Leakage or pooled water in the basement contributes to humid basement air and is the cause of condensation causing sweating pipes and moisture on other surfaces in your basement. This is due to the temperature difference with the air. Water vapor in the air can condense on surfaces which are colder than the surrounding air, much as water will condense on the outside of a cold soda bottle. The solution with pipes has and easy fix, insulate the pipe. Other condensation problems are not as simple to fix, but can readily be dealt with.
Condensation in unheated crawl spaces is usually caused by excessive moisture from the soil or from warm humid air entering from outside the house. A soil cover (vapor barrier) should always be used in crawl spaces that have potential moisture problems. Sometimes a sump may be required to collect excessive ground water and drain or pump it away. Adequate cross ventilation will help eliminate condensation problems. To eliminate this problem, place a vapor barrier over the soil.
Concrete slabs without radiant heat are sometimes subjected to surface condensation in late spring when warm humid air enters the house. Because the temperature of some areas of the concrete slab or its covering is below the dew point, surface condensation can occur. Keeping the windows closed during the day, using a dehumidifier and raising the inside temperature aid in minimizing this problem. When the concrete slab reaches normal room temperatures, this problem is eliminated.
As always, I wish you good fortune and success solving your waterproofing problems. Take a deep breath and try not to get discouraged if things don’t go quickly and easily, as is often the case. Don’t take it personally. Remember, nearly every solution which now exist was acquired by trial and error by someone who was frustrated before you. Persevere, you’ll get the job done and feel very good about it.
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