If These Basement Walls Could Talk

If basement walls could talk, the first thing they’d probably tell homeowners is to stop neglecting them.

Indeed, while people get excited over decorating the exterior and the most visible walls of a house, not many actually pay attention to the walls in the basement, that dark and musty storage space below. Not many make it a priority to keep them in top condition, which is a shame, because neglect of basement walls can lead to structural damages like leaks, cracks, molds, and biological growths, as well as health and electrical hazards that grow bigger if left unaddressed.

With just a little attention and proper maintenance, you can keep the basement walls of your home in great condition.

Control moisture levels

One of the biggest problems that homeowners usually encounter with basement walls is moisture. Whether it’s finding its way through foundation cracks, bad insulation, or condensation on windows and pipes, it’s important to prevent moisture from being trapped inside the basement. That’s the easiest way to control it, after all: to stop the water from coming in. Find out the source of moisture by inspecting your rain gutters, your downspouts, and the surfaces of the actual basement walls. Then find a way to direct the water away from the foundation – and to exhaust the water vapor produced in the house to the outside. Most likely you’ll need a contractor like Greenwerks to come up with solutions for controlling moisture levels in your basement, but one thing is clear: prevention is better than repair or replacement. So keep ‘em dry!

Seal the cracks and the gaps

Don’t procrastinate and excuse yourself from sealing the cracks on your basement wall by saying no one ever sees them anyway. Sooner or later, you’ll need the valuable extra space in your basement to create a home office, a gaming room, a storage area, or a home office. Sealing those cracks and gaps is also a great way of keeping your basement dry.

If you’re wondering what sealing materials are best for the job, try caulking compounds like water-based foam sealants, latex, resin-based caulks, and cured silicone. The U.S. Department Energy has a list comparing these caulking materials according to strength, cost, and toxicity levels. If problems persist, consult a green contractor for a more extensive weatherproofing work.

Provide ventilation

If you are one of many homeowners who use the basement as a laundry room, make sure you provide sufficient ventilation – and that the dryer of your washing machine vents air outdoors. Install an exhaust fan or a dehumidifier and leave the basement windows open for a few hours each day. As much as possible, avoid drying clothes in the basement, and inspect the washer regularly to make sure there aren’t any leaks or damages.

Keep Reading and Check out these Articles:

1. Education and Inspection: The Keys to Home Buying
2. Keeping Basement Walls in Top Condition
3. Basement Remodeling
4. Home Additions
5. Controlling Water Penetration in Homes