[dpreznik]

Dear friends, maybe somebody could give me an advice what to do with moisture in my basement? It used to be regularly flooded, but two years ago I installed a Basement Systems' drainage with two sump pumps. After that I was supposed to obtain a dry basement. There is no flood anymore, but certain spots on the floor do become wet when it is reining, though without puddles. The technician who was performing yearly maintenance of the drainage system suggested running a dehumidifier. He said the evaporation comes to the basement from the ground through the concrete floor. We did it anyway during summer months, but the technician said that should be done through the whole year. Basement Systems sells large dehumidifiers that are supposed to be more efficient than common models, though much more expensive.
So my question is:
- Is there any alternative to using dehumidifier which is expensive and energy consuming? I mean some solution that could deal with that evaporation from under the floor and with condensation on cold pipes and floors from the moist air during hot and humid months?

Thank you very much,

Dmitriy

 

[Bob Mariani]

Dehumidifiers are the best solution. But you can insulate the pipes and seal the floor. But sealing the floor will only work if no salts are still present. (White powder.)

 

[dpreznik]

Details needed

Dehumidifiers are the best solution. But you can insulate the pipes and seal the floor. But sealing the floor will only work if no salts are still present. (White powder.)

Hi Bob,
Thank you for your answer. Could you please tell me how the white powder that I do have after reins affects the sealing?

Thanks,
Dmitriy

 

[Bob Mariani]

This is efflorescence. The salts in the water moving through the concrete will prohibit the sealer from adhering to the micro fissures in the concrete. Use a cement product like Dry-loc cement to patch the concrete first then a concrete sealer can be used. At least I think this is why. At this point I know that this is what I do and what to look for.

 

[dpreznik]

This is efflorescence. The salts in the water moving through the concrete will prohibit the sealer from adhering to the micro fissures in the concrete. Use a cement product like Dry-loc cement to patch the concrete first then a concrete sealer can be used. At least I think this is why. At this point I know that this is what I do and what to look for.

So this will actually work?
Could you please give me the name of the sealer and where it is available?
And in case of dehumidifier, can you recommend any particular model?
Thanks.

 

[Bob Mariani]

I buy everything at local masonry stores. Brand is not an issue. first the cement product to wet conditions, then the sealer. Same with dehumidifier. I use commercial grade ones from Grainger.