Have you ever been in a basement that has a musky or moldy smell? If so, have you checked your basement to make sure that you are taking the precautionary measures needed to prevent moisture? Moisture not only can cause a basement to acquire a musky smell, but in extreme cases it can also cause structural damage, potential health problems, and unsightly stains on your walls and floors.
Why Does Moisture Occur In The Basement?
In order to prevent moisture from forming in your basement, you must first understand why it occurs. Typically moisture will seep into a basement in the form of:
• Liquid water from ground-water or rain.
• Interior moisture sources, including: bathrooms, kitchens, and poorly or un-vented dryers.
• Exterior humid air that exists within the climate, enters into the basement, and condenses on the cooler interior surfaces.
There are several tips that you can implement to help prevent moisture from building up inside of your basement.
1. Install a dehumidifier. — As the name suggests, a dehumidifier can help to remove excess moisture from the air. Using a dehumidifier during humid weather is particularly helpful to prevent moisture from seeping into your walls, floors, ceiling, or basement furniture.
2. Double check that your dryer is properly vented. — One of the biggest culprits for excessive moisture inside of a basement is an unvented dryer. Make sure that your dryer is directly sending the air outside of your home. If your dryer is properly dispelling air from your home, then you need to make sure that the dryer vent is clean and not clogged with dryer lint or other small debris.
3. Check for leaks. – Leaking pipes and bathroom fixtures can be a source of moisture. Check not only the plumbing in the basement but in upstairs rooms as well since water from upstairs leaks can leak down the inside of walls and accumulate in the basement.
4. Clean your rain gutters. — Clogged rain gutters can inadvertently back-up water and redirect it towards your home’s foundation. In addition, clogged rain gutters can cause downspout runoffs to flow into your home, which can cause unwanted flooding within your basement.
5. Check your sump pump regularly. — If your basement is susceptible to flooding, then you should check your sump pump on a regular basis. The sump pump should work to effectively remove water out of your basement, so that moisture levels can return to normal levels.
Through these tips you can more effectively prevent and reduce the moisture levels within your basement. For help picking out the appropriate tools and products that will help you to keep your basement dry throughout the year, contact one of the experts at Irrigation Outlet.
