What issues are caused by a wet basement?

It’s not uncommon for basements to be damp. After all, they’re at the lowest point of your house, which is the coolest, either partially or fully underground, so they’re susceptible to condensation, and they have access to less fresh air, just because of their position. You don’t have to live with a damp basement, though, and the truth is that you really shouldn’t, because moisture in the basement can lead to major problems. Let’s take a look at some of the issues caused by a wet basement.

• A wet basement allows mold and mildew to invade your space. You might notice a musty smell, along with mold and mildew stains on the walls. Mold and mildew need moisture to grow, and as they do, they can cause a health hazard and irreversibly damage your belongings.
• Left wet, the wood in your basement can rot. Your window and door frames, floor joists, and ceilings can rot and deteriorate, which will necessitate costly repair or replacement. Damp basements can ruin wooden furniture, as well.
• Moisture in the basement can take a toll on your walls and floors. Peeling paint, damaged drywall, and efflorescence on your walls are all the result of moisture in your basement. Soaking through drywall, water in a basement can soak the insulation and interfere with the wiring in the walls. In a finished basement, the floor coverings can take a hit, too, whether they’re wood, linoleum, tile, or carpet.
• The structural integrity of your home can be threatened by a wet basement. Water in your basement may be coming through cracks in your foundation. Left unrepaired, these cracks can become larger and, especially when combined with rotten wood in your home’s frame, can be a major structural concern.
• Water in your basement can create a fire hazard. Especially if you have major appliances in your basement, water is a big problem. If these appliances get wet, they can stop working or develop a short, which can even lead to a fire. Additionally, when the wiring inside your walls is affected, the combination of electricity and water can be very dangerous.
• The air quality in your home is affected by the moisture level in your basement. High humidity in your basement can create a musty smell that doesn’t just impact the lower level of your home. About 60 percent of the air circulating throughout your home has passed through your basement, so if the air quality in the basement is bad, it decreases your overall indoor air quality.

What can you do about your wet basement? There are several ways to be proactive about fixing the problem. Look for cracks in your foundation and seal them, and make sure your landscaping and gutter system are working together to direct water away from your house. Consider installing a sump pump, and use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels under control. Most importantly, reach out to a professional basement waterproofing company for help.

If you need help keeping your basement dry, trust Reliable Basement Services to make the process hassle-free. A family-owned and operated company, we’ve served the greater Chicago area for over a decade. We offer a full spectrum of basement services including crack repairs, sump pump systems, basement waterproofing, basement windows, and floor repair. Our consistently high standards have made us an award-winning Chicago basement waterproofing contractor, so call us at (630) 777-0539 or visit our website.