Condensation

[Dee]

How do I know if I have condensation or a ground water problem?

[stevea]

Dear Dee:

If your dampness shows up only in the summer months it's most likely a condensation problem. A simple test you could do to find out if you have a condensation problem versus a ground water problem is to do the following:
1) Tape a 6" x 6" piece of foil to your basement floor in the area you are getting water (use duct tape). Let stand for 24 hours.
2) If your problem is a condensation problem you will see small beads of water on top of the foil.
3) If your problem is either a ground water or vapor transmission problem when you remove the foil the dampness will be under the piece of foil.

If you are not sure, please call our office an we can send out a service tech with a hydrometer which can measure the relative humidity in the basement and then he will be able to recommend a solution to your problem.
Thanks for contacting us.

stevea@pioneerbasement.com