Because it is underground, basement flooding is a common occurrence. It doesn’t matter if you live in a flood-prone area or not, basements are usually damp due to a number of reasons. And it is for these reasons that many homeowners opt not to put carpets in their basements.
Nonetheless, a carpet can be a great addition to a basement, especially if you use it as an extra living space. That warm and fluffy feeling when you walk barefoot in the basement is enough reason to consider investing in a basement carpet.
While a flooded basement carpet is something to be wary of, it is definitely possible to make a carpeted basement work. Read on to find out what type of carpet you should use for your basement. And finally, learn the most common causes of wet basement carpets so you can effectively prevent them.
Types of Basement Carpets
Below are the different types of carpets that should work well in your basement.
1. Low Pile
Low pile or thin carpets have faster drying time if they do get wet. A thick or high pile carpet will dry out longer, making it unsuitable to be used in the basement.
2. Cut Pile
This type of carpeting is durable, with moisture easily extracted if you want it removed. Cut piles are fashioned from fiber loops which can either be cut or combined with a low pile carpet.
3. Padded
Pads found in many carpets act like sponges that trap water inside and under them. Pads, however, tend to dry longer compared to the carpeting itself.
4. Artificial
These carpets are made from polyester, nylon, and polypropylene. Artificial carpets can withstand moisture more efficiently than those made from wool and other organic materials.
5. Sectioned
If you have wall-to-wall carpeting in the basement and this gets wet, it can be nearly impossible to remove moisture. The entire carpet may have to be removed and replaced, which can be costly. An alternative to this is to install sectioned or carpet squares. With this type of carpeting, you’ll be able to easily remove only the areas that got wet.
6. Waterproof
Some carpets can be considered waterproof because they have special backings. These are unique features that prevent moisture from getting through the carpet.
Causes of Wet Basement Carpets
You could end up having a wet carpet in the basement for many reasons. The way the dampness is displayed can reveal a lot about the possible cause, although the following are the most common:
1. Plumbing Leaks
Basement carpets often become wet because of a plumbing problem. So you must always protect your pipes from any damage to avoid leaks. This is one of the most common reasons for having a damp basement, but it can be fixed quickly by hiring a professional plumber. While waiting for the plumber, inspect the basement walls for damp patches. This information can help your plumber determine if you have leaking pipes in the basement.
2. Window Leaks
A leaking window can eventually cause significant damage to your carpet if not addressed immediately. This is another common reason your basement carpet is damp. This condition can lead to frozen pipes during the cold season, especially if your plumbing system is located in the basement. This also allows moisture from the outside easy access to your basement.
3. Seepage
When cracks form in the basement floor, seepage can occur. Moisture can find its way through minor cracks and eventually pool in basement coves. This can easily result in a flooded basement carpet.
4. Basement Cracks
If carpet dampness is severe or widespread, this could be due to several cracks in the basement floor or walls. Extreme hydrostatic pressure and ground settlement due to foundational instability often cause these cracks.
5. Humidity
Condensation can occur in summer when the warm outside air meets the cool basement air. This can result in a wet basement and a damp carpet. Condensation can also produce unpleasant odors in the basement as mold spores may have settled into the area and multiplied.
6. Rains
If you have a wet carpet in the basement after a rain, there are some things you should look out for. A rained-out carpet is usually wet in the middle portion. However, this could also be an indication of rising groundwater. This could be accumulating near your basement walls and finding its way to the floor and carpet.
7. Floor Moisture
A crack in the concrete floor of your basement can retain moisture. A carpet spread across the flooring will eventually absorb this. To confirm if this is the case, tape down a square piece of clear plastic on the floor, and let this sit for approximately a week. A fog will form if the floor is moist.
Key Takeaway
A wet basement is quite common, prompting many homeowners not to put carpeting in the basement. If a carpet is spread across the basement floor, this could get wet as there are conditions in and around that can initiate dampness.
Despite this, there is no reason you should not consider placing a carpet in the basement. Doing so has several benefits, like making your basement warm and cozy. You only have to worry about the chances of having a wet carpet in the basement after a rain. This can be addressed easily by choosing a suitable carpet material for the basement. Fixing any basement plumbing leaks and placing a dehumidifier in the area can also reduce moisture, keeping your carpet clean and dry. Failing to do these things can mean a wet carpet in your basement, promoting mold growth and water damage.
Contact Deep Water Emergency Services and Mitigation if disaster strikes!
Floods, fires, and other disasters can happen and damage your home. Basements, in particular, can incur severe damage during a flood. If you’re at your wit’s end in figuring out how you can revive your flooded basement’s former beauty, Deep Water Emergency Services and Mitigation is the best company to call. Contact our team of experts when it comes to water and fire damage mitigation in Denver, CO, and we will come over to get it fixed for you.
