Underground Homes & Moisture

Some people think that the underground homes are just like caves and are dark from inside, but that is not always the case. Some beautifully designed underground homes consist of large windows for letting in the sunshine. Moisture is another issue.

Where to build Underground Homes?

Some styles of underground houses or earth-bermed homes are built on the flat land and all the rooms on the ground are built be around the courtyard. The rooms have large windows or the glass walls that faces the courtyard. But the main problem of this design is that you are not able to see out of such houses except the sky and the courtyard. There are many other styles, however, that don't adhere to this design such as underground dome homes.

Major Disadvantage of Underground Homes:

• Moisture problems can cause damage to the home.
  

Underground homes face moisture problems due to several reasons. The earth is more humid than the surrounding air so homes underground need to deal with this added moisture. Moisture can also lead to mold, and especially black mold can be dangerous to your health. Underground homes should never be built near flood areas as this is a recipe for disaster. If you want to build underground then choose higher elevations.

Preventive Measures:

Indoor water damage occurs in those underground houses, which are not tightly sealed during construction or don't have adequate pumping systems to deal with the water. Also, the air is typically moister in underground homes and a dehumidifier can help to keep the air moisture at lower levels.

Drainage System:

The drainage system helps syphon off water that can accumulate on the outside of the house. When the site is to be built you need to make sure that it is properly filled with drainage pipes and gravel. The walls should be waterproofed. One should not forget to check water leakage in the underground homes because a small amount of water could cause a serious damage to walls and other materials.

1. Water proof coating:

In older underground homes or ones not built correctly, moisture can enter through the cracks in the walls so you should fill the gaps and then apply the waterproof coating. In this way, the moisture has no space left to enter through the walls.

2. Pipe leakages:

People usually do not focus on pipe leakage, but it can happen and the small drops of water from the pipe can cause a serious damage to your underground home. Have a sump pump ready in order to remove excess water from the house. Also have your pipes inspected regularly to make sure everything is working properly.

So, the two biggest moisture problems in underground homes are leaks and moisture in the air. Both can be addressed and the builders will help you through this process should you decide this is the style of living you want.