Damp Basement Help?
I am looking at a house which seesm to be in relatively good condition. The basement however is musty and the floor tiles are all coming up. The house has been empty for some time now and everything is turned off. The lack of heat in the winter may have caused the tiles to lift. Does anyone have any ideas on this?
I don't see how cold would lift all the tiles. Sounds like long term moisture to me.
You need to look more into this. Usually this means it could have poor drainage around the house. If there moisture in there how did it get there? Also you may have to pull up some of the tiles because I'm sure there mold there. Most home inspectors will notice this also and just assume that it will have mold. Be careful because it could get expensive to fix and replace.
Basements are musty because of poor ventilation (lack of air return) and high moisture content.
Basements typically stay between 45 - 65 degrees year around. If the house is an older home then chances are that no french drain was installed when it was built.
It may have mold and then again it may just be mildew.
Either way, I agree with Rehab, temperature changes should not had any bearing on the tiles coming lose if they were properly installed.....the adheasive should seal the tight. In all likelyhood moisture is your culprit.
H2O is a natural disolvent......it is the number 1 cause of a home's deterioration.
A good licensed home inspector will never assume anything. They are just to report what they observe / inspect. If they know from testing that it is in fact mold then their report should reflect such.
You would be wise to get a home inspection along with numerous estimates prior to putting your John Hancock on a contract.
NC_Yank
This could be time consuming, but well worth the effort.
1. Gte the water turned on
2. Run each sink/tub/toilet/shower for 5-10 minutes EACH and independently, and go to the cellar to look for leaks.
It's a pain to do, but it is the most simple, effective - and relatively cheap solution I've found to this sort of problem.
Water is on and you are right I need to go and let the water run at each point and make sure that all is well there.
Art G
Quote:
On 2004-08-03 19:42, MarleneM wrote:
This could be time consuming, but well worth the effort.
1. Gte the water turned on
2. Run each sink/tub/toilet/shower for 5-10 minutes EACH and independently, and go to the cellar to look for leaks.
It's a pain to do, but it is the most simple, effective - and relatively cheap solution I've found to this sort of problem.
Huh?
You guys think there is water leaking from drains causing this?
I agree with rehabbinator
This isn't likely being caused by leaking tub or sink drains. You didn't specify what types of tiles are lifting (so I'll take an educated guess-and presume they are vinyl or something similar) If all the tiles are coming up, this is indicative of foundation leaking. and concrete slab is retaining moisture. Yes, the lack of heat in the winter could have caused the tiles to lift (after they froze). Search out the root of the problem along these lines.
Dave
Cold may have lifted the tiles, but ruling out a direct leak is crucial.
Case in point: I went to a home inspection yesterday, and low and behold, after the inspector turned all the faucets, tubs and showers on, a pipe in the cellar (garage) just wouldn't stop leaking. It was completely dry the day before.
You were right in your assumption they are vinyl tiles. I agree that the plumbing probably does not have anything to do with this but an ounce of prevention. Thanks for all the help. Another question ....What is the best way to get rit rid of musty oder?
Quote:You can cover up the musty odor by smoking lots of cigarettes down there, and also bring in a dozen or so cats.
LOL! Heh Heh! I got a chuckle out of that!
Think about renting an ozone maw-chine.
I personally completed rehabbing a home with a water/musty situation. I have concluded that the only sure way of releasing potential future liability is to call in the Troops! Call a reputable basement repair specialist and keep your liability in check. Yes it will decrease you bottom line profit BUT, I would rather build a good reputation for my self, that my homes are exactly what I would want to buy.
The cost of a buyer taking you to court for leaking, seeping, caving, or cracking foundations is extremely expensive. Good REPUTATIONS, Good ending products don’t come without a price. Have an inspection done and let the specialists handle it if needed.
I work with a company that does not sell repairs. This is a company does nothing but analysis what is going on in your basement. They do not want to sell repairs. Very unbiased opinion. If you feel as though you need the Troops, then do so. Don’t hesitate, the cost is nothing compared to the liability that could put you under financially.