In this new blog post series, we’ll examine some trouble zones in the home when it comes to wetness and moisture management. We’ll also provide some quick tips to help remedy these common moisture issues in the trouble areas discussed. If you have any severe problems or just need a hand figuring out the best approach to take in managing moisture in your home, call our team at BelRed today.
Like bathroom issues discussed in our previous post, similar water problems and issues can present themselves in basements. As many homeowners unfortunately, know, basements also have their own unique set of moisture management processes and procedures. Remember, water or moisture in the basement can cause big problems throughout the home, as most homes with basements have their heating and cooling system there, so the moisture is often collected and sent to other areas of the home. In this post, we’ll review some tips to help you keep your basement as dry as necessary to stay comfortable and safe in your home.
Tip 1 – Repair settlement cracks in the walls. Even in newer homes, the foundation of the home can settle over time, causing small cracks in its walls. This can allow water to seep in through the wall and into the basement during heavy rains or when snow melts. Fixing these cracks yourself or having a professional come take care of the issue can eliminate water leakage and keep moisture out of the basement.
Tip 2 – Clean your gutters! This is a step that can be taken by most any homeowner to greatly reduce the risk of water entering the basement. Gutters serve a huge purpose when it comes to making sure water stays away from the side walls of your home, and in turn keeps it from seeping down into and under your home’s foundation. Cleaning your gutters regularly will help prevent these issues. It’s a minor and easy fix that can help avoid much larger problems.
Tip 3 – Wrap pipes in insulation or foam. Water leaks aren’t the only source of moisture in basements. Believe it or not, pipes can develop a large amount of condensation, especially during colder months of the year. This condensation can greatly increase the dampness in your home. By wrapping water pipes in your basement with insulation wraps or foam fittings, you will eliminate this problem.
Tip 4 – Run a dehumidifier to limit moisture in the basement air. For general dampness and moisture problems in the air in your basement, running a dehumidifier will help remove the moisture from the air and eliminate its ability to move to other areas of the home. A high-quality dehumidifier can remove gallons of water from a damp basement per day. Set up the dehumidifier to drain directly into a sump pump hole or drain in your basement for added convenience and ongoing moisture management.
