A basement is a portion of a structure that is partially or entirely below ground level. Essentially, it is because homeowners built basements on the lower level of their homes—it also appears like the foundation of your home.
Without a doubt, when the basement gets humid, it can weaken the structure of your residence (read more). Additionally, it stimulates the development of molds playing as a breeding ground that may constrain the equity of your home. Not only that, overly muggy basements can slander the plaster. Plaster refers to the protective layer in the structure. Thus, restoration can cost a lot and effort due to frequent heavy repairs.
Whether you are living in a very humid area or not, most likely, all will encounter a problem in their basement. Although many people see water seepage as a minor problem in your basement, in actuality, this should be a caution for you to address this problem as sooner as possible. Also, it is significant to know the factors that cause humidity in your place.
Read on to know the reasons, prevention, and where you can find the nearest company that offers basement waterproofing.
Why Is It Getting Humid?
- Defective Gutters
As we all know, gutters function as the storage where rainwaters drain. Undoubtedly, if the gutter was defectively positioned, the outside water will make its way inside the basement.
- Interior Moisture
Cooking, showering, laundry, dishwashing, and other daily activities all add moisture to the air. Some heating appliances, such as enclosed natural gas or gasoline, can also strongly contribute to dampness.
Sometimes, humidity originated or was created due to daily tasks without us knowing. Yet it is inevitable to stop our obligations, so it is better to get your basements waterproof.
- Ventilation: Outdoor Environment
Every summer, it is hot, certainly. Moreover, opening the windows is one of the ways to ventilate the entire place. However, it is one of the contributors to why your basement is getting humid. It happens while warm, moist air executes contact with cool surface moisture condenses into droplets of water. These droplets can run down into the surface of your ceiling, windows, and internal structures, permitting mold spores and mildew to thrive and trigger rot and leaky roofs.
- Wall Cracks
The walls are notably significant in the foundation of your basements. Thus, if you observed that it has cracks, then normally, it can act as a conductor for moisture and dampness. If it happens to rain, it can cause dampness and can run through the walls- causing humidity.
Ways For Prevention
I can’t tell you to stop using doing chores in your basement, because what’s the use? Although it can trigger the humidity within the place, there can be a plethora of preventions you can do:
- Restoration
If you happen to see some cracks or broken components that may be the cause of the humidity that occurs in your basement, having it repaired or restored is the best way.
- Finding The Source Of A Leak
Seeing the leak yourself might be difficult, especially if it isn’t noticeable. So have some professionals to know where the leakage happens. But if you want to figure it on your own, you can see moderate dampness in the ceiling, walls, or even floors. Dry it out by airing out the entire place and run some fans to circulate the air.
- Internal Gutter
This functions to the storage where rainfalls drain. You should have a gutter in the interior of your basement to collect the precipitation that may moist the inside of your place. This gutter will help ensure that the drops of water will not run through the ceiling. Remember not to stay the water in the gutter, make sure you’re drying it all the time.
- Dehumidifier
Aside from an exhaust fan, a dehumidifier can be useful in drying out the moisture inside your basement (link: https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/how-to-prevent-mold-in-basements/). Mold and fungal growth will deter when using a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels in relatively small amounts, safeguarding air quality, and limit further destruction.
- Waterproofing
Basement waterproofing is a must-try home improvement, as it will ensure the equity of your home. Almost all experts agree that it is well worth the money and will warrant the prevention of the growth of molds and mildew since having moisture in your basements is nearly impossible due to waterproofing. It can be done on the exterior or interior, depending on your choice.
Services Near You
If you want a service that will not require frequent repairs and replacements in the future, get help. This project will undoubtedly require the assistance of a professional. However, finding a contractor seems apparent, not until you witness the long-run results. Some offer the cheapest service yet delivers non-efficient work.
Although some give efficient work, however many do not fit your budget. So it is vital to search thoroughly to get the best contractor for you.
First and foremost, get a licensed contractor. At least, they already have experience working in this specialized field. The purpose is to ensure that the service they’re doing is legal and safe.
Second, go to where’s convenient for you. You can search for basement waterproofing near me on the web. There are plenty of contractors that provide service, so they got you!
Lastly, word-of-mouth is the most reliable thing you should ask. Figure out the service they offer to other people, are they satisfied? Did they make their clients happy? Do they receive 5-star-ratings from other people? Knowing what kind of service they have offered to other people, you’ll get a brief idea of how are they going to help you with your concerns.
