When you walk into the basement and the air has a thick feeling to it, the humidity is likely too high. You may notice wood rot, carpet stains, or moisture condensation on cold floors or walls. In more serious cases you could find mold, too. All these signs of humidity can build into bigger problems if you let them.
You can actively address the issues that lead to basement humidity. Below is a little more about how humidity happens and what can be done to stop it.
Common Ways Moisture Enters the Basement
There are a few ways that humidity and moisture can enter the basement. Below are the most common.
- Vapor Diffusion – Depending on the level of porousness within your concrete walls, moisture can move through the foundation as a vapor.
- Cracks – The cracks that form on the foundation walls and floor allow water to seep through and enter the interior of your basement.
- Blocks and Masonry – Poorly constructed floor joists can let water through as the soil around your foundation settles.
- Capillary Suction – Moisture in the surrounding soils can be sucked in through the small pores in the concrete surface. You’ll see the rings of dampness develop on the surface of the basement walls.
- Air Leakage – Warm air leads to negative pressure and can draw up moisture through sump pits or foundation cracks. This can be resolved through covering pits and waterproofing and sealing the basement.
What Can We Do About a Humid Basement?
Humidity in the basement is a solvable problem. A contractor like We Waterproofing can offer you solutions to keep moisture out of your basement. While some solutions are more complex and may require the services of a contractor, others can easily be applied by the homeowner:
- Seal Cracks – When these cracks remain open, water and water vapor from the nearby soils can seep through.
- Dehumidify the Air – A dehumidifier can directly remove the moisture from the air, and help you combat the problem. It’s important to remember this solution isn’t going to remove the source of the issue, however.
- Interior Drainage Systems – Rainwater can raise the humidity levels in the basement. Interior drainage systems can be combined with sump pump installation to alleviate the risk of flooding. The water would just be pumped back outside.
- Keep Windows Shut – Opening basement windows won’t alleviate moisture levels, but it can make the problem worse. If you need them open, do it in the morning when the air is cooler and carries less moisture.
- Maintain Gutter System – Properly working downspouts clear the water from the area and make waterproofing easier.
Find Out How to Waterproof Your Basement
Waterproofing can help alleviate the humidity problems in your basement by eliminating the source of entry. Each waterproofing job is unique to the conditions of the home. Contact We Waterproofing today for a free consultation!
