Dry Basement

A dry basement is crucial to any home. Moisture and water can, and will, produce mold, mildew, and odors in homes. In addition, moisture and water can literally destroy many of the home's structural materials, such as brick, wood, and drywall, to name a few.

How important is a dry basement?

Maintaining a dry basement is second in importance only to those issues which may result in fires such as gas leaks and faulty wiring. The reason for this high listing is because unattended moisture can destroy your home much the way termites destroy wood. By that, we mean that you may not actually see the damage being done (which is not always the case, sometimes you CAN see the damage being done) but it is happening nonetheless.

How can you tell if you have a dry basement?

Often the test for a dry basement is easy. You simply look at the space carefully, from top to bottom and all sides. What you are looking for are any signs of rusting, mold, mildew, or areas that look wet. Another test is to sniff the air. If you smell mold or musty air, chances are good that you have a moisture problem somewhere in the area. The last test relies on your sense of feel. Does the area "feel" damp or as if it has a high humidity content. This high water vapor content can result in condensation being formed virtually everywhere within the area and must be addressed.

Will basement waterproofing solve these problems?

In most cases, it will. It is important to keep in mind that the term basement waterproofing is a broad term. It can mean the application of products, such as those that you paint or spray onto walls, ceilings, and floors, but it can also refer to other aspects of repair such as providing better ventilation into the area. In many respects, basement waterproofing is a "systematic" approach to the problem rather than a single application approach.

How can I determine the best basement moisture solution for my needs?

This is a great question and asked my many homeowners. In some cases, your best bet is to hire a professional to come and do assessment tests for you. These professionals will have the proper testing equipment and expertise to track down the sources of moisture. They will also be able to give you their best advice on how to fix the problems that they may find. By having a professional assist you, you can save time and, usually, money because you are not on a wild goose hunt.

Once have determined the source of the moisture problem you can begin to deal with it. For some, the basement moisture solution will be to apply liquid basement waterproofing materials. For others, the key to a dry basement will be improved ventilation. And for others still, the basement moisture solution will be repair to plumbing or to cracks in the walls or floor.

For more information on a dry basement, simply click here.

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