Tips for Keeping Your Basement Dry
Posted on: March 02, 2016
With Mudtech’s extensive experience in foundation repair, we know and understand what causes basements to become wet and the steps homeowners in Wisconsin should take to maintain a dry basement. A wet basement can lead to the growth of mold and severe foundation issues, to say the least. Wetness in a basement can be caused from a number of reasons.
Below are 3 common causes:
- Cracks in the foundation
- Humid air entering the basement from the exterior creating condensation
- Improperly installed or clogged drains
Continue reading to learn some effective tips on how to keep your basement dry.
How to Prevent Water from Entering Basement
Keep Water Away from Your House
Keeping water away from your home is one of the biggest factors to consider. Deterring water from entering your home is accomplished in many ways. Installing proper drainage solutions to the exterior and interior of your home will keep water flowing away from your home’s foundation. If your home is in need of a proper drain installation, turn to the basement waterproofing experts at Mudtech to ensure proper placement and installation.
Your home’s exterior grading also plays an important role in keeping your home dry. With the right elevation, water flowage can be steered away from your home. Rather than using soil, surround the exterior of your foundation with rocks, gravel or even cement. These porous elements will absorb moisture and dry quicker whereas soil will expand when wet putting pressure on your foundation.
Use a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers are an affordable and great way to battle humidity in your basement. Dehumidifiers work to suck out excessive levels of moisture in the air. Humidity can cause metal pipes to quickly rust and become damaged. Dampness can destroy your carpeting and rugs, and can smudge the paint of your walls. High levels of humidity can cause wood to swell weakening basement walls from deterioration. If you have a basement bathroom, it’s important to install an exhaust fan to keep humidity levels down.
Cover Basement Window Wells
While window well covers alone will not stop water from entering your wells, they will prevent drain clogging debris like leaves, grass clippings and sticks from getting into the window well. Covers will also keep birds and other animals out of the window wells and even your basement.
If you are experiencing water in your basement, it is crucial to have professional basement waterproofing contractors come out and assess the situation. The damage could be a lot worse than you may know and could affect not only your foundation but your health. If your basement smells, looks wet, or feels damp, then it most likely is and it’s time to take action.
