There are few things less annoying than walking across a damp floor. This is especially true when you weren’t expecting it. There can be a few reasons why your floor might feel damp even though it shouldn’t.
Here are four likely reasons why your floors feel damp:
- It’s covered in condensation from temperature changes.
- There’s moisture on the floor from bad ground drainage.
- Your roof could be leaking.
- You may have plumbing issues.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at these reasons and see what may be causing your damp floors.
1. It’s Covered in Condensation From Temperature Changes
If you notice your floor feels damp, especially around an area where temperature changes, it may be an issue with condensation. This is the name for the water that collects on a cold surface when hot, humid air comes into contact with it.
Condensation is common in the summer, especially when there is an open door or window. This can cause your floor around that area to feel damp. So, if you notice that the floor by a frequently opened door or window feels damp, there is a good chance you are dealing with condensation.
To combat this, you could try a few different things. First, attempt to block access to the humid air as much as possible. If it is an open window, close it. If it is from a frequently opened door, try using a different door or making sure it is closed quickly to prevent condensation.
Another fix for condensation is to consider changing your flooring. You can get flooring that is made to prevent condensation. So, if this is a recurring issue that can’t be fixed easily by changing habits, then consider a new floor that wouldn’t leave you walking in dampness.
2. There’s Moisture on the Floor From Bad Ground Drainage
If you are on the ground floor of your home and experience floors that feel damp, it may be caused by outside water coming in. This can happen when your drainage system is not as effective as it should be. When the ground overflows with water, it may come up through your floor, causing it to be damp.
Sometimes homes are built without much consideration for draining excess water. So, when it rains, you may notice damp floors or even noticeable flooding. So, if you are on the ground floor, this may be the cause of your damp floors.
The easiest way to help with this is to build a slope of dirt around the foundation of your home, but this should only be used for minor cases. For severe flooding, you should get an expert opinion on what to do next (source).
Drainage issues are very common in basements, but they can happen in homes without a basement as well. As long as you are on the lowest floor, then your damp floors may be caused by this. Pay attention to when it happens. If it is common when it rains, then this may be what you are dealing with.
3. Your Roof Could Be Leaking
A roof leak is something that we all think would be obvious, but in many cases, it isn’t. Sometimes with a bigger leak, it is easy to spot exactly where the leak is or even hear it dripping onto certain surfaces. However, it is not always that easy.
Sometimes roof leaks can be very subtle. In fact, it may be subtle enough that you don’t notice it right away. Instead, you may notice that your floor is damp before even figuring out it has to do with your roof.
If you notice your floor feels damp, make sure you look up. See if you can find any wet spots on your ceiling. Look for any discoloration, as this can be indicative of a leak. Once you find the leak, you can get started on fixing it.
First, for major leaks, it is best to contact a local roofing expert. They will be able to find the leak and repair it. But if your floors are only slightly damp, it is most likely not a big leak. So, there are other ways that you can handle it.
If you want to try to fix the leak yourself, make sure you are directly above the spot that you found in your home. Once you are on the roof, you may be able to see what is causing the leak. Sometimes it is a random object that has made its way onto your roof and caused a hole. Other times it is a lot more subtle.
This is only recommended for those with roofing experience. So, make sure you are taking every safety precaution while figuring out what is going on.
4. You May Have Plumbing Issues
Plumbing issues can be a major cause of a damp floor, but it’s not just where you have plumbing in your home. If your floor feels damp near a sink or toilet, then you can estimate where the water is coming from. But that gets more complicated when your floor is damp, but it isn’t close to one of those.
This can be indicative of a much bigger plumbing issue. Finding a damp spot on the floor around your house can indicate a slab leak. This happens when pipes wear out and corrode during an earthquake or because of wear and tear if the house is old (source).
Unfortunately, slab leaks are very serious, and they can cause a lot of damage if left untreated. For help figuring out what to do next, it is best to contact a plumbing company. They will be able to come to your home, find the leak, and walk you through steps on how best to deal with it.
A slab leak will stand out among the other options because it will be consistent, the temperature in the area won’t affect it, and you won’t find any leaks in the roof nearby. So, if the other options listed above are not the cause of your damp floor, this may be it.
Plumbers can fix a slab leak a few different ways, and the cost will vary depending on how quickly and effectively they can stop it. So, make sure you get an estimate before your plumber starts working on the leak to avoid a surprise charge. If you suspect a slab leak is the cause of your damp floor, don’t hesitate to act.
Recommended Reading:
How To Stop Floor Tiles From Being Slippery
As a homeowner, I am constantly experimenting with making the structure of my house more energy-efficient, eliminating pests, and taking on DIY home improvement projects. Over the past two decades, my family has rehabbed houses and contracted new home builds and I’ve learned a lot along the way. I share my hard-learned lessons so that you can save time and money by not repeating my mistakes.