Houses that support a basement may look extraordinarily spacious and convenient due to the ample storage space and extra room you get. However, many impending disadvantages can cause a basement to be nothing but a potential area for mold and mildew.
It is highly imperative that your basement is dry and has no moisture; otherwise, the growing mold can cause damage to the foundation and also cause adverse health effects to anyone exposed to the increasing mold.
The question is how to remove water from your basement and keep it 100% dry, and the answer is in the nine simple tips you can use to maintain a dry basement.
Your basement might have a multitude of pipelines that you must check for leaks. It is better to consult a professional and insulate any space where the water might be coming in. To avoid moisture, hire a plumber to inspect the walls and pipes and spot any leaks. Exposed pipes should also be covered to avoid future hassles during the warm and colder months. The condensation process can cause humidity which is the opposite of what we aim for.
Your landscaping might have slopes letting the sprinkler water seep into the house. Make sure you get a slope that keeps water away from your home. As water accumulates in an area, it causes mold buildup that can spread around the basement, making it subject to even more damage to your house's foundation.
You should install a basement ventilation system. Fresh air, dry and warm sunlight are best to improve the ventilation of any area. To control the humidity levels, install a dehumidifier to prevent excess moisture and humidity. There are various kinds available at the store. Invest in a simple one and see the difference downstairs.
Rainwater can gather and seep around the house when it is not properly drained. Your sewerage and drainage systems must be in working order so no buildup holds the water. Gutters should be cleaned regularly, and any debris or garbage shouldn't be thrown in them.
Another way to protect the walls after insulating your pipes and fixing any plumbing issues is by using water-resistant paint that will allow your walls to stay dry without the moisture seeping and causing damage to the foundation, thus cracking the paint. Not only does this damage the appearance of the walls and chip the color off, but it also causes condensation that invites mold and mildew.
Sump Pumps are slightly tricky to install as they require extra plumbing, but they are practical and advised in the long run. When renovating your house, you should install these to keep water away from the basement and stop it from forming puddles and streams around the house that later invites dirt, insects, and many other concerns.
Gravel is best known for soaking up moisture. This is another cost-effective trick that will help you to keep water at bay. Surround your house's exterior with gravel and ensure there are no holes or cracks you must fill. The gravel will keep the area dry and clean and further prevent water damage.
To protect the foundation of your home, take a look around and install competitive measures that will help your basement stay dry. Inspect regularly to check for any cracks or holes and leaks. Hire professionals to fill them up immediately no matter how small the damage looks. If you have appliances in the basement, keep them over a surface and ensure that they are kept in a well-ventilated area. Install exhaust fans and regular fans to keep the air dry and remove any traces of moisture.
Being in a house that has a consistent wet basement issue, it is highly inadvisable. You need to eradicate all possibilities and remove any signs of mold as that adds more to the problem, leads to health concerns, and further damages the interior and exterior of the house. Block all water sources seeping inside the basement, which may be from the sprinklers or even rainwater that comes down the slope.
Apart from these nine tips, it would be best if you ruled out any possibility that allows water or moisture in your basement. Professional help is always encouraged as that will be carried out by experts in light of their experience and understanding.
Harry Virk is the director of CleaningPro Auckland. He has years of experience in the cleaning industry and his company is expert at providing exceptional cleaning services in Auckland. He has a passion for helping people and making sure that their homes are clean, tidy, and ready for visitors.
