If you are fortunate enough to have a basement in your living space, they could be a very usable feature when it is in good condition. There is nothing that that prevents you from making the most of the area a basement can allow you more than water problems. A basement's most common uses, which are for storage and laundry equipment, can be hindered a lot because of a water problem.
The idea of making your basement into a comfortable living area is not possible when you have a water or moisture problem. If you are having major flooding problems, a water damage professional to have the issue resolved is more than likely going to be the best solution. Many water problems may not be fixed good enough by an inexperienced home repair job. You need to always get a few estimates when you decide you need to employ someone experienced for the task. They should always be licensed and have a respected reputation for their jobs.
Your home owner's insurance policy will usually pay for fixing the water damage, if it was not a problem when your home was insured. Insurance coverage varies and especially when water flooding is the problem. If your basement water dilemma is not severe, you might be able to remedy it on your own.
If you have moisture causing damp walls in the basement, a dehumidifier will help to fix the problem, but if you want to make a living space in the basement, you will need to take more action. If there are specific soaked spots, inside or outside, that you can clearly notice, then this is likely the cause of the dampness. This can be fairly easy to solve. Wetness or running water can come in when there is a split or loose mortar in the cement cinder blocks.
To solve the damage you will need to open the section up by taking out loose mortar and brushing the damaged place free of debris. You can do this using a hammer and chisel, along with a steel or hard bristled brush. Dampen the damaged section to be corrected with a spray bottle that is filled with water.
You have to use a hydraulic cement to fill in the hole. Make sure to follow the mixing directions carefully. The mixture must have just the right consistency to form a slightly firm ball. Then begin inserting the mixture into the crack until you get it entirely filled. Use a trowel to get rid of any remaining mortar before the cement begins to gets hard. When it is totally hardened, use the brush to clean the surface off.
If a split anywhere on the blocks or mortar does not appear to be your problem, the moisture and water flow can be caused by your gutters or the landscaping around the house foundation. Putting an extension to the bottom of a gutter can keep the water away from the foundation. If this does not work either, this will be when you could call a water damage business to better identify the problem.
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