While not as prominent as a leaky basement, lingering moisture can be a detrimental problem to any home. This invisible presence can still create pockets of water, leading to issues such as pests, odors, and mold. Fortunately, moisture can be resolved and maintained. Ideally, the humidity in your basement should be kept below 50%. The following are five tips to help you limit the moisture in your basement:
Basement Waterproofing
It goes without saying, but Tom’s Basement Waterproofing is an expert in this field. We understand how to keep moisture at bay, for the lifetime of a home. When looking to control moisture, it’s important to first address any leaks or other elements that could lead to water. Whether utilizing interior or exterior replacements, a solid basement waterproofing system will do the trick.
Crack Repair
Cracks in your foundation can lead to a multitude of problems. Even the smallest of cracks can cause moisture to seep into your home and basement, causing havoc on the humidity levels. It’s not safe to assume that caulking any visible cracks will solve your issue. Cracks within the concrete are a tricky fix, and we would advise calling the professionals at Tom’s Basement for proper renovation.
Outside Drainage
Your drains near the outside of your house should always be working properly, in order to avoid moisture in the basement. With gutters and downspouts, make sure that these are planted to release water far away from your home, and that the ground isn’t causing it to all run back towards your foundation. When water pools around the foundation, hydrostatic pressure can occur, pushing moisture even more vehemently into your home.
Dehumidifiers
A dehumidifier is great for any basement that needs better control of the humidity. While this will not fix any underling issues, such as leaks or cracks, they are a useful resource to keeping your basement dry. However, dehumidifiers will end up working harder, if you do have leaks and cracks present in your foundation. Make sure a proper drainage system is installed in your basement, in order to alleviate it going into overdrive.
Active Soil Systems
A depressurization system that is typically used to prevent radon has proven to also be effective for moisture in basements. Any gases trapped within the soil, which are adding to the moisture problem, are sucked through this depressurization system, and transported outside of the home. While also controlling the radon levels in your home, this is an added bonus to any basement waterproofing system.