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Basement Care Heidi Newbauer | Submitted photos
ith any season, our basements can become wet or damp for several reasons. As the experts consistently note, a little bit of moisture in the basement can turn into a big problem. However, we can check for these issues before they turn into a huge headache, and the experts are ready to help. According to Complete Basement Systems, among other experts, it’s important to identify the warning signals of wet basements, some of which may not be as obvious as a puddle on the basement floor or water trickling in from an open space. These other signs include water trickling out of the walls, a ring of dampness on concrete walls, stained or puckered walls, damp or humid air, deteriorating carpet or wood, rotting columns or joists or headers, and any type of lingering odor of mold or mildew. Basement moisture usually comes from three sources: rain or groundwater, interior moisture, or humid air. Rain or groundwater must settle somewhere. Without proper grading, downspouts, or gutters, that runoff can easily make its way into the basement. Sometimes the interior of the basement is the source. Dryers, showers, humidifiers, or anything that gives off 14 •
• APRIL 2021 • The Free Press
condensation—even newly poured concrete—can create moisture that lingers. The easiest way to combat these things are to make sure the dryer vent path is clear, have an exhaust fan installed above the shower, and run a dehumidifier to ensure the moisture level stays under 60 percent. If these things don’t seem to make a big difference, give the experts a call. As nice as it is to open our windows during the warmer months, it’s best to keep them closed with humid weather. This type of moisture can travel into the house easily with open windows and condense onto the walls and floors. The dehumidifier is a helpful go-to in times when the weather is this sticky—it also seems to be best to invest in a good one before the store shelves are empty on a particularly steamy week. If you have water in the house, it’s usually from a small set of causes. An interior water leak can come from a sink, a toilet, a bad pipe. If the moisture in the basement is on its ceiling, the water is usually coming from the bathroom or kitchen on the floor above. Ineffective grading is another cause of water leakage. The ground around a home’s foundation should slope away from the house. Building up the dirt around the foundation is usually the best fix for this issue.
