Basement Moisture
Basements offer additional space to the home in which you can use them for storage or as a living space. However, this is not possible if they become damp. The following are some easy ways to keep basement moisture down.
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Waterproof your basement
Keep moisture out of your basement by waterproofing the basement walls. One of the most common waterproofing methods used by professionals involves digging around the basement walls and covering the exterior surface with waterproof material.
A professional will advise you on the best options for basement waterproofing based on the severity and cause of the basement moisture. In the end, waterproofing ought to be done by a professional always.
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Get settlement cracks repaired
Cracks occur when a house settles over time or even when the concrete has been poured recently. Consequently, moisture can seep into the basement from the soil when the snow melts or rains.
Consult a professional to examine the basement and determine the cause of the cracks. This ensures that the root cause is dealt with. Furthermore, trying to apply quick fixes to patch up cracks may result in more severe problems down the line.
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Reduce seepage by extending downspouts
Downspouts ensure that rainwater is guided away from the roof. However, they can lead to seepage of moisture into the basement if they are not correctly positioned.
Conclusively, have your downspouts extended. Ensure that they lead to a drainage that directs water away from the house’s foundation. Therefore, the downspout should extend at least six feet from the home.
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Insulate pipes in basement
You can also reduce basement moisture by reducing the level of condensation in the basement. Basements are the site for many service pipes that generate condensation such as air conditioning pipes. Ensuring that these popes are insulated will reduce the level of condensation in the basement. Simply installing insulation foam can prevent water damage to your basement.
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Improve ventilation for your dryer
If your dryer is not properly vented then it will cause moisture problems every time it is used. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that the dryer is properly vented and leads to the outside of the home.
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Use a dehumidifier
You can reduce basement moisture by using a dehumidifier in this designated area. This, however, is only effective once you have controlled the sources of moisture in the house. It is, therefore, not to be replaced as a method for controlling sources of moisture.
