To make the most out of your basement, you need to take steps to ensure that your basement stays dry. A damp basement encourages the growth of mold and mildew, which can trigger severe health problems like asthma and allergies. Furthermore, continuing to use a damp basement can result in structural damages.

Take note of the tips below so you’ll know how to keep your basement dry all the time.

1. Redirect Water Away From Your Home

One of the easiest ways to keep your basement dry is to redirect water away from your home using downspouts and gutters. When water flows towards your home, it can form puddles that will eventually seep into your home’s foundation and cause damage.

Since debris can build up over time, don’t forget to regularly check and clean your gutters regularly. This should be part of your maintenance routine to ensure that water continues to flow through them, away from your basement.

2. Use a Waterproof Sealant

Repairing your interior walls and floors using a waterproof sealant is a great way to keep your basement dry. These sealants create a protective layer on the surfaces of your basement, keeping your basement dry and helping you save money from paying wet basement repair costs.

Although helpful in keeping your basement dry, keep in mind that a sealant doesn’t provide long-term solutions to existing leaks or wall cracks. It’s still best to hire professionals when your basement starts to leak.

3. Invest in a Humidifier

Basements are usually more humid than other rooms in the house because of the moisture seeping through the foundation walls. High humidity can attract pests and have adverse effects on human health.

Using a humidifier is a great way to keep your basement dry, as these devices use vibration to create a cool mist to add humidity indoors. Moreover, a humidifier can also reduce the risk of catching the flu. One study claimed that this device can outright deactivate the influenza virus.

When buying a humidifier, make sure to choose one that is appropriate for the size of your basement. One rule to follow when selecting a humidifier is that for every 500-square-foot foot, you need to use a humidifier that holds ten pints of water and add four pints of capacity for every 500 square feet. If you have a 1,000-square foot basement, you need to use a humidifier with a 14-pint capacity.

4. Use a Sump Pump

Sump pumps are submersible devices that remove standing water accumulated in a water-collecting pump basin, usually found in basements. By investing in one, you can easily remove excess water from your basement caused by flooding or leaks.

A sump pump requires some additional plumbing installation, but using one is the best way to easily redirect water away from your basement.

Work With Pros

Along with the tips presented in this article, don’t forget to work with professionals, such as Klein Home Solutions, to prevent water damage in your basement. These professionals offer basement waterproofing services to protect your sump pump and prevent basement flooding.

You can contact Klein Home Solutions at 814-456-5605 or email them at kleinsys@aol.com.