Tips to Keep Your Basement Dry
http://www.windsorwaterproofing.ca/
Wet basements can be the bane of a Windsor home owner's existence, leading to structural damage and costly repairs. Mold, fungus, and mildew that grow in wet basements can make the whole family sick and increase allergies. It's important to keep basements dry, as prevention is much less expensive than a cure (just as the old adage similarly states). But if your problem is a little more serious, you may need to call a Windsor Waterproofing contractor.
Below are the top ten ways to avoid damp basements, as provided by a Windsor Waterproofing Company.
#1 – Paint the Walls with Water Resistant Paints
Using a high-quality, water resistant paint will help prevent interior walls from collecting moisture and condensation (also known as “weeping”).
#2 – Insulate Water Pipes
Pipes are also vulnerable to collecting moisture and condensation, which can be avoided with proper insulation. Another note on pipes is to ensure that any leaks are fixed right away.
#3 – Don't Dry Clothes in the Basement
Drying clothes in the basement on an indoor clothesline can add humidity to the basement, increasing condensation and moisture collection. Use an outdoor clothesline or the dryer (see #5 for more information).
#4 – Basement Bathrooms need Exhaust Fans
Showers create plenty of humidity no matter where they're located. Exhaust fans will help remove the excess moisture and improve air circulation. After showering, open the windows to let the basement air out (only on sunny days, of course, as humid and rainy days will only serve to increase bathroom and basement wetness).
#5 – Use Proper Vents and Connections for Appliances
Dryers should have vents to the outdoors, as the heat and humidity from drying clothes will increase basement water collection. Washers should also have proper connections and be inspected periodically for leaks (which must be repaired immediately if found).
#6 – Utilize Rocks and Gravel
To protect the house's foundation, use rocks and gravel around the perimeter of the basement. This is a cost-effective way to keep water from accumulating around the house, as rocks and gravel are super absorbent and quick drying as opposed to soil.
#7 – Install Window Wells
Foundation/basement windows are infamous collectors of rainwater and seepage. Metal window wells can prevent this moisture from entering through window frames and walls.
#8 – Check Water Flow around the House
Sloping landscapes can be lovely, but it is vitally important to ensure that the land slopes away from the house rather than toward it. Ensure that any sloping does not accumulate water around the foundation.
#9 – Dehumidifiers Work Well
Dehumidifiers can help relieve the basement of excess wetness. Ensure that there are enough dehumidifiers to accommodate the entire space of the basement. Larger basements typically require several dehumidifiers.
#10 – Gutters and Downspouts
Ensure that gutters remain unblocked and that proper outflow of downspouts is maintained. The end of downspouts should be at least ten feet away from the house's foundation. Installation of new, high-quality gutters and downspouts can help efficiently move water away from the basement.
These ten quick tips are investments that can help prevent costly future repairs for homeowners.
Below are the top ten ways to avoid damp basements, as provided by a Windsor Waterproofing Company.
#1 – Paint the Walls with Water Resistant Paints
Using a high-quality, water resistant paint will help prevent interior walls from collecting moisture and condensation (also known as “weeping”).
#2 – Insulate Water Pipes
Pipes are also vulnerable to collecting moisture and condensation, which can be avoided with proper insulation. Another note on pipes is to ensure that any leaks are fixed right away.
#3 – Don't Dry Clothes in the Basement
Drying clothes in the basement on an indoor clothesline can add humidity to the basement, increasing condensation and moisture collection. Use an outdoor clothesline or the dryer (see #5 for more information).
#4 – Basement Bathrooms need Exhaust Fans
Showers create plenty of humidity no matter where they're located. Exhaust fans will help remove the excess moisture and improve air circulation. After showering, open the windows to let the basement air out (only on sunny days, of course, as humid and rainy days will only serve to increase bathroom and basement wetness).
#5 – Use Proper Vents and Connections for Appliances
Dryers should have vents to the outdoors, as the heat and humidity from drying clothes will increase basement water collection. Washers should also have proper connections and be inspected periodically for leaks (which must be repaired immediately if found).
#6 – Utilize Rocks and Gravel
To protect the house's foundation, use rocks and gravel around the perimeter of the basement. This is a cost-effective way to keep water from accumulating around the house, as rocks and gravel are super absorbent and quick drying as opposed to soil.
#7 – Install Window Wells
Foundation/basement windows are infamous collectors of rainwater and seepage. Metal window wells can prevent this moisture from entering through window frames and walls.
#8 – Check Water Flow around the House
Sloping landscapes can be lovely, but it is vitally important to ensure that the land slopes away from the house rather than toward it. Ensure that any sloping does not accumulate water around the foundation.
#9 – Dehumidifiers Work Well
Dehumidifiers can help relieve the basement of excess wetness. Ensure that there are enough dehumidifiers to accommodate the entire space of the basement. Larger basements typically require several dehumidifiers.
#10 – Gutters and Downspouts
Ensure that gutters remain unblocked and that proper outflow of downspouts is maintained. The end of downspouts should be at least ten feet away from the house's foundation. Installation of new, high-quality gutters and downspouts can help efficiently move water away from the basement.
These ten quick tips are investments that can help prevent costly future repairs for homeowners.
