Why is My Michigan Basement Wet?

Michigan basements are usually damp and often leaky spaces with low ceilings, rock walls, and dirt floors. The State of Michigan officially defines them as “a former crawl space which has been dug out, generally to a depth of 5 to 7 feet, to allow a basement.”

The original walls in a Michigan basement are sometimes covered with concrete, cement, cinder blocks, or brick – which are prone to crumbling or falling off. This happens because these “basements” are poorly constructed and not built to keep out water and moisture. Without a way to collect and discard water, your basement will continue to be wet and smell musty.

A waterproof wall covering like our CleanSpace vapor barrier paired with an effective drainage system can fix the problem and make going down to your basement more pleasant. It will also reduce humidity and tackle the “basementy” odors that seep into your living areas.

A dry, clean-smelling Michigan basement means you can have a nicer laundry area, more room for storage or hobbies, and reduced exposure to mold and other allergens.