mildew growth, and ensures a completely dry basement.

CleanSpace Wall is an exceptional solution specifically designed for unfinished basement walls. This 100% waterproof plastic vapor barrier offers unparalleled performance. With a 25-year warranty against wear and tear, it is not only durable and washable but also incorporates UltraFresh, an advanced antimicrobial protection system. The versatility of CleanSpace Wall is its key advantage, allowing it to cover uneven surfaces and irregular walls commonly found in basements, even those with large rocks or other obstacles. The installation process for CleanSpace is efficient and typically completed within a day. Our skilled crews can work in narrow spaces as small as four feet wide. The system is particularly suitable for basements with electrical conduits, plumbing pipes, outlets, water lines, and pipe penetrations through the foundation walls. It is mechanically fastened to ensure a seamless and tidy appearance, even on walls with uneven contours. Once the installation is finished, your basement is immediately ready to use. CleanSpace Wall is securely attached to your basement walls using plastic drilled-in fasteners, guaranteeing it will never detach, chip, peel, or flake away like paints and sealants often do. CleanSpace is not limited to being just a wall system; it also provides an excellent solution for covering large boulders or dirt sections of basement walls and floors. Additionally, it effectively addresses common issues such as bubbling and flaking paint. Efflorescence, the white chalky substance often found on walls, indicates excessive water vapor in the basement. Efflorescence occurs when salts within porous materials dissolve in water or solvents and migrate to the surface, leaving a coating upon evaporation.

The Results

Upon completion of the job, Samantha expressed her satisfaction, stating, "I am relieved to have finally resolved the issue. Although it required considerable effort, I know I will enjoy the benefits for years to come while living in this home. The job was completed with great proficiency."

If you’re seeing any of the following signs of water damage and flooding in your home, call us for a free estimate here: