How to Reduce Moisture in a Damp Basement

A basement is a desirable addition to a home since it adds storage space as well as living space, but when a basement is damp it can become a major problem. Not only does a damp basement create a musty smell throughout a home, but it can also create problems with mold. Professionals can waterproof a basement, but this type of service can be quite expensive, and in many cases the homeowner can reduce dampness and correct the problem in a number of easy ways.

Reduce Water Problems by Repairing Settlement Cracks

Homes will settle, and cracks can develop, even in newly poured concrete. If a settlement crack has developed, moisture can seep in when it rains or when snow begins melting. If cracks are due to settlement, they are easy to repair without the professional help. All that is required is a cold chisel, a mallet, patching cement or other expanding sealant, and a putty knife. Begin by beveling the crack and slightly widening it with a cold chisel and mallet. This will help the patch or sealant bond with the cement. Once the crack has been prepared, apply ready-mixed patching cement or expanding sealant according to product label instructions. As it dries, push it into the crack using the blade of the putty knife, and apply more to the surface. Use the putty knife to smooth the surface and create a clean repair. Once this easy repair dries, moisture should no longer be a problem.

Waterproof the Walls

One of the ways professionals solve water problems in basements is by digging trenches around basement walls. The walls are then covered with waterproofing material that helps reduce and completely alleviate interior moisture. If the moisture problem is minor, digging a trench around the foundation and waterproofing exterior walls might not be necessary. Visit your local home improvement store, and invest in waterproofing paint. Not only will it help reduce moisture in the basement, but it will also help seal out existing odors that come from basement walls.

Extend Downspouts to Reduce Seepage

One of the main sources of moisture in a basement is the roof of the home. When it rains, or when snow and ice melt, the moisture runs off the roof and into eaves troughs and downspouts. If eaves troughs leak, or if downspouts are not far enough away from the foundation of the home, moisture can find its way through the tiniest cracks or around basement window frames. Extend downspouts at least six feet from the home to divert the water and reduce the amount that reaches the foundation.

Naturally Reduce Moisture with a Rain Barrel

If one area of the home is causing the majority of moisture problems in the basement, consider installing a rain barrel instead of extending the downspout. A rain barrel is a great way to catch water from the roof that might otherwise end up in the basement, and special equipment is not required. Purchase a plastic trashcan with a tight-fitting lid, and cut away the downspout at the proper level. Cut away an area of a trashcan lid to accommodate the downspout. Cover the trashcan rain barrel to help keep out insects and debris. The water collected can be siphoned and used for watering indoor as well as outdoor plants.

Reduce Condensation

Cracks in basement walls and insufficient water diversion are not the only sources of unwanted moisture below ground. Pipes can generate a considerable amount of condensation, and this condensation can drip on floors and run down piping and into walls where mold and mildew can form. Wrap pipes with insulation foam. It is inexpensive and easy to install, and it will greatly help reduce basement moisture.

Dryer Ventilation

A dryer must be sufficiently ventilated to avoid moisture problems, and a dryer located in a basement is no exception. A dryer that is not properly vented will add moisture to the air, and it will settle on walls, ceilings, and floors, and it will create serious moisture problems. Running a dryer that is not vented will immediately cause moisture problems and musty odors in a basement, and it is of the utmost importance to make sure it is properly vented to the outside.

Run a Dehumidifier to Reduce Moisture in the Air

Once sources of moisture are controlled, the easiest way to reduce moisture in the air is with a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier can pull gallons of moisture out of the air each day, and in a basement where moisture is a concern, this is a way to greatly reduce it. Purchase a high-quality dehumidifier, and if possible, set it up to empty into a basement drain. Automatic draining will save your back and keep the dehumidifier running as often as needed to reduce moisture in the basement.

Jessica Ackerman writes for Wall Decor and Home Accents - a unique wall decor store specializing in metal sculpture wall art . Find more in http://www.walldecorandhomeaccents.com .