Basement Waterproofing

Does your basement feel dank, musty, and humid? Most homeowners think this is just how a basement is. But it doesn’t have to be. You can make your basement feel as comfortable as your upstairs with proper waterproofing.

Does mildew and mold growth seem unavoidable in your finished or unfinished basement? Is basement humidity causing you problems? Does it always feel cold and damp? This is because of the levels of moisture in the air. Although this seems normal, high humidity levels in your home can have a significant impact on your home’s and your family’s health.

High humidity and excessive moisture are exactly what mold and mildew love. This fungus absorbs moisture from the air and thrives on the organic materials that your home is built out of. To grow and spread, molds give off spores that float in the air seeking other damp organic materials to grow on. These mold spores are one of the top causes of indoor allergens and can aggravate asthma.

Mold Growth and Wood Rot

The health of your home is at play here as well. Humid, damp air can wreak havoc on your basement’s structural integrity and the furnishings and storage items you keep down there. Excessive moisture can not only lead to mold growth, but also to the dampening and eventually rotting of the wood framing in your home.

Early signs of excessive moisture are stains at the bottom of drywall or baseboard in a finished basement. Water can soak into the drywall and the paper facing will stain an indication this is happening. Check the underside of the carpeting. If mildew is growing there, it’s the sign of water moving through the porous concrete floor, condensation happening on the cold floor, or both..

Check for Moisture in your Basement

Of course, be sure to check for any leaks, foundation cracks, or other potential sources of basement moisture. If a leak occurs, install a basement waterproofing drainage channel and sump pump system to remove the water. This is always the first step to drying a basement and turning it into a comfortable living space. Maintaining a dry and well-conditioned basement is crucial for a healthy living environment.

Next, address moisture in the air in your basement. Addressing this damp air will not only make your basement feel more comfortable, but it will also help your whole house feel more comfortable. In a home, air rises from bottom to top. This is known as the stack effect.

How to Fix a Damp Basement

Taking the necessary steps to minimize moisture build-up in your basement can help prevent costly repairs in the future. There are a few key steps you can take to protect your basement from humid air and water damage:
1. Proper Basement Waterproofing Installation
2. Install a Dehumidifier
3. Inspect Gutter Systems & Downspouts

These approaches have proven effective for many homeowners in keeping their basements dry from humidity or damp air; however, some argue that these methods are not enough when faced with potential risks posed by excessive moisture exposure in basements, such as mold growth, weakened foundations, dangerous bacteria breeders etcetera.

Like a chimney, the stack effect works on a similar principle. Warm air rises from the basement into the upper living areas and escapes out through the attic or roof. This rising air brings with it anything that was in the air in the lower levels. Mold spores, dust mite feces (another top indoor cause of allergies), and odors all rise with the stack effect. This is why addressing the humidity levels in your
basement is so important.

Dehumidification is the Solution

One effective solution to addressing basement moisture and humidity problems is using dehumidifiers. By monitoring moisture levels with a hygrometer, you can ensure that your basement stays at a comfortable level of humidity. Dehumidification can help prevent health problems and keep your basement space fresh and dry.

Don’t run out to a box store and purchase just any dehumidifier. For a damp basement environment, you want a machine like the HumidiGuard basement dehumidifier and air filtration system from ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing. The HumidiGuard has been specially designed to handle the basement environment.

To get help with your damp basement, call us for a free inspection. Our specialists are trained to detect water leaks and solve basement moisture problems.

Waterproof Your Basement Against Humidity/Damp Air

When waterproofing your basement against humidity and damp air, the most important thing to remember is that prevention is better than cure.

Taking the necessary steps to minimize moisture build-up in your basement can help prevent costly repairs in the future. There are a few key steps you can take to protect your basement from humid air and water damage:

These approaches have proven effective for many homeowners in keeping their basements dry from humidity or damp air; however, some argue that these methods are not enough when faced with potential risks posed by excessive moisture exposure in basements, such as mold growth, weakened foundations, and dangerous bacteria breeders.

Additionally, although following these measures doesn’t guarantee zero water intrusion, installing interior waterproofing membranes has been shown to add additional protection during large rainstorms and prolonged wet weather events if done correctly by professional technicians.