Water damage is a fact of home ownership. It covers the majority of our planet and is capable of wearing down rocks into nothing, so it’s no stretch to believe that at some point, it’ll cause some sort of problem in your home.
Basements are especially susceptible, with more than 98% of them experiencing water damage at some point. Floods notwithstanding, the more subtle damage that less noticed moisture can cause is just as malicious, though not as overt.
Keeping your basement free from moisture goes beyond sump pumps and foundation repair services to avoid flooding. Let us dry out your wet basement with a few easy tips.
Lose the carpeting
Carpets are generally sponges for everything they come across. In the basement, which is naturally more moist than the rest of the house, they become damp sponges soaked with water. They may not be saturated, but the higher moisture level will give mold the perfect place to grow. Nix the basement carpeting and do yourself a favor ahead of time.
Dehumidify
People think that having vents to the outdoors does wonders for the basement. It’s good to have, but it doesn’t replace a dehumidifier. It can be just as humid or moist outdoors. If you’re pulling that air in, it’s still moist in your basement. The dehumidifier sucks that airborne moisture out of the air rather than displacing it with air that’s largely the same.
Smart storage
Basements are a great place for storage, but the inherent moisture levels can seep into your belongings and wreak havoc. Much like carpeting in basements can be a sponge, so can cardboard boxes and their contents. Keep boxes stored at least six inches off the floor and any shelving units away from foundation walls at least 18 inches. This is especially true on unfinished concrete floors.
Whether your basement water leaks cause consistent problems or you’re sitting thinking you don’t have a wet basement at all, it’s always prudent to check from time to time. Humidity levels are prone to change with seasons, temperatures, and a list of other variables outside your control. What you do have power over are the elements of your own care and belongings in that space.
