What Steps Should You Take If You Have a Damp Basement?

Few things are as horrible as walking down your basement steps and when you get to the bottom, “squish.” If you have water in your basement, either perpetual dampness or occasional wet floors, you need to do something before you have a huge mold issue. Luckily, there are some DIY things you can try before you turn to the professionals for help. However, “waterproof paint” is not one of them so don’t waste your time or money on it. Instead try these tips for dealing with your damp basement.

Downspouts

Most damp basement issues stem from rain water drainage not being properly diverted away from the foundation of the home, and the gutters and downspouts are a huge part of that. Your downspouts should have horizontal extensions of about 4-6 feet that divert the water away from the house. Your gutters should be clean and clear of tree debris and dirt so that the water flows through them to the downspouts instead of over their sides. Check on your gutters and downspouts seasonally, and be sure to clean them out at least once or twice a year.

Check for Leaks

One big part of fixing a damp basement is finding where the water is coming from. If you’re dampness isn’t limited to rainy days, consider that you could have some pipes leaking. You should be routinely checking your pipes to make sure there’s no buckling or cracking and no rust or water drips. If there are, you need to get a plumbing professional out right away. Periodic inspection is the best way to catch small issues before they become plumbing nightmares.

Dehumidifier

Once your basement is damp, a dehumidifier is an excellent option to dry out the area. It’s a useful tool to have on hand, but you do have to remember to empty them most of the time. Most will have an automatic shutoff so the collection container doesn’t overflow, but they aren’t doing the work you need when they’re off. Besides this, you can also try to keep the space from getting humid. Keep the windows shut on humid days and seal up leaky dryer vents. If you have a bathroom in the basement add an exhaust fan to vent the steamy shower air. Finally when it’s humid upstairs run the AC so that heavy damp air doesn’t find its way downstairs.

Contact All Aspects Waterproofing Today for Your Waterproofing Needs

Whether you need a new sump pump installed or want to waterproof your entire basement, contact All Aspect Waterproofing, a Better Business Bureau A+ rated company with over 30 years of experience in the Washington, DC./Maryland/Virginia area. We have a great deal of experience in waterproofing, mold testing, and mold remediation, and we want to make you feel at home again. Contact us online or by calling 1-866-999-3110 or 301-766-4420.  To see what we’re up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Houzz.