I have a home that was built in 1989 and the basement is composed of cinderblock walls and a floating slab. I am looking to finish the basement but am concerned over the fact that after really heavy rains certain sections of the front exterior wall developes water droplets on the cinderblock. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Rog315

Rog,

best to see, ya know. but,'could be' due to excessive humidity in basement.

how high/low on this 1 wall do you see the water droplets?

if there is/was plastic against walls,that can cause condensation on walls.

it is possible to get water INTO cells of hollow block when it rains from, Outside openings. Openings/cracks on the Outside of the block wall and/or, openings 'Above' ground level incl`g(look on the outside of where you see water inside)....open mortar joints,loose/cracked/cheap-porous bricks,openings around bsmt windows. any of these 'could' cause water/droplets appearing on walls inside bsmt.

sometimes, all it takes are small openings and so, ya have to look close if your problem isn`t humidity/condensation. hope it helps some

this wall is the front wall of my basement (meaning that is is under the front of the house). The entire wall is backfilled against pretty much (except about 10-12 inches). Only when we have significant rainfall for a day or two of about 1-2 inches there will be "wet spots" or "dropplets" on the wall that are wet to the touch but not running down the wall. There are about 2-3 spots on the front wall that are like that. The only thing that is against that wall besides plumbing and a dryer vent duct is a washer and dryer.

Thanks,

Rog315

Rog: If You think that the water is in the hollows of the block, try taking a small masonry bit and drilling into the hollow of the block at the base of the wall directly bellow the wet area. If water comes out then it could be that your existing foundation drainage system isn't working as well as it used to.What area of the country do You live in? Respectfully Frank O'Pinion

Rog,

IF you were to drill some holes in block and some water came out,this MEANS there IS........Water Inside yer blocks. lol

It has absolutely NOTHING to do with what 'opinion'said. It simply means, water is getting INTO the Inside of hollow Blocks because of an Opening(s) on the Outside of the wall and/or, an opening(s)ABOVE ground level.

Could be openings in/around bricks `n mortar joints,siding,around front door & threshold,we have seem small openings around 'door bell' actually be WHY `n where water entered. Sometimes ya have to look REAL close to see/notice smaller kinds of openings which can allow water inside.

Has ZERO to do with 'existing drainage system'...No way man.

Excessive indoor Humidity OR what i have described is most likely your probelm(s).

If you ONLY get water/dampness when it rains, then its probably not indoor humidity.

You could recreate a heavy Rain with a hose to see where problems are.

get a hose and run it next to/near house at ground level on, the outside of where you see damp spots inside. let it run for up to 1 hour. if you do NOT see water/dampness in an hour, wait and check walls again later in day.

If still NO water/dampness then next dry day ya get, HOLD the hose and run at just above ground level against lower bricks/siding whatever. go side to side slowly, soaking the crap outta each small area as you work your up.

Have someone Inside basement watching for FIRST signs of water/dampness! When they see ANY changes then what you were just soaking/wetting is part/all of the problem.

again, while soaking home above-ground, pay close attention to Any small openings. you have to soak each area good as ya work side to side and UP. Other potential openings could be mortar joints,cheap-porous bricks,around any door, around any window, light fixtures,where central a/c hose enters house etc. Even openings in a valley of a roof have been why a few have gotten water/dampness inside.

M Blues....each day has it`s always
a look down life`s hallways,
doorways, to lead you there

Thanks everyone.