Actually I've never been down very deep on this property yet. The top soil is really pretty good - reasonably rich and not too much clay. But I've only been down about 12"-18" here and there. But just a few hundred yards to the south (and down slope) my inlaws place seems to be mostly shale under 6" of top soil. We've dug post holes by just busting up the shale with an iron pole and using a shop vac to suck up the fine fragments. [img]/forums/images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
I'm just wondering if soil type could have something to do with the dampness. If the shale bed is close to the floor of the basement, and has an underground slope that runs toward the house, water could be following along it seeking a way out. Are there any springs down slope?
Its important to remember that the slope at grade is only part of the story. There are also slopes underground caused by changes in soil type, denisity, etc. The shale would be such a change. I saw a diagram once that showed how even digging into a hillside and backfilling can affect the underground slopes. The backfill is always looser than the original material, which results in a slope. Water will follow the path of least resistance.
The outside waterproofing is probably going to be the only thing that will do you any good. You might look around to see if you can find a contractor to do it, that way you maybe can get a guarantee. Some places specialize in such repairs.
Good questions. Don't know of any springs or other evidence of subsurface aquifer flow anywhere nearby - there is a pond 50-60 yards off (downslope) but that's pretty obviously just surface fed (and drains away from the house). But it wouldn't surprise me that (given the amount of water) there is some hydraulic pressure there around the foundation more than can be accounted for by surface sources.
That would be my bet. You may also just have a high water table. It may naturally be just a few inches below the basement floor and any added rain or spring melt raises it.
Need help to get rid of a mold problem in the basement
Hi all,
I am living in a house for 10 years. I have never faced mold problem in my basement until now. However, last week I have found my wall in damp condition. It is covering with mold. My friend suggests me to use dehumidifier and polystyrene-backed paper. Is there any other suggestion then I really want to hear from you?
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