Your historic brick home’s damp basement is not something you should have to live with. If you have damp, wet conditions in your basement, musty odors, mold or mildew, these are all red flags that your brickwork needs some maintenance. A less obvious sign is efflorescence—the white, powdery haze you may see on your bricks or basement floor. This is caused by water wicking through the brick and leaving trace amounts of salts behind when it evaporates. Although it doesn’t seem like much, efflorescence should be taken as seriously as the more obvious signs of water infiltration. Addressing the water source can prevent ongoing moisture problems, keep your brick in excellent condition and keep your basement dry throughout the wettest and coldest days of the year.
The Connection Between Above-Ground and Below-Grade Moisture
Understandably, most homeowners look for the water problems in the basement itself. This is a good strategy—but it may not be the source of the damp basement. Many below-grade water problems start above-ground, especially with historic brick homes. Water that seeps into brick above grade travels down through gaps and cracks until it reaches the lowest point—your basement. While it may not be blatantly cascading down your walls, it will wick into the basement through the porous brick. This is called capillary action.
The reason the water doesn’t wick the other way and spare your basement some of the dampness is due to the soil on the opposite side. Soil holds a lot of water, and if you have poor drainage, pooling water, or frequently watered gardens against the house, that constant wetness keeps the bricks wicking inward because they never fully dry out. It is the perfect storm for damp basements, musty smells, efflorescence, and mold or mildew.
Addressing the Issues of Below-Grade Brickwork
Given the pressure your below-grade brickwork faces, it is important to inspect those bricks regularly. If your above-ground bricks look good, there is a good chance the problem is below ground. In addition to constant contact with damp soil, fluctuations in temperature create a freeze-thaw cycle that can crack bricks and weaken mortar, worsening your basement’s moisture problems.
Working with a historic brick expert, you can identify where the problem spots are and quickly address them. Pooling water requires gutters and downspouts to whisk water away from the foundation. Poor drainage can be addressed with French drains or similar options. However, your damp basement may only need some routine upkeep such as traditional brick tuckpointing.
How Tuckpointing Works to Keep Basements Dry
Tuckpointing removes and replaces the mortar between bricks to prevent water infiltration and promote quick drying after water exposure. Combined with proper water diversion, it not only keeps your basement dry and fresh but also restores the look of the walls.
It’s essential that your historic brick home’s basement is tuckpointed using traditional methods and materials. Traditional mortar mixtures are lime-based, whereas modern ones are cement-based. While it may seem insignificant, using the wrong mortar can be disastrous. Concrete mortar won’t allow your historic brick to effectively dry, expand or contract, leading to cracks and other damage. Traditional lime-based mixtures are softer and more compatible with your bricks. When tuckpointing is performed by skilled craftspeople, a professional tuckpointing job can last for decades.
By consulting with an expert in historic brick about both the above-ground and below-grade issues, you can be confident your basement will always be properly maintained with the appropriate repairs. Tuckpointing will ensure your basement stays dry and that your historic home will remain well-preserved for years to come.
Contact the team at Renaissance Development to arrange a consultation regarding the state of your basement, or for any other issues you may be experiencing with either the interior or exterior brick of your historic D.C. home.
