If you’ve ever had to deal with a damp basement, you know how frustrating and potentially damaging it can be. Not only can it lead to mold and mildew issues, but it can also impact the structural integrity of your home. The good news is that there are effective ways to address this issue and keep your basement dry and healthy.
Gutter Helmet, the trusted source of the best gutter guard in America, shares tips on dealing with a damp basement.
Identifying the Cause of Dampness
This is the first step to solving the problem and avoiding the consequences of a damp basement. Assess how severe it is, noting any signs of water infiltration like mold, mildew or water stains. It’s also important to determine whether the dampness is seasonal or constant, as this will help inform your approach to addressing the problem.
Checking Your Gutter Systems
Rainwater might be backing up the gutters due to the accumulation of dead leaves and debris. Perhaps one of the gutter sections is sagging, causing water runoff to spill out of the gutters and flood the side of your home. This, unfortunately, affects the foundations, resulting in water seeping through the soil and finding its way to your basement. You can avoid this by making sure your gutter systems are clean and in good working condition. The downspouts must be at least several feet away from the foundation so water runoff cannot end up flooding the front, side, or back of your home.
Waterproofing Your Basement
Beyond ensuring your gutters are in good working order, you can also take steps to waterproof your basement directly. Start by consulting with a professional who can inspect your basement and provide specific recommendations to address your unique situation. This may involve sealing cracks in your foundation, applying waterproof coatings to walls or even installing a sump pump to handle excess water.
Improving Ventilation and Humidity Control
You’re in luck if the dampness in your basement doesn’t come from water seeping through the soil and into the cracks in your foundation and basement walls. However, condensation as a result of warm air coming into contact with the cold basement walls can still happen. Fortunately, this is easy to deal with through proper ventilation and humidity control. Install and maintain vents and windows to promote proper airflow. Invest in a dehumidifier as well to minimize moisture buildup in your basement.
Keep these in mind to protect your basement from the threat of water damage, including mold and mildew growth and structural issues. Meanwhile, for your gutters to perform at their best, consider installing a gutter protection system. For that, you can turn to Gutter Helmet, a company well known for its best-selling solution for clogged gutters.
Read up on our gutter cover reviews to find out why homeowners love our product. Get started by calling (800) 824-3772 or filling out our online form for a consultation.