Lurking deep down in the dark underbelly of your home is the basement: a damp, musty, unpleasant area that many homeowners dread visiting. Basement moisture problems are what turn a perfectly good storage area into a moldy, smelly mess that can cause more harm than good. Fortunately, several affordable basement moisture fixes can turn the wet area into a useful part of your home.
Remove Excessive Humidity
When the moisture in the air encounters cool surfaces it will condense and turn into water. This small amount of water can quickly turn into a big problem. In addition, excessive humidity increases the chance of mold and mildew growth. To lower the humidity in the basement, cover leaky dryer pipes with foil tape and run a dehumidifier in the basement.
Prevent Condensation
Condensation will drip, drip and pool on the floor creating basement moisture problems. To help fix this problem, cover the pipes with cheap foam insulation. Not only with the foam pipe insulation prevent condensation from collecting on the pipes but it will also help prevent the pipes from freezing during the winter season.
Divert Water Away from The Foundation
During periods of heavy rainfall, water collects around the foundation and seeps into the basement. To keep the water away from the foundation, install gutters and add an extension to the downspout so it carries the water at least six feet from the foundation. If your home is located at the bottom of a hill, consider installing French drains to help direct the water running off the hill away from your home.
Waterproof Walls
It is not uncommon for moisture from the outside to leak through your basement walls. The basement moisture will slowly erode the walls creating large cracks and holes. Covering the walls with waterproofing will prevent moisture from seeping through the walls.
For more information on basement moisture and what you can do to prevent it, contact the experts at Pipe Works Services. We have been providing heating, cooling, and plumbing services to Chatham and the surrounding area since 2000.