How to Solve the Problem of Basement Moisture and Condensation during Summer Construction?

2025-03-12

In summer, the problem of basement moisture and condensation comes along. This is because there is a large temperature difference between the inside and outside of the basement, and the air humidity is high. When the surface temperature of objects is lower than the dew point temperature of the nearby air, condensed water is generated. In addition, during the construction phase, the project has not been delivered for use, there is not a large flow of people and vehicles, and equipment such as lighting and ventilation has not been put into operation. If no measures are taken, the problem of moisture and condensation will be very serious, affecting the quality of the completed project and the progress of subsequent projects.

The problem of basement moisture and condensation affects the quality and progress of civil engineering, mechanical and electrical, and decoration projects. Common problems include: damp and moldy walls, water accumulation on the ground, condensation and rust on pipes, rust on metal fittings, damp and moldy ceilings... These problems often lead to project rework, cause potential quality and safety hazards, and affect the progress of subsequent processes.

The Problem of Basement Moisture and Condensation during Summer Construction
Therefore, during summer construction, it is necessary to attach great importance to basement moisture prevention and dehumidification. The overall idea is to combine the methods of "dredging" and "blocking":
Dredging and Blocking
Dredge the drainage ditch Block the structural openings
Dredge the sump well Block the temporary openings
Dredge the drainage pipe Block the wall-penetrating casing
Dredge the hydrophobic layer Block the water leakage during pressure testing
Dredge the supply and exhaust air Block the man-made damage

Examples of Basement Moisture Prevention and Dehumidification during Summer Construction
Specifically, a series of technical and management measures can be taken for prevention and control:
? Repair structural and functional defects
Seal the structural openings of the exterior wall and roof, seal the inside and outside of the wall-penetrating sleeves, repair the waterproofing of newly opened openings, complete the installation and debugging of the water pumps in the sump well, dredge the ground drainage ditch, ensure the smooth drainage of accumulated water in the hydrophobic layer, complete the connection and installation of the drainage pipeline, complete the installation of the floor drain, normally activate the supply and exhaust air system, and add temporary blowers.
? Improve the management defects of the process system
Establish a power-off debugging public notice system, establish a pressure testing and water flushing public notice system, establish a daily inspection and maintenance system for equipment, establish a daily inspection system for water seepage and leakage, establish a public notice system for punishing violations, strengthen the education of construction personnel, establish an emergency handling plan, arrange personnel to clean up the accumulated water every day, and establish a management system for entering and leaving the mechanical and electrical room.
The following project example has achieved good results in basement moisture prevention and dehumidification during summer construction through on-site measures and institutional guarantees, which can be used as a reference for engineering colleagues.
On-site Measures

Add temporary fans to cooperate with the activated supply and exhaust air system
Turn on the supply and exhaust air system to accelerate the air mobility in the basement and reduce the air temperature and humidity in the basement. Arrange the temporary blowers in the areas that the supply and exhaust air system cannot affect temporarily and at the ramps, and introduce the outdoor dry air into the indoor area as much as possible.
Dredge the sump well and install and debug the water pump
Clean up the accumulated water and garbage in the sump well of the basement, dredge the drainage pipe, ensure that the accumulated water in the hydrophobic layer can be smoothly drained into the sump well, accelerate the installation and debugging of the water pump in the well, and increase the number of temporary water pumps, water bags, temporary electrical boxes, cables, etc. to reduce the water level in the well and improve the efficiency of draining into the network.
Dredge the drainage ditch and install the water grate
Clean up the ground drainage ditch to ensure that the ground water flows into the drainage ditch and converges into the sump well for external drainage. Install the water grate to ensure the smoothness of the drainage ditch.
Drill holes in the side wall of the hydrophobic layer
Drill holes in the side wall of the sump well to accelerate the external drainage of the accumulated water in the hydrophobic layer, reduce the water level under the slab, and thus effectively control the ground humidity.
Connect the drainage riser in the inner lining wall
The drainage riser in the inner lining wall was not connected, and the drainage opening was blocked by garbage, so the water could not flow into the sump well, overflowed from the wall, and flowed onto the road surface. After dredging and the installation of the drainage pipeline in place, the accumulated water in the inner lining wall smoothly flowed into the sump well, and the water accumulation on the ground was relieved.
Clean up the ground garbage and accumulated water every day
Ensure a certain number of cleaners on each floor of the basement every day to clean up the ground garbage and accumulated water on a large scale, and dry the ground with wood chips.
Seal the newly opened holes in the roof
Due to the construction needs, newly opened pipeline holes are made in the roof of the basement. After the gap between the pipeline and the hole is sealed, handle the detailed waterproofing nodes of the pipe root on the roof.
Clean up the outdoor pipe wells
Clean up the silt and garbage in the outdoor sewage wells and rainwater wells to ensure that the accumulated water can be timely drained into the municipal pipeline network.
Institutional Guarantees
Establish a power-off public notice system
Ensure that all participating units are informed in advance of the power-off or power-on time, reasonably arrange the construction, put the emergency measures in place, and eliminate potential safety hazards.
Establish a pressure testing and water flushing public notice system
Ensure that all participating units are informed in advance of the pressure testing and water flushing time, reasonably arrange the construction, put the emergency measures in place, and deal with the water seepage and leakage situation in a timely manner.
Establish a daily inspection system
Check for water leakage, violations, equipment operation, potential safety hazards, etc. Led by the general contractor, each professional subcontracting unit arranges on-site technicians and on-site special security personnel to form a patrol team and establish a registration and filing system.

Implementation Effect
The basement floor is dry without water accumulation.
The ramp is dry without water accumulation.
The white paint on the ceiling and walls has no mold.
The white paint in the stairwell has no mold.
There is no condensation on the surface of the pipeline.
The environment in the machine room is dry.

For the problem of basement moisture and condensation during summer construction, the specific problems corresponding to different projects are not the same. The measures taken in the above project can be used as a reference for everyone to better solve the problem and prevent the damage and rework of the finished products of civil engineering, mechanical and electrical, and decoration projects caused by moisture and condensation.