Why is a Dry Basement so Important?

How do you use your basement? Is it a family hangout or just a place to store some stuff you’re not using? No matter how your basement functions, it’s important to keep it dry. Why does it matter so much? A wet basement is inconvenient, but it’s much more than that. In fact, it can actually be dangerous.

If your basement is damp, it creates a welcoming environment for mold and mildew. Along with the water damage, mold and mildew can damage items in your basement. Over time, it can also damage the walls and floor. Water can ruin your carpet, but when it’s left to stand in your basement, the damage can become much worse. Water in your basement can eat away at the structure of your house.

As bad as it is for the basement, moisture in the basement is also bad for the air in the rest of your house. About half of the water inside your house has circulated through the basement first, so if your basement is damp and musty, it can contaminate your entire home. If mold is growing in your basement, mold spores can spread through the house and affect your family’s health.

What causes a basement to become damp? It could be a problem with your home’s structure, if water is leaking through the basement walls or seeping through the foundation. Your sump pump may not be working properly, or you may have a leak somewhere in your plumbing. The water table around your home may be too high, your basement may have flooded because of a storm, or your landscaping may be funneling water under your house. Finding the cause of the problem is the first step towards finding the solution.

To keep your basement dry, you may simpy need a dehumidifier. On the other hand, you may need to assess your home’s exterior. The gutters and downspouts may be directing water at your foundation, or your yard may be sloping towards your home. If you can’t find a simple solution that works for you, it’s time to call in a professional. You may need basement waterproofing or a new sump pump. When you call in an experienced basement waterproofing company, their expert technicians can help determine what’s causing the moisture in your basement and determine the right way to handle it. You might need a new drainage system, either inside your basement or outdoors.

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.