key points
- Keeping a basement without a dehumidifier involves addressing the root causes of moisture.
- Closed gutters, defective downspots, and inappropriate grading can cause water to enter your basement.
- Improperly dryer and insufficient airflow can cause an increase in humidity in the basement.
If there is a cellar in your house, keeping it dry and mildew-free may seem like a constant fight. While the owners of many basement choose for one option dehumidifierThey actually are nothing more than a band-ad fix that does not address the root cause of moisture issues.
Below, we have talked to some domestic experts about six methods Keep a basement dry Without using a dehumidifier, so that you can improve your air quality and keep your basement mold and mildew.
Maintain your pimples pump
If you have an abopping pump in your basement, Production Manager Kevin McLister says that it is important to maintain it and ensure that it is working properly.
Whenever water comes to consciousness, a pump works by activating a pump. The pump will send the water out of a pipe and out of the basement, where it exits.
“A sump pump is not just for an emergency,” the mcLister makes it clear. “It actively keeps ground water from construction under your home. Test it regularly, and consider battery backup in terms of power outage.”
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Make sure you have proper grading outside
As mentioned above, dehumidifiers are effective in drying a basement, but they do not address the root cause of basement of basement.
Often, the reason for the basement of the basement of the basement is nothing more than the inappropriate grading outside your house, resulting in the removal of rainwater instead of removing your foundation. Mclister recommends checking the slope of your yard around your foundation.
“Your soil should be sloped away from home at least six feet at the first ten feet,” they explain. “It prevents rainwater from pooling near your foundation.”
To create a slope to create a slope is a cheap solution that significantly reduces the amount of moisture entering your basement, explaining the mcLister.
Expand downspots and maintain gutters
Even if proper grading, clogged gutters and downspots, improperly installed gutters, or downspots that are very close to the house, can send water to the basement directly to the basement.
“Ensure that downspots extend at least four to six feet away from your home,” he advises. “If the water is flowing right next to your foundation, you are basically inviting it to your basement.”
He says that regular gutter cleaning (at least twice a year) can help prevent overflow which can occur during heavy rains, further protects your basement from moisture.
Seal foundation cracks and gaps
If you see water or feel high humidity, but may not seem to highlight the source, McLister says that small cracks in your foundation walls or floors can allow water and water vapor to leak. They recommend using a high quality masonry sealant to fill the cracks and coat walls.
“(Sealing your foundation) not only blocks moisture, but can also reduce mastic oaders,” they say. “Epoxy or polyurethane injections can work for large cracks, while a waterproofing paint or sealant can create a protective barrier on the entire surface.”
Improve ventilation
Most of the time, if a place is experiencing high humidity, ventilation is inadequate. Although basements are often closed locations, McLister says that offering better airflows can be the key to reducing moisture.
“Without a dehumidifier, you can use small fans or passive vents to keep the air circulating,” they explain. “If possible, open windows during dry, sunny days, which to go into fresh air and remove moisture.”
He says that keeping the basement air to the primary levels of his home can help balance the humidity levels strategically or even a vent fan. However, you would only like to do so if you have Finished or properly sealed basement,
Make sure your dryer is denied properly
Even some simple moisture issues and bad air quality as drying your clothes in your basement. Ruben Saltzman, home inspector and owner of structure tech home inspection, says, if your dryer is located in your basement, it is necessary to ensure that it is coming out rather than the basement.
Check that the duct is safely accelerated behind the dryer, there is no holes, and that the other end is sealed out and properly. If there is no case, your dryer is directly dumping humidity in your basement.
