Say Goodbye to Basement Moisture and Musty Smells

Many homeowners just assume that a damp, musty basement or crawl space is the norm. This is often the reason why a lot of basements are essentially wasted or unused space. While these below-grade spaces are naturally-damp environments, there are ways to control the moisture to prevent mold growth, water damage and health risks associated with breathing in the musty, moldy air.

There are several different ways that moisture can enter a basement or crawl space. Moisture from the earth’s soil passes through foundation floors and walls, ruining anything it touches. Water will find a way into the basement, whether it’s through cracks, leaky windows, or the joint between the wall and the floor. Water can even make its way through porous concrete. If there’s a will, there’s a way. 

Things like plumbing leaks and standing water can also lead to moisture problems. Mold is able to grow when the relative humidity level is above 50 percent. As hot air rises and exits the home through the attic and upper levels, the damp, musty air from the basement travels up through your living space. This means that the air you and your family are breathing could be filled with mold spores.

The musty smell can worsen allergies and cause respiratory issues and other health problems. Moisture problems can also cause damage to drywall, flooring, furniture, stored items or anything else that you have in your basement. Most homeowners are aware that they have a moisture problem in their basement or crawl space, but aren’t really sure where to begin to fix the problem. A certified basement or crawl space professional can inspect your below-grade space and suggest the proper repairs for a dry, healthy basement.

In order to keep your basement dry, it’s important to install proper drainage. An important step to achieving a dry basement is to remove any standing water. A drainage system installed on the inside perimeter of your basement, like the WaterGuard Basement Drainage System, will capture any water that seeps through the walls or enters through cracks in the foundation and direct it to a sump pump. These systems are designed to remove water without clogging. With an interior drainage system, you won’t have to worry about causing damage to your yard. An interior system also costs half as much as an exterior system, and can be installed in as little as one or two days.

After standing water has been removed, a sump pump should be installed to pump water out of your basement and prevent future water problems. Often times, a basement becomes flooded when the pump burns out, becomes clogged or can’t keep up with the volume of water that needs to be pumped out of the home. Having a reliable sump pump, like the TripleSafe sump pump with a battery-backup pump, is one of the best ways to prevent water and moisture from ruining your basement or crawl space.

Water will enter your basement anywhere there’s opening. This is why it’s important to seal any existing cracks to help keep water or moisture out of the basement. An easy solution to repair leaky wall cracks is with a polyurethane polymer, such as the FlexiSpan Foundation Crack Repair System, which forms a durable seal which will stay bonded even with wall movement. 

Another common cause of a moisture problem in the basement is poor ventilation. This common problem can be easily solved with a dehumidifier. An Energy Star-rated dehumidifier unit like the SaniDry XP Basement Air System will help reduce moisture in your basement and remove particles like mold spores, dust and dust mite droppings. An optional carbon filter can also be installed to eliminate musty odors.

Finally, prevent moisture from making its way through your concrete walls and into your basement with a vapor barrier solution, like the CleanSpace Basement Wall System. Any water seepage coming through the wall will be directed down into your drainage system, keeping your basement dry and moisture free.

Controlling the moisture in your basement can be simple with the help of the certified professionals at Master Services. Their experts can assess the moisture problem inside your basement and provide you with a no cost obligation, written estimate on the best possible solution for your home.