Nashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga TN
Smelling mold or noticing excess moisture in your basement can be disheartening, especially when your basement is a finished living space. Rainfall, melting snow, and excess moisture can cause costly damage ranging from moldy drywall to ruined furniture. Fortunately, there’s hope to eliminate wet conditions and restore your basement to a dry haven. Therefore, our Nashville basement moisture control experts at Ameri Care Services share on the blog today how you can reduce moisture in your basement so that you can protect the investment in your home and personal property.
How does moisture get into my basement?
Condensation is the cause of damp spots in your basement if there is no flow of water after rain or snowfall. Our Murfreesboro basement waterproofers explain that condensation forms as droplets on basement surfaces when humid air comes into contact with them. In most cases, condensation issues are typically less difficult to resolve than leaks. Opening windows and running fans to circulate the air can air out the basement. But, the best method is to use a basement dehumidifier. These are inexpensive, simple to use, and help you dry moist air with little effort on your part.
Runoff
You probably have runoff issues if your basement is wettest after a rain or snowfall. Runoff occurs when water penetrates cracks in walls or porous stones. Our Nashville area crawlspace waterproofing experts advise homeowners to search for places around the foundation where runoff can enter to overcome basement moisture problems. Your landscaping should slope away from the house to help prevent water accumulation. Consider having it graded away if there are any spots where it slopes in the direction of your home. Also, inspect the driveway for unsealed cracks that can direct water below the grade of your landscaping.
How can I keep my basement dry?
Our Murfreesboro basement waterproofing pros explain that the best way to prevent moisture in the basement is to keep the area dry. Between a combination of do-it-yourself activities and the assistance of a basement waterproofing company, you can uncover, treat, and reduce basement moisture. Below are a few tips to follow to help you keep your basement dry.
- Clean the Gutters – Your home’s gutters and downspouts may cause water to gather around the foundation. So, to keep rainwater from reaching the foundation, install downspout extensions.
- Divert Driveway Rainwater – Your driveway should slope away from your home, so that excess water doesn’t pool against your foundation. In some cases, grading your driveway may not be possible. Therefore, use gravel and rocks to encircle the basement’s exterior because they can quickly absorb moisture.
- Cover the Ground – Cover the ground with 6-mil-thick polyethylene sheeting if your partial basement has an adjoining crawlspace with exposed dirt. Overlap the plastic by 6 inches, allowing the excess to spread up the walls, and secure it with bricks. An untreated crawlspace can cause excessive basement humidity and emit a strong musty odor.
- Control Mold and Mildew – Your clothes dryer emits lint and moist air. Warm, moist air vented into the house aids in mold and mildew and may also lead to structural issues. To prevent this, make sure your clothes dryer is vented to the outside.
- Clean Dehumidifier Drain Lines – An exhaust fan isn’t your only defense against humidity. Install a dehumidifier and connect it to the floor drain via a garden hose. Check the drain regularly and unclog it with hot water and detergent to keep the drain open and control algae growth.
- Seal Concrete Floors – Unsealed concrete floors have pores that allow for moisture absorption. Mold develops when the moisture does not sufficiently dry. By sealing your concrete floors, you can create a moisture barrier that will protect your home from damage.
- Install a Sump Pump – A sump pump removes extra water that could flood the basement. So, install a backup battery-powered sump pump in case the power goes out. Access to a drainage system is necessary.
Basement Waterproofing in Nashville and Murfreesboro, TN
Basement water problems can cause stress and financial strain, resulting in a severe impact on your home’s overall value. By following the above tips, you can reduce basement moisture and gain peace of mind that your home is protected against water. To find out more about basement waterproofing services in the Nashville area, contact Ameri Care Services at (615) 893-7111 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.