How to Keep Your Basement Dry

Keep your basement dry to prevent mold and mildew.

Dampness in the basement is a common problem encountered by homeowners. Not only can a damp basement cause an unpleasant, musty odor, but it also encourages the growth of mold and mildew that can be detrimental to the health of everyone living in the home. If you find yourself with a basement that needs to be dried out, there are steps that you can take to eliminate the moisture problem and prevent it from returning.

Things You'll Need

• Hydraulic cement
• Waterproof sealant
• Plastic sheeting
• Dehumidifier

Instructions

1. Inspect the land around the outside of your basement walls. If the ground slopes downward toward the basement, this will cause water to pool against the walls when it rains, possibly resulting in leaks. Fill in any holes or dips in the soil so that the land slopes away from the basement, and make sure that the spouts from your rain gutters are also draining away from the basement walls. Flexible extensions for your downspouts can be purchased from a hardware store and used to direct water away from your home.

2. Check the inside of the basement for any leaks or areas that seem particularly prone to moisture. If there are noticeable cracks in the walls or floor that are letting water in, fill them in with hydraulic cement. Once all cracks have been filled and the cement has dried, apply waterproof sealant to the basement walls. This sealant can be applied to concrete walls just like paint and will prevent water from seeping in.

3. Reduce the overall humidity of your basement after sealing it from outside moisture. Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible and use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air, especially during the summer. If you have a clothes dryer in the basement, check that the hot air vent is properly sealed and sending humid air outside. If the basement has a dirt floor, cover it with plastic sheeting to prevent moisture from coming up through the soil. These measures will significantly reduce the amount of dampness in your basement.

Tips & Warnings

• If you notice leaks coming from pipes in your basement, hire a plumber to fix the problem.

References

• EnergyStar: Damp Basement
• This Old House: How to Waterproof a Basement