Why It’s Important to Keep Your Basement Dry

It is important to keep your basement dry because moisture can damage stored belongings, flooring and furniture, rot wood, rust metal and let mold grow. The main ways to keep it dry are repairing cracks, interior waterproofing and drainage, and a dehumidifier.

Because basements sit below ground, their humidity can be hard to control. This article covers why controlling moisture matters and the signs that a basement is too damp.

What Can Moisture Do to Your Basement?

When basement moisture is not controlled, it can lead to the problems below.

Damage to Stored Belongings

Although a basement is the perfect place to store some of your belongings, doing so comes with a risk. Standing water, condensation, and high levels of humidity can all cause water damage to any sensitive items you store downstairs. When the moisture is not addressed, the damage can spread.

Growth of Mold and Mildew

As the moisture and humidity levels in your basement grow, so does the risk of mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can also affect indoor air quality, especially for people with asthma. Eventually, spreading mold can even begin to affect the structural integrity of the wood that makes up your flooring structure.

Rot and Rust

Metal and wood in a basement do not hold up well when moisture stays high. Moisture leads to rot and rust, which wear these materials down.

Ruined Flooring and Furniture

Unsurprisingly, a lack of dryness in your basement can also cause damage to any flooring, carpeting, or furniture in your basement. This is especially true when you have standing water in your basement, which typically causes hardwood flooring to buckle and rot while also saturating carpets, making them a breeding ground for foul scents and bacteria.

What Are the Signs of Too Much Moisture in Your Basement?

If you notice any of these signs, a free inspection can show what is causing the moisture.

• Condensation: Condensation on walls, ceilings and other surfaces usually means the humidity is too high.
• Humidity: A hygrometer is one of the most precise ways to check whether your basement is dry enough. The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30% and 50%.
• Standing water: Standing water in a basement points to a water problem worth having inspected.
• Mold and mildew: As moisture builds, mold and mildew can spread more readily. Mold and mildew can also affect indoor air quality.
• Unpleasant scents: Another key indicator of excessive moisture is foul odors that arise from your basement. Unpleasant smells can result from mildew, rot, and other water problems.
• Having to empty your dehumidifier constantly: A dehumidifier that fills up again and again is a telltale sign that there is more moisture in the air than there should be.

Because basements are underground, they are prone to high humidity, especially in summer. If you notice any of these signs, addressing the moisture helps limit damage to your foundation and your belongings.