Your basement is one of the essential parts of your home. It’s a great place to store your belongings. It can be used as a makeshift gym and is perfect for hosting parties or watching movies. Keeping your basements dry is essential for your health and your home’s integrity.
The American Society of Home Inspectors says that 60 percent of homes in the United States have wet basements. Wet basements can lead to several problems, including:
- Health problems from mold and mildew
- Damage to your belongings
- Structural damage to your home
There are several things you can do to keep your basement dry. Here are some tips from the pros:
1) Install a Dehumidifier
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approves using a dehumidifier to help control the moisture in your basement, especially in hot and humid climates. Dehumidifiers pull the moisture out of the air and into the unit. Be sure to empty the dehumidifier often, as the water collected in the unit can become stagnant and smell.
Read more: What Are the Best Carpeting Options for Basements?
2) Insulate the Water Pipes
Condensation on your water pipes is one of the most common causes of a damp basement. To prevent this, make sure to insulate your water pipes. It will keep the water inside them from getting too cold and causing condensation. It will prevent freezing and bursting in the winter, as well.
3) Improve Ventilation
Improving ventilation is crucial to keep your basement dry. It will help to remove any moisture that might be present in the air.
An exhaust fan is another excellent option for improving the ventilation in your basement. This type of fan will help to remove any moisture that is present in the air.
4) Check the Gutters and Downspouts
One of the crucial things you can do to keep your basement floor dry is to ensure that your gutters and downspouts are in good shape. Debris, such as leaves and twigs, can clog up your gutters and downspouts, which can cause rainwater to back up and leak into your basement. Expert gutter cleaning and maintenance can go a long way in keeping your basement dry.
5) Waterproof the Walls and Floors
If your basement walls and floor are made of concrete, they should be waterproofed to prevent water from seeping in. There are several ways to do this, including:
- Applying a waterproofing sealer to the surface of the concrete
- Installing a drainage board against the wall
- Injecting the wall with a waterproofing material
- Carpeting the floor
- Applying waterproofing paint to the surface of the concrete
If you want expert basement finishing in Cumming, call R&S Basements. Our team of basement waterproofing and finishing pros will make sure your basement is not only beautiful but dry.
