A basement is a very important structure that provides strength and stability to any house. Hence, it becomes mandatory that you take proper care of this place and keep it dry and safe. Although many people tend to overlook the potential hazards of a wet basement, it is in fact an open invitation to a plethora of problems. You should immediately work on to remove moisture from your basement, the moment you observe it getting there. Given below are some of the common hazards caused due to wet basement and ways to deal with the same.
Causes that lead to a damp basement
There are several reasons that lead to the formation of moist and damp conditions in a basement. These are –
– Rood water entering the basement due to absence of proper guttering, presence of leakage or blocking of the guttering.
– Excessive watering of the plants around the foundation wall. Extra water seeps through the soil into the basement thus making the area moist and wet.
– Rainwater gathering towards the basement from nearby lawns due to the slope of the lawn towards your basement.
– Other factors such as filling up of the spring or water body in your neighborhood.
Hazards associated with wet basement:
Health hazards:
A wet basement can be extremely dangerous for the health of all of your family members from young to old. It is because –
- Damp basements are a shelter to different types of micro organisms such as mold, mildew and fungus out of which mold is particularly more dangerous. Mold leads to the onset of various respiratory diseases like chronic lung infection, Asthma and Sinusitis. Out of all the known types, the mold named “Stachybotrys” or “black mold” is considered as the most dangerous disease causing microorganism.
- Other micro organisms that grown under moist conditions may result in health related issues like allergies – Eczema and chronic nose, eye and throat issues.
Structural Hazards:
Apart from causing the various health disorders mentioned above, damp basement might also lead to the disintegration and weakening of your house’s construction. Hence you should regularly check for any signs of flooding inside the basement before it gets really too late.
Moisture causes great damage to wooden beams and other wooden components as water causes deterioration of the wooden structures and cracks and holes in walls including great damage to paint and panels resulting in peeling of the paint. Not only this, standing water increases the chances of short circuit and hence it becomes extremely dangerous to use electrical appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators under such conditions. Standing water also gives rise to an unpleasant musty odor in the basement area.
How to deal with the problem of wet basements:
- Make arrangements for proper drainage system of your house. This is the most useful thing one can do to stop moisture getting inside the basement.
- Surface water drainage should be directed away from the basement.
- Roof water should not be allowed to fall near the foundation walls and should be directed to fall in a ditch located at a safe distance from the walls.
- Waterproof and damp proof your foundation walls.
- Install a vapor barrier to prevent excessive moisture from entering inside the basement.
- The foundation walls must be designed such that they contain adequate ventilation channels that allow cross ventilation and thus prevent water from getting collected inside the basement.
- Visit the basement regularly especially after a storm and look out for signs such as musty odor or mildew, condensation and rusting deposits.
Summary
A damp basement can turn out to be a serious issue if not taken care of. Not only is it extremely expensive to repair but poses dangers to human health also. Hence follow the above tips and be alert to see the signs of dampness as early as possible. Remember, a stitch in time saves nine!
