Home Water and Moisture Problems: Prevention and Solutions

Practical solutions for homeowners.

The single most common problem facing homeowners is a wet basement and the problems associated with it: weakened and cracked foundation, mold and mildew, loss of storage space, water damage, and odor. Professional fixes are expensive and often involve digging trenches and excavating.

This book explains several ways of diagnosing and fixing a wet basement and other home water problems: leaking roofs, leaky plumbing, and high humidity. The illustrated step-by-step repair and maintenance instructions will save homeowners a great deal of time and money. It covers:

• Wet basements
• Correcting the grade
• Waterproofing a basement
• Roof leaks
• Vapor retarders/air barriers
• Home humidity problems
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and moisture
• Water conservation
• Floods

A variety of practical solutions are offered for home water problems from quick and easy fixes to renovating and landscaping for water diversion and absorption. The book also includes valuable advice for prospective homeowners who want to spot potential water problems before buying a house.

Gary Branson was senior editor of Family Handyman magazine and a former home contractor. He is the author of Popular Mechanics Home How-To and Building Decks and Fences. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.