How Do You Deal With a Damp Basement?

More than half of all basements in the U.S. have moisture-related issues. Time is of the essence when it comes to dealing with dampness in your space. Failure to address the problem promptly can result in costly damage not only to your basement but other areas of your home. 

Learn how to deal with a damp basement with the help of a local gutter installation company.

What Causes Excessive Moisture in a Basement?

Plumbing Issues

Among the most common causes of excessive moisture in basements are plumbing issues. Even the smallest leaks can increase humidity levels in your space. It’s a good idea to have your plumbing system periodically inspected, especially if you live in an older home. You should also address plumbing problems immediately and replace old or corroded pipes. 

Foundation Cracks

The ground beneath and surrounding your home’s foundation can shift over time. This movement can potentially cause cracks in the concrete. Small cracks for natural settlement aren’t usually a cause of concern. Look out for structural cracks at least 1/8 inch wide. Rain or melted snow that falls on the ground can seep into large cracks in your foundation and eventually reach your basement. 

Moisture From Soil

Water can still infiltrate your basement even if your foundation lacks cracks. Soil has moisture, which can penetrate concrete if it stays in contact with your foundation. You will know water from the ground has reached your basement if you see efflorescence on your interior walls. This salt deposit can form on concrete, brick or stone surfaces when water evaporates. 

Excess Humidity  

What do you use your basement for? Does it have a gym, bathroom or kitchen? Without proper ventilation, the steam from warm water or cooking will not be able to escape your space. Your sweat can also get trapped in your basement if it is underventilated or without a dehumidifier.

Faulty Gutter System

Did you know that an inefficient gutter system can also cause moisture problems in your basement? It is among the many reasons you must hire experienced professionals to install and maintain your seamless gutters.

When you have clogged gutters, rainwater can drip on the sides of your home. As a result, water will saturate the soil near your home’s foundation. It can place excessive pressure on your foundation and basement walls when not addressed quickly, resulting in cracks. Moisture can then seep through these cracks and possibly cause flooding. 

What Happens When You Don’t Address This Issue?

Mold and Mildew Growth

Mold and mildew tend to thrive in damp conditions. Aside from being unsightly, mold can harm your family’s health. It produces spores that can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks. Even if you’re not allergic to mold, exposure to it can irritate your skin, eyes, nose, throat and lungs. 

Since the only thing that mold needs to grow is moisture, it is common in humid areas of the house, such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements and crawl spaces. The best way to eliminate and prevent mold is to reduce and control moisture in your living space. 

Structural Damage

Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause rot in the wooden structures of your basement. It can weaken floor joists and support beams, compromising your home’s structural integrity. Extensive foundation and structural damage can result from leaks in your basement walls and floors. 

Equipment Damage

You could also face electrical issues because of too much humidity in your basement. Moisture can corrode the metal parts of your HVAC system or water heater. As a result, they could malfunction or fail early. 

Pest Infestation

If you see insects in your basement, it could mean that moisture has infiltrated it. Schedule a professional inspection if there are a lot of uninvited creatures in your space. Insects that consume wood must be promptly eliminated before they cause serious damage to your home. 

What Can You Do About a Damp Basement?

Keep Your Gutter System in Top Shape

Experts recommend cleaning gutters at least twice a year to ensure they remain clog-free. To make them easier to maintain, consider getting a high-quality gutter protection system. It will prevent leaves, twigs, seeds and other debris from entering the system. As a result, you will not have to worry about frequent gutter cleaning. 

At Barry Best Seamless Gutters, we do not only install superior seamless and heated gutter systems. You can also count on us for your gutter protection needs. We are committed to helping keep your property safe from water damage.  

Improve Your Insulation

During the warmer months, condensation can form on plumbing pipes and contribute to humidity-related problems in your basement. You can avoid this from happening by insulating your pipes. Another thing that can help is to improve the insulation of your basement walls. Besides reducing humidity, it can reduce your energy costs. 

Seal Walls and Floors

One way to prevent leaks in your basement is to seal your walls and floors. Professionals could apply waterproof paint to the concrete or place a vapor barrier over the material to waterproof your basement. If your foundation has massive cracks, it is best to have them checked by a structural engineer. They can determine if your home has structural issues and how to resolve them permanently. 

Grade Soil Away From Your Home

You can keep moisture from accumulating in your basement by sloping the soil away from your home at a slope of at least an inch per foot for every 5 to 10 feet away from the foundation. It will create a downward slope that will bring rainwater away from your foundation. With an efficient gutter system and adequate waterproofing, well-graded soil can help maintain healthy humidity levels in your basement.