Exterior Basement Access
Many basements with exterior access have a drain designed to catch the rainwater that flows down the steps. However, this drain can become easily clogged or overwhelmed and water will begin to seep into the basement under and around the door.
Entering The Basement
Inside the basement, we can see that there has been some moisture entering through the door, from the floor, and through the walls. There is dirt and dust on the walls as well as some microbial growth.
Access to Outside
As newer systems were installed in the home, such as central heating and air, accesses and pathways needed to be made to run lines and ductwork. This left some large spaces where moisture, air, water, and critters could find their way into the basement.
Efflorescence on Basement Walls
Efflorescence is the white residue you see on the block walls. It is caused by moisture moving through the block from the exterior and pulling the minerals in the block with it to the surface. The moisture then evaporates leaving behind this powdery residue.
Water Infiltration
There are many signs of water infiltration in the basement leaving standing water, silt, staining, and mud behind. Time and moisture have damaged the fiberglass insulation that was previously in the basement walls causing it to deteriorate and fall away.
