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Cshenk Cshenk is offline
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Default White powdery substance on basement walls - a problem?


"Joe" wrote

to have a contractor come in to look at it this weekend but I
understand that there are a lot of scare tactics employed by these
folks to get people to overspend on waterproofing so I'd appreciate
some education on what's normal and what is a problem.


Yes, wise to check. Tape some plastic over the affected spots and see if it
gets really wet. If so, you have some seepage.

This is normal so dont panic unless it's right on a wood support member.
Chances are, the most you need is some basement grade water sealing paint
product.

If the one fellow tells you that you have a major problem, get *multiple*
estimates because uness you have alot of crumbling mortor (would be obvious
to the eye that it's falling out), you probably just have a little damp.