How to Dehumidify a Basement
Humidity in a basement can be very problematic for a homeowner and it can even pose a risk to a family's health. Humidity and moisture in the dark, cool basement of a home creates the perfect atmosphere for the growth of mold and mildew; mold in particular can endanger one's health. Elevated humidity levels in the basement can also create an unpleasant environment that's damp and musty. This article offers way to dehumidify a basement. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Dehumidifier Hydraulic concrete Bucket Trowel or putty knife Mixing stick Masonry waterproofing compound Water Paint brush Kitty litter or Speedy-Dri Broom Dust pan Trash Can
Instructions
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Dehumidifying a Basement
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1
Place a dehumidifier in a central area of the basement. A dehumidifier will remove the moisture from the air. It collects the water in a reservoir that must be emptied on a regular basis. If the basement is large, with multiple rooms, a dehumidifier will be required for each room.
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2
Identify the source of any leaks in the foundation. Look for areas of moisture, particularly after it has rained. Areas of mold or mildew also suggest that a leak is nearby. Leaks in the foundation cause moisture; this moisture evaporates into the air, causing humidity.
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3
Mix a batch of hydraulic concrete in a bucket and use a trowel or putty knife to apply this to the leaks that have been identified in the basement walls. Hydraulic concrete must be used immediately, even in the presence of water and moisture, because it is fast drying.
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4
Brush a coat of masonry waterproofing compound onto the basement walls. This prevents moisture on the walls. It lessens humidity since there will be less water evaporating into the air of the basement.
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5
Spread kitty litter or an absorbent kitty litter-like substance like Speedy-Dri onto sections of concrete floor that appear moist and damp. This will absorb the moisture, instead of allowing the moisture to evaporate into the air.
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6
Sweep up and dispose of the kitty litter or Speedy-Dri after allowing it to sit overnight. The kitty litter pulls the moisture out of the concrete before it evaporates. The less water that evaporates into the air, the less humidity will be present.
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7
Monitor the dehumidifier(s) in the basement on a regular basis and empty the water collection canisters as needed. Very damp and humid basements will require constant use of dehumidifiers.
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Tips & Warnings
If moisture and leaks are a problem in a finished basement, sections of drywall will need to be removed to allow for patching of leaks and sealing the masonry with a waterproofing compound. This is the only way to prevent dangerous mold and to eliminate humidity in the basement.
Serious basement leaks (which, in turn, cause humidity) can occur if a home's gutters and drainage systems are not properly draining the water away from the foundation. It may be necessary to revamp the home's gutters and drainage system if water is pooling near the foundation.
