How To Control Moisture In Basement

A finished basement adds spaces to both living and storage. When you have a finished basement, it's a desirable space but a damp basement is a significant problem. The problem with a damp basement is creating musty smell and mold throughout the home.
You can waterproof to prevent damp conditions. If you hire professionals to waterproof your basement, it possible, but the process is expensive. In most homes, the owners use different methods to reduce dampness and increase basement heat when they need it to act as a living.

How to Control

There are many proven methods to control and reduce moisture in your basement. Some methods are expensive and other cheap. If you need to reduce moisture from your basement, these are the methods to consider:

Repair Settlement Cracks

After constructing your home, cracks will start to develop. You will experience this even with newly poured concrete. In case a settlement crack develops, moisture will seep through during the rainy period or melting Snowtime.
When such cracks result because of settlement, they are easy to repair. You don't need a professional for hire here. You, therefore, need to have a cold chisel, patching cement, a mallet, and a putty knife.
You will bevel the crack to widen it using a mallet and cold chisel. After you have prepared the crack, apply the ready-mixed patching cement. You can also use expanding sealant, but it will depend on the label instructions.
Push it into your crack as it continues to dry. A putty knife will assist you to push further the mixer. At the surface, apply more of the mixture and use your putty knife to smooth your surface. If the place dries, the crack will not allow moisture entrance to the basement.

Use a Dehumidifier

A basement dehumidifier is an easy to use gadget that can help reduce the moisture in your basement. Depending on your moisture level, you can use a DIY dehumidifier or purchase one from the stores.
With a dehumidifier in your basement, it will pull gallons of moisture each day from the surrounding basement air. It's, therefore, an effective method of reducing basement moisture.
If the moisture level in the basement is high, you can purchase an effective and top quality dehumidifier. A dehumidifier that comes with automatic draining saves your back and will ensure it's running as needed.

Waterproof The Walls

This is among the methods professionals use to solve water problems in our basements. They will have to dig trenches around your basement walls. They will then have to cover the walls using waterproof materials to alleviate the basement's interior moisture.
For minor moisture problems in the basement, it won't be necessary to dig a trench around your foundation.
You can visit the store and purchase waterproofing paint. This paint will not only help to reduce basement moisture levels but also useful in sealing away existing odors on the walls.

Extend the Downspouts to Prevent Seepage

Moisture in the basement can also be brought through the roof. During the rain period or melting of snow, water will be running off your roof, heading into eaves troughs and then downspouts.
In case your eaves troughs leak or your downspouts aren't far from the house foundation, moisture will get into the basement through cracks and window frames.
To prevent the moisture seeping into your basement, you should extend your downspouts more than 6 feet from your house. It will divert water and help to reduce water from reaching the foundation.

Reduce Condensation

Water is not needed in the basements. However, cracks and insufficient water diversions have been a significant source of unwanted high moisture in our basement.
The pipes are good at generating a considerable amount of condensation. If this will take place, then condensed water starts to drip on the basement floor. The water formed on the floor will run down to the walls, and the mold and mildew will begin to form.
These allergens, mold, and mildew have been associated with various health problems. So, it's essential to correct the basement against condensation.
You should, therefore, wrap the pipes running in the basement using an insulation foam. This will be an easy and inexpensive method to prevent condensation and an excellent method to reduce the basement moisture level.

Dryer Ventilation

In the basement, a dryer has to be sufficiently ventilated if you want to avoid having moisture problems in the future. If the dryer won't be properly vented, it adds moisture to the surrounding environment. This moisture settles on the walls, floors, and ceiling of your basement.
When there is more moisture in the basement, it causes severe health and physical problems. So, avoid running a dryer that isn't vented because it's a source of musty odors and moisture problems in your basement. So, you should be certain that the dryer has been appropriately vented at the outside. This will help reduce moisture accumulation in the basement.

Controlling Basement Moisture FAQ

How do I fix cracks in my basement foundation?

It depends on the causes of cracks, and therefore, solutions vary. If the cracks occur because of hydrostatic pressure, you need to repair your exterior drainage.
In case the cracks resulted because of structural problems, proper footing and connections are put so that they can seal available cracks.

Should I be worried about a damp basement?

Yes. A damp basement has high humidity. This is not needed in a basement because it allows the growth of allergens such as mold, mildew, or dust mites in the basement. These allergens have been associated with various health problems and death. To keep your family from such issues, you should remove moisture from your basement.

Conclusion

Condensation on the walls, pipes, and windows is a clear warning that the basement has a high moisture level. Having high moisture is a problem in your basement. You need to use the above tricks to eliminate excess moisture.
If there is high moisture in your basement, it will bring a damp and musty smell into your home. That doesn't matter whether the basement is fully finished or not as long as water can seep inside the room.