Does anyone know what is causing this problem? Is this a do-it-yourself repair? Or a job for a professional?
Does anyone know what is causing this problem? Is this a do-it-yourself repair? Or a job for a professional?
Most articles I've read say to try and eliminate the source of the extra moisture. The articles often suggest to look for gutter downspouts and landscaping that do not divert water far enough away from the foundation. You'll need to check this anyway whether it is a fix you can do yourself or need to go to a professional.
The crumbling you see might simply be built up layers of 'salt' that have separated the layer of paint from the actual concrete, which is better than the actual concrete breaking up. You may only need to brush off the loose paint with a wire brush, and wash down the walls with a liquid that will remove the excess salt deposits. Then, when the walls are clear of the salt and loose paint, simply repaint with a waterproofing paint such as DRYLOC.
As long as you have removed the SOURCE of the extra moisture, all should be well. Check out a few books in your local bookstore. They can be more explicit in the techniques.
Good Luck
There is actually some of the concrete too that has deteriorated. I am taking care of the downspouts--extending them farther away from the house.
Besides brushing away the crumbling concrete and repairing with Drylock--is there anything else to do? Install a dehumidifier, etc? Thanks for the help.
How "bad" is the deterioration? If you think you'll be removing LARGE portions of your foundation by brushing away the loose concrete, you may want to have a professional look at it since the foundation is supporting your house. It's generally not a good idea to have "holes" in your foundation for obvious reasons. DryLoc is a brand of "waterproofing" paint that will help create a barrier against water permeating into your basement. It does not "strengthen" a foundation.
Installing a dehumidifier would help reduce interior moisture which will help prevent mold from growing (the source of musty odors), but then the question arises... Where is this excess moisture coming from if I've eliminated one source by waterproofing the walls?
I'd try the repair first and see if that does the trick. If the salt stops appearing especially a few days after a heavy rain, then all is well. If not...then you may need to consult a professional about drainage.