If you’re a homeowner, you know: no matter the season, there’s always maintenance to handle. In the summer, when temperatures and humidity skyrocket, your basement needs some extra attention. Why? All that hot, damp weather, along with summer storms, can lead to a damp or even flooded basement. What can you do? Take some preventive measures to keep it dry.
- Know how humid your basement really is. The first step in solving a problem is to define it, and it’s no different with basement moisture. Ideally, you should measure the humidity in your basement using a hygrometer, or humidity reader. If you don’t have a hygrometer, look for signs that the humidity is too high like condensation or mold growth. The humidity level in the basement should be between 40 and 60 percent.
- Determine why your basement is so damp. Especially if there’s been no flooding and you aren’t aware of any leaks, you may have to do some sleuthing to determine the reason for your basement’s high humidity. It could be that the soil around your home is oversaturated and water is seeping through your basement flooring and walls. It could also be the result of an appliance venting into the basement or basement windows that are allowing moisture in.
- A dehumidifier can be your first line of defense against humidity. Start with one dehumidifier for basement moisture, with the understanding that in a large basement, you may need to add more. See if you can get the humidity down to 50 percent, and if you can, you may not need to do anything else.
- Check on your sump pump. Make sure it’s working correctly and give the strainer screen a good cleaning, make sure it’s taking the water far from the house, and if it’s discharging below ground, check for leaks. Consider replacing your sump pump if it’s older than five years old.
- Get the air moving. It’s important for the air to circulate, and equally important that you don’t open the windows and pull in the hot, humid air. If the basement isn’t connected to the home’s HVAC, put in an air conditioner or some fans to keep the air circulating.
- Make sure no water is getting into the basement. Make sure the yard slopes away from the basement so that water won’t pool at the foundation, and keep your gutters and downspouts in good working order. It may also be time to call in professionals to waterproof your basement.
If you need help with your basement or foundation, ULB-DRY Waterproofing is here for you. A family-owned and operated company, we’ve served the greater Chicagoland area for over a decade. We offer a full spectrum of basement services, charging reasonable rates for work that includes crack repairs, sump pump systems, basement waterproofing, basement windows, and floor repair. Our consistently high standards have made us an award-winning Chicago basement waterproofing contractor with thousands of satisfied customers. Call (708) 978-7558 or visit our website for a free quote.