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7 Steps to Fix a Damp Basement in Holland MI

damp-basement

Damp Basement in Holland MI

A damp basement is an indicator of a greater problem and it can become the breeding ground for mildew and mold. Mold looks for areas such as these to form, multiply and cause many problems. In order for mold to thrive, you will need the basement to be damp, dark and cool with a supply of food that the mold can eat. Mold has been known to cause issues with the nerves and the respiratory system. You must take care of the dampness in your basement if you are to avoid this menace.

There are several steps you should take in order to fix the problem you are facing with dampness in the basement as follows:

  1. You can begin by improving the drainage of your basement. In order to do this, you will need to install a French drain which relieves hydrostatic pressure in the basement. With this in place, you will be protecting your basement from water that could be coming in from the direction of the footer or from underneath the floor of your basement.
  2. You will need to install sump pumps. The pump will be collecting all the water that has been produced by the French drain and will pump it away from your basement. A good pump can get rid of as many as 2400 gallons of water an hour. Because they are often power-driven, it is important to ensure battery backup is in place in case of a power outage.
  3. You need to fix structural and foundation issues. A damp basement shows that there has been moisture or water seepage. In the event of water seepage, you may also experience buckling, cracks, bows and bulges in the walls of the foundation. These will need to be repaired quickly to avoid further damage.
  4. Install water proofing as well as mold coatings. The whole idea behind this is to ensure that humidity and moisture in the basement is under control. Not only does this improve your basement’s condition, it also inhibits the growth of mold.
  5. Protect your walls. For this you will need to install a Thermal Armor Vapor barrier. Not only does it eliminate the problem you have with water seepage and moisture, it will also help you reduce your energy bills too.
  6. Additional waterproofing. Current technology can help you create membrane coating which makes the walls and floors of your basement 100{a01d7d21de2172f1b14f06a8bafcbdf0b628e8f979d68f5dde60693bc1457a76} waterproof.

Get a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier will reduce the humidity in your basement and get rid of the typical basement smell. With moisture and humidity removed, you don’t have to worry about a damp basement anymore.