Basements aren’t designed to be a perfect waterproofing solution, but specific measures can resist water.
Water and moisture problems affect more than 95% of homeowners and you want to be prepared. Preventing humidity in basements can help protect your home and belongings, but also keep your insurance rates low. Even if you live in low-risk flood zones, climate change has been altering weather patterns and increasing flooding.
If you want to learn about the best strategies for preventing moisture in basements after rain, keep reading below!
Open Windows
One of the first steps to take if you have humidity in basements is to open the windows.
Opening the windows can release moisture in the air and help dry things up. A damp basement can damage your belongings and lead to mold growth. Stagnant air in wet, cool places is ideal for mold and mildew growth, but windows can keep things flowing.
If you live in a subtropical zone, you may want to rethink opening the windows. This strategy won’t be helpful if the outdoor humidity levels are high. Use your best judgment to determine if open windows will contribute to or reduce moisture in basements after rain.
Fill Gaps
Caulking and filling gaps around your basement can make a big difference.
Although the basements can’t be fully waterproofed, there are ways to redirect them from your foundation. Filling small gaps around doors and windows can prevent excess moisture from getting inside. It’s also common for homeowners to find moisture in the cracks if the walls are concrete.
Depending on the filler or caulk, you may have to do this each year. Luckily, it doesn’t take long to seal the cracks, just monitor them in the weeks following application. If you notice new cracks forming to release water, you may have a significant problem lying below.
Clean Your Basement
Keeping things clean will help you better identify moisture in basements after rain storms.
Cluttered basements can make it difficult to see water puddles and wet spots. Do your best to reduce clutter and keep things off the floor. Many professional organizers recommend placing all of your items on a shelf a few inches above the ground.
Each month, take the time to do some cleaning. You can spend half the time doing basic cleaning tasks and then get to the nitty-gritty details for the remainder of the time. These short cleaning sessions will also reduce dust and dirt in the home!
If you have signs of water, clean them up and periodically check on them. When you clean the basement, you can better monitor the situation.
Turn the Dehumidifier On
Most new HVAC systems come with moisture and humidity settings.
Before you head to the store for a portable dehumidifier, check your HVAC to ensure it doesn’t have that option. Depending on your climate and the time of year, you may have to run your dehumidifier daily or as needed. Make sure you empty the water collector every day to avoid it from overflowing or malfunctioning.
Rock salt dehumidifiers are the most efficient styles to look for. Salt helps suck out the moisture, but you’ll have to invest in particular kinds for home improvement projects.
Invest in Fans
Having extra fans around the house is practical and comes into use when your basement is wet.
Investing in quality fans and strategically placing them in the basement can reduce moisture. Box fans are convenient and reliable, especially since they sit low on the ground. You can find more powerful fans, however, that are raised higher.
No matter what your budget is, you can find cheap fans to get the job done. If you aren’t seeing results within 24 hours, you may need to contact water restoration teams. They have powerful equipment that can save your foundation and basement from damage.
You can read this blog about water damage to better identify when it occurs. The sooner you can get a fan in the basement, the easier it’ll be to reduce moisture.
Heat Things Up
You don’t want to drastically increase your energy bills, but turning up the heat can still save you money.
Although you’ll see an increase in your statement, you won’t have to pay for water restoration services if you can prevent damage. Turning up the basement thermostat a few degrees can help dry things out, especially the carpet and drywall. Lower temperatures provide adequate conditions for mold growth, though the heat will help pull moisture from the air.
The ideal temperature is 72 degrees Fahrenheit or 22 degrees Celsius. Avoid putting your heat above 80 degrees since this will accelerate mildew growth.
Put Plants in or Near the Basement
Most people don’t realize it, but plants help manage humidity levels.
Plant leaves absorb water vapor, which will improve conditions in your basement. When the plants occasionally release moisture in the air, it’s cooler and doesn’t have as negative an effect on humidity levels.
If you don’t want plants in the basement, you can also try planting some outside. Planting flowers and shrubs along the basement can help reduce water damage. Plant roots will soak up water before it can enter your home.
Don’t Let Humidity in Basements Dampen Your Day
Finding humidity in basements is never a good sign, especially if the moisture has been around for a while.
Learning how to get rid of humidity in basements can help you save money and preserve the foundation of your home. By taking care of things from the ground up, you can keep water and mold away. Don’t forget to reduce clutter as a preventative measure before storms.
Take a look at our site for more home improvement content so your home is dry and comfortable!
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