Is your basement dehumidifier working overtime? Do you have basement moisture and humidity problems?
You’re not alone. Around 60% of US homes have below-ground moisture problems.
For every 1 inch of floodwater, you can expect to pay around $1,000 in repairs! Even a little bit of water can be a huge deal, both financially and emotionally.
Do You Have a Basement Moisture Problem?
You can test for high humidity in a couple different ways:
- Purchase a hygrometer. This device will instantly tell you what the humidity level is in your home.
- You can also test for excess humidity by taping a piece of aluminum foil to your basement wall. Return a couple of days later. If there is moisture on the outside of the foil, you have high indoor humidity. If there is moisture on the inside of the foil, you have moisture leaking through the walls.
6 Ways to Control Basement Moisture and Humidity
1. Ventilation
While you may not think that HVAC companies have anything to do with basement moisture problems, you’re probably forgetting about the importance of ventilation.
When your home is too humid, condensation will form on surfaces around your home, leading to mold and mildew, peeling wallpaper, and damage to wood and paper products.
Proper ventilation and humidity control can keep your humidity levels at the ideal percentage to prevent any condensation and moisture damage.
Contact a HVAC specialist to discuss increasing ventilation and possibly installing a whole-home humidification system in the home.
Improving ventilation and humidity levels in the home won’t just prevent moisture issues, it will also improve your indoor air quality.
2. Sump Pumps
Basement and crawlspace moisture is a huge problem that could lead to mold, mildew, pest problems, and expensive foundation damage.
Luckily, sump pumps can keep floodwater out of basements and crawlspaces. Sump pumps are the best permanent fix for basement flooding and moisture problems.
Here are 3 good reasons to invest in a sump pump:
- Prevent Flood Damage
- Prevent Pests
- Protect Your Home from Mold and Mildew
- Protect Your Belongings
A sump pump work by collecting water in a sump, which triggers the pump to turn on and move water away from the foundation. The water is normally diverted to the closest drain.
There are two types of sump pumps to choose from: submersible and pedestal. Speak with a professional plumber to learn about the different types of sump pumps available and which would work best for your home.
3. Mold and Mildew
Mold is a fungus that grows both indoors and out. When mold is disturbed, mold spores can enter the air and make their way into your respiratory tract.
Check for mold inside the home:
- Near sinks, showers, and toilets
- Near water leaks (fix plumbing leaks as soon as possible!)
- In basements, attics, garages, or any other humid area of the home
- In the soil and pots of houseplants
- On food items
If you notice any mold, put on gloves and either throw the item out or clean the area with warm soap and water. If there is extensive mold, contact a mold remediation specialist.
4. Divert Water Away from Foundation
One of the main causes of basement flooding and water damage is damaged gutters, downspouts, and grading issues that keeps flood water too close to the home and foundation.
When gutters are clogged and downspouts aren’t pointed away from the home, water will gather around and saturate your foundation. A properly working water overflow system can prevent thousands of dollars’ worth of damage.
Regularly inspect your gutter and downspout system.
Clean out gutters at least once a year. Twice a year is best.
Consider installing downspout extenders.
Improve grading by creating a slope away from the foundation.
Speak with a professional about keeping water from soaking in near the foundation.
5. Seal Air Leaks
Make sure there are no air leaks around your basement.
Check all of your windows and doors for air leaks.
Look for cracks in the foundation.
Repair any air leaks as soon as you can.
Hydraulic cement can help patch small holes in the foundation. Make sure to follow manufacturer instructions carefully.
Learn more about air sealing around your home.
6. Insulate Walls
Add insulation to your interior walls and crawl spaces. In cold climates, insulation will also save energy and reduce the money spent on your heating.
Additional tips for getting rid of excess humidity:
- Run a dehumidifier in the basement.
- Keep basement doors and windows closed during humid weather.
- Insulate water pipes. This will prevent condensation from forming and dripping from cold-water pipes.
OnTime Service can help you solve your basement flooding, moisture, and humidity problems. Contact our team of specialists to assess your basement flooding issues and find the right solution for you.
Schedule Service with OnTime Today!
