Wet Floor?

[charlie.schroeder]

Hey Everyone,

So the gf and I just bought a new house. Raised ranch with a basement and garage that is like 90% above grade. We’ve noticed the carpet in the finished basement has felt damp somedays. There is no heat in the basement except from the radiant from the utility room. There are no signs of water or mold anywhere else. Is it possible that the carpet is just over slab and condensing with no moisture barrier? Or am I missing something? Thanks in advance!

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Possibly, cool floor & warm air?
Try a fan before you do anything drastic.

 

[charlie.schroeder]

Possibly, cool floor & warm air?
Try a fan before you do anything drastic.

Haven’t considered a fan yet. If it is even 50 degrees in the basement I’d be surprised. Forgot to mention its New England and still a bit cold up here.

 

[ConCretin]

My first thought was condensation as Scotty suggested but condensation results from warm moist air coming in contact with a cool surface such as a concrete slab. This isn't typically something we get a lot of in the northeast this time of year. I also don't think it's related to the presence or lack of an under slab vapor barrier. Water vapor migration doesn't usually manifest itself as visible moisture or dampness.

I think the most likely scenario is a good old fashioned water leak. Things get a bit squirrelly this time of year as the surface starts to thaw but the water can't drain due to frozen soil below. I'd do a little more sleuthing.

 

[b-boy]

I agree with LegacyIndustrial.

You're probably getting moisture wicking up through the slab into your carpet. Is there padding?

I hate carpet in a basement.

 

[charlie.schroeder]

It’s the only place with carpet in the house. I am unsure of padding, haven’t tried peaking because if i pull a corner, well I won’t have floor covering anymore lol. Its just striking me as off considering the rest of that level of the house has no issues and 90% of the rest is bare concrete.

 

[Armorpoxy]

Agree, this could be a ventilation and air movement issue. We have had clients install inexpensive air-to-air heat exchangers which bring in fresh air but recover any heat/ac and transfer it to the incoming fresh air and they have reported excellent results.

A fan or two may help greatly also.

 

[PelicanPines]

Mold will be coming soon.

 

[nadogail]

Maybe you have a slowly fill indoor pool.

 

[HotrodHR]

Put a portable dehumidifier down there and run it for a day or so and see how if that helps.