An unfinished basement can easily be forgotten about in winter, but it is crucial to keep that underground space warm and dry in the colder months. Cold and moisture can easily enter the rest of the house if the basement isn’t protected. Here, we’ve gathered a few of the main causes of basement dampness and how to keep your basement dry in the winter.
Main Causes
There are a lot of things that can cause dampness in the basement, but there are a few primary offenders. Here’s what to look out for if you have noticed excess moisture in the basement.
- Broken or leaky pipes allow water to drip and pool in the basement. In fact, any kind of drain, gutter, or overflow near the basement could lead to dampness.
- Unused taps, toilets, and tubs in the basement can also become issues for dampness. Even if all the pipes are in good condition, if there isn’t water flowing somewhat regularly, it could be seeping out of the pipes and bring excess moisture into the walls.
- Condensation can often occur in the basement because the underground room tends to be a lot cooler than the other parts of the house. When the warm air from above mixes with the cooler air in the basement, condensation can form on the interior walls as well as inside them. Moisture in hidden, dark places can quickly become a breeding ground for mold.
- A dryer in the basement can be another culprit of dampness. As your clothes dry in the machine, the moisture will enter the air and cling to the walls, condensing and seeping inside.
How to Stay Dry
How you keep your basement dry in the winter will depend on what the primary cause of the dampness is. However, there are a few things you should regularly check that will help your basement stay dry. Here are a few suggestions:
- Fixing leaky pipes will most likely fix your dampness problem if you cannot locate another cause. A professional plumber should be used to fix the pipe. Make sure to have proper insulation fitted to prevent future condensation.
- Check your drainage systems. From the gutters to the sump pump, all sorts of systems that divert water should be double-checked to make sure they aren’t faulty.
- A good ventilation system will ensure that air keeps flowing through the basement and doesn’t allow moisture to settle. In the rest of the house, make sure that there are vents placed in bathrooms and kitchens and that the exhaust leads outside. Removing moisture from the whole house will prevent dampness in the basement.
If you’ve noticed some unwanted moisture in your basement, the professionals at B-DRY will be able to help you take care of it. From waterproofing and foundation repair, we’ll be able to help get your basement back on track. Contact us today.
