Moist basements can have drastic long-term effects on the health of your family and the longevity of your basement structure so it’s critical you keep it under control. Having a moist basement can cause mold and mildew to build up in your basement which can cause serious health problems for your family. High levels of moisture over the years can also rot away at wooden beams in your basement which can cause severe and costly structural damage to your home. To remedy this situation first remove any sources of moisture in your basement. Next, you have to search your basement for any water leaks and make you fix them. Finally, it’s a good idea to purchase a dehumidifier to ensure moisture levels are under control. This article will go over all you need to know about treating an extremely moist basement.
Remove any Sources of Moisture
One of the simplest ways of reducing the amount of moisture in your basement is to remove any sources of humidity from it. If your basement isn’t properly ventilated, humidity from appliances like washing machines or even a basement kitchen area can cause moisture to build up over time. If moisture is an issue in your basement consider moving your washing machine to a higher level in your house or you could even construct a special room in your basement for it that includes built-in ventilation to outside so moisture can escape easily. If you have a downstairs kitchen you should consider moving it upstairs to prevent any damage it may cause. If this isn’t an option for you to try restricting your basement kitchen usage only for baking and preparation, cooking techniques like boiling should be reserved for the upstairs. If you have a mudroom downstairs consider moving it upstairs as well but if this isn’t possible in your house try to avoid putting rain-soaked or snow-covered clothing in it.
Look for any Leaks
If you’ve removed all the potential sources of humidity in your basement and it’s still damp odd where you may leak into your basement. Basement leaks can occur for many reasons ranging from a leaky pipe to water seeping in from an underground river system. Either way, you must look for the signs that your basement is leaky. First, look for any discolorations in your drywall or floor to see if they’ve been water damaged. If you can’t find anything with the first method try walking around your basement and try to identify the source of any musky or moldy smells. If you do manage to identify a potential leak in your house it’s a good idea to bring in a professional to do any repairs as there could be harmful black mold behind the walls!
Invest in a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers are a great way to pull moisture out of your basement day and night so they’re a great way to reduce the overall humidity level in your basement without too much hassle. They come in all shapes and sizes so you must look at a few different varieties before picking one out. According to reviews by https://www.airprofessor.com/best-dehumidifier-for-basement/, some dehumidifiers can remove up to 7 pints of moistures a day but some can remove up to 70 pints so if your basement is extremely moist you’re going to want to invest in a machine with a high capacity for removing moisture. Even if your basement is only moderately moist, having a higher condensation storing capacity can be very convenient as you won’t have to empty the dehumidifier daily. Dehumidifiers also come in a variety of sizes so find one that fits well. Some heavy-duty humidifiers are extremely bulky so be sure you can find a space for them before buying one. On the other hand, some are rather small so you can fit them on a shelf or in a crawlspace; if you don’t like the look of a big bulky humidifier in your basement consider buying two or more small ones then place them strategically around the room.
Having too much humidity in your basement can cause a whole slew of problems so it’s important to deal with it as soon as possible. As a first step, you should try to remove any sources of humidity in your basements like a washing machine or kitchen appliances. If this doesn’t do the trick, look around your basement and try to identify if there is a leak somewhere. Finally, at any time you should buy a dehumidifier to help get the levels of moisture in your basement under control. With these simple tips, you have all the tools you’ll need to keep your basement and family protected from the adverse effects of excessive moisture.