Do You Have a Dry Basement? Keep It That Way With These 5 Tips

 

Whether it is flooding due to rain or dampness due to a leaky pipe, a wet basement is never fun. Not only is the cleanup not fun, but it can be expensive. Keeping your basement dry is the cheaper and easier way to go. But how do you keep your basement dry? Following these five tips will help keep your basement dry and save you money.

Use a Dehumidifier

One of the main causes of basement humidity is the way air moves through your home. When outside air travels through your house, it moves upward and is replaced from the bottom up. The humidity in your basement can become worse if the outside air is more humid. Thanks to the movement of the air and other factors such as the moisture permeating through the foundation wall, your basement tends to be the most humid place in your home. Using a dehumidifier will help to reduce the humidity in your basement and keep it dry.

Insulate Pipes

You may think to insulate your pipes to prevent them from freezing. However, insulating your pipes will also help to keep your basement dry. During the hot summer months, your cold water pipes sweat. The sweating of these pipes can lead to more moisture in your basement, especially as they drip. Adding foam insulation is a cheap and easy way to prevent your pipes from sweating in the summer and freezing in the winter.

Keep Water Away From Your Foundation

Water usually enters your basement through the foundation. There are a few ways to prevent water from seeping through your foundation, but you have to maintain them.

The first preventative step is to inspect and clean your downspouts and gutters. Gutters and downspouts help direct water away from your foundation. However, leaves and other debris can build up in your downspouts and gutters. If not cleaned properly, the backup will cause water to leak down the side of your house. When the water reaches the ground, it will saturate the ground around your foundation.

The second preventative step is to pay attention to the grading of your landscaping. Your landscaping should have a slight pitch to move water away from your home’s foundation. Some homes are built with a pitch, while others wash away over time. Look for problem areas and take care of them immediately.

Patch Holes and Cracks Immediately

All it takes is one small crack to let water into your foundation. If you start to see water on the walls of your basement, it is crucial to find the source quickly. If you find that it is from a hole or crack in your foundation, then fill it immediately. Leaving holes and cracks in your foundation will lead to greater problems later on.

Use Water-Resistant Paint

Your basement tends to have more moisture than the rest of your house. The additional moisture will cause your walls to become damp. The best way to avoid damp walls is to use a high quality and water-resistant paint.

Your Basement Doesn’t Stay Dry

There are some cases where your basement won’t stay dry. In these instances, it is best to take care of the issue quickly. Call Kelley Klean to take care of water in your basement.