A basement can add an extra living and storage space in your home. Some use it to store away supplies and materials that are not frequently used. Other homeowners use it as a laundry room or a functional living space. Unfortunately, whatever you use the basement for; it’s one of the most common parts of the home that is prone to excess moisture. A damp basement, if left untreated, has the potential to cause mold and bacterial growth.
Moist areas are breeding grounds of mold and a damp basement is no exception. Especially if an underlying issue is not treated properly, you might find yourself experiencing a variety of health issues and structural damage. Keeping the basement clean is a commonly underrated chore but can potentially cause the most damage in both structural and health aspects. A poorly maintained basement can threaten the entire property and spread damage far more easily.
When we perform our home inspection, our home inspector stresses it again and again that keeping a clean, dry, and damp free basement is one of the keys to maintaining a stress-free home. These days, newer homes are built without basements to avoid excess moisture. However, for homes with existing basements, keeping it clean and dry is a priority. If you are planning to buy a home with a basement, it is always a wise choice to opt for a home inspection. Among the most common causes of a damp basement are poor guttering and issues in plumbing. These problems are not always easy to spot but the trained eyes of a certified home inspector can. Oftentimes, some homeowners are baffled as to why wallpapers are peeling off and that mold is growing on walls and furniture because they are unaware of accumulating moisture underneath that also causes the air to have a damp and musty smell.
So, if you see any signs of dampness in the basement, call an expert to address the issue. However, there are many ways to treat a damp basement as soon as you spot it. Below are some tips to help you address this currently small-scale issue to protect your basement in the future.
- Diagnose and determine the cause of the damp. If you can identify what’s causing the humidity and excess moisture, it will be easier to fix the problem.
- Check to see if your basement is free of leakage. If you spot a leakage such as a pipe breakage, fix it right away or insulate the pipes properly to stop the condensation drips.
- Make sure you have plenty of efficient vents because proper ventilation is the key to a dry basement.
- Install a humidifier. This should be helpful in controlling the moisture levels in the air.
- You should also check the downspouts and grading issues outside to see if the water is flowing away from the walls.
- Never store any wet items and make sure to air it out elsewhere before putting them in the basement.
- Reseal your concrete as basement moisture can slowly work its way through concrete walls if left untreated.
As you work, remember to take care of other related concerns. The above are some helpful tips you can do on your own to get rid of a damp basement. However, professional help from an expert is still a wise decision to make. Getting rid of moisture and dampness is not only a matter of comfort and protecting your home’s structure but is essential for hygienic purposes as well. If you have been struggling to get rid of a damp basement for some time, you might need to engage in serious home maintenance to solve the problem.
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