What Is a Basement?: Everything You Need to Know

What Is a Basement?

A basement is an area of the home that is partially or entirely underground. Originally, basements were used for storing food and water because they are cool and dark. However, they can also be susceptible to water damage.

Fortunately, modern waterproofing methods can turn a damp basement into a dry, cozy living area. Today, finished basements are common and serve as functional spaces for living and recreation.

Types of Basements

There are four main types of basements. Which one do you have?

Cellar

A cellar is located under part of the house, not the entire structure. It is mainly used for storing produce, wine, and preserved foods. Cellars have plenty of standing room and can be easily transformed into living spaces. Homeowners can even extend the basement across the rest of the house.

Daylight

A daylight basement is partly above ground and has windows. It usually covers the entire home, and when finished, it can double the living space.

Walkout

A walkout basement has a wall with a door and windows at ground level. It often features normal-sized windows that can open and close.

Subbasement

A subbasement is located below a walkout or daylight basement and is connected by stairs. It sits entirely underground and doesn’t have doors or windows to the outside. Subbasements are mostly used for storage.

Which Parts of the Country Have Basements?

Basements are common in colder parts of the country where foundations must be below the frost line to prevent damage from freezing and thawing cycles. They are prevalent in northern states like those in the Northeast and Midwest, providing additional living space where expanding outward is difficult.

Basements are also in some western and central states, such as Colorado and Utah, where hilly terrain makes walkout basements appealing. However, in southern states with high water tables or unsuitable soil conditions, basements are less common, with crawl spaces or slab-on-grade foundations being more typical. Still, in our service area (the Southeast United States) some homeowners do have basements.

Basement Construction Methods

There are three main ways to construct a basement:

Pros and Cons of Owning a Basement

Basements have their advantages and disadvantages:

Waterproofing the Basement

An Overview of Basement Waterproofing Tools

For best results, you should install a comprehensive waterproofing system to address all forms of moisture. At AFS Foundation Repair & Waterproofing Specialists, we install the following tools to waterproof your basement:

• Wall Vapor Barrier: Prevents moisture from seeping through walls and keeps the basement dry.
• Sump Pump: Removes accumulated water from the basement, preventing flooding.
• Interior Perimeter Drain: Directs water to the sump pump, ensuring efficient drainage.
• Dehumidifier: Reduces humidity levels to prevent mold and mildew growth.
• Anti-Freeze Discharge Line: Ensures that the water expelled from the sump pump does not freeze, preventing water lines from bursting in freezing temperatures.

Will Weep Holes Keep My Basement Dry?

Some basements have weep holes to allow water behind the basement walls to flow directly into a drainage system. Weep holes are small openings in foundation walls that let trapped water escape, reducing hydrostatic pressure and preventing damage.

Keep in mind, weep holes can’t do all the work on their own. If your basement already has weep holes, or you decide to install some, make sure you have a comprehensive basement waterproofing system to support them.

Protect Your Basement With AFS

Basement FAQs

What are the risks of having wet basement walls?

Wet basement walls pose significant risks including structural damage to your home’s foundation and increased growth of mold and mildew, which can harm health, particularly for those with allergies or respiratory problems. A persistently wet basement can also lower your home’s value and reduce the amount of usable space.

How often should I check my basement for signs of moisture or water damage?

It’s a good idea to check your basement for signs of moisture or water damage at least every season, or four times a year. Pay special attention during heavy rainfalls or rapid snow melts, as these are times when your basement is most at risk for water intrusion.

Will cleaning my basement regularly get rid of musty smells?

Regular cleaning can help reduce musty smells, but if the source of moisture is not addressed, these smells will likely return. Cleaning should be part of a comprehensive approach to moisture control, including proper ventilation, dehumidification, and possibly the installation of waterproofing solutions like sump pumps or interior drainage systems.

Related Resources

5 Benefits of Waterproofing Basement Walls

Wet basement walls can be fixed with a vapor barrier, learn about the benefits here!

5 Ways to Get Rid of Musty Basement Smells

Explore how to get rid of a musty basement smell using industry leading basement waterproofing methods!

Why Every Basement Needs a Sump Pit

The sump pit is essential for keeping your basement in good condition and safe.

Ted Dryce

Content Writer

Ted is an SEO Content Writer who has been with Groundworks since 2021. He’s covered home repair topics ranging from crawl space encapsulation to regional soil conditions. When he’s not working, Ted is performing improv comedy and working on his own creative projects.