7 Moisture Control Tips for Basement Storage

Moisture in the basement storage area can cause damage to the items that are stored there. Objects made of paper material like books and photos absorb the moisture and get damaged, and metal objects can get rusted. Clothes and carpets show signs of mold and mildew on absorbing moisture. To help prevent damage to the articles stored in the basement, you can make use of the following tips.

Insulate Utility Pipes and Walls

Moisture can seep up from the utility pipes that lead to the basement. Both the hot-water and cold-water pipes should be insulated with foam to prevent condensation.

The basement walls should be insulated to prevent moisture from seeping in through the building materials. Use vapor retardants.

Use a Dehumidifier

If there is already moisture in the basement storage area, use a good dehumidifier to remove the moisture.

Provide for Ventilation

You should ensure that there is enough air circulation in the basement storage area; you can put on a fan or open up a window.

Seal the Ducts

Moisture can leak through the ducts that are there in the air conditioning system. All the joints in the ducts should be sealed with the help of a sealant.

Provide Drainage

Ensure that gutters and drainage are there so that the rainwater can flow out of the house.

Foundation Drain

Place a foundation drain beneath the drainage plane and next to the footing. This stops the water from flowing against the foundation wall. Put gravel on the drainpipe.

Damp-Proof Wall

The foundation wall should be damp-proofed. This will help in stopping the wall from absorbing moisture from the ground. This moisture seeps up through capillary action.