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Common Methods Used for Drying a Damp Basement | Plumbers in North Myrtle Beach, SC
Basements are a blessing in disguise if the square footage of your house is not big to accommodate everyone in a two story house. Having basements is very common worldwide and are used for a variety of purposes as they all serve a common cause; providing extra space. Basements with windows that have the option of sunlight entering into them are mostly used as living spaces or otherwise as maintenance rooms or garages. Buried basements that have no windows and no other option for sunlight to reach there are used as laundry rooms or storage rooms.
Basements that have windows or some source of ventilation, as per the plumbers in North Myrtle Beach, SC are more prone to growing rot and mold in them. This happens because of the moisture that migrates along with sunlight into the room and which then creates musty odors. Drying out such damp basements might be an ongoing battle for some while for others it might be solvable by just a simple clean up. This is because according to plumbers in North Myrtle Beach, SC some of the most important factors that determine the humidity that would collect in your basement over time include the weather of the city you are living in, its temperature, construction of the house, and the local geography. These factors together determine how hard or how easy it is going to be for you as a homeowner to get rid of dampness from your basement.
In this article, we have highlighted some of the most common methods which can be used individually or in combination with other methods to dry out your basement and to ensure that stays dry and comfortable forever.
Identify Places of Standing Water and Its Sources
What is necessary and is considered to be one of the basic reasons to create dampness in and around the house according to plumbers in North Myrtle Beach, SC is groundwater leaking in your house and standing there. It will directly damage its foundations, base, and fiberglass insulation further damaging other items present in the basement. If your basement is carpeted it would start seeping into it, into the drywall and other absorbent materials present there.
Once the damage has started it will take no more than 48 hours for the mold to start growing and showing up on the visible as well as invisible spaces, thus leading to property damage and posing health issues.
To avoid this issue it has been recommended by plumbers in North Myrtle Beach, SC to install a sump pump along with a perimeter drain system to ensure a comfortable and dry space. For extra assurance, you can add a battery-powered backup system for situations when the primary one fails to work.
Reseal the Concrete
Because of concrete being porous substance water can pass through as time passes by. This mostly happens because of the humidity in the weather outside your house. The moisture from the wind is able to pass through these pores of the walls and enter the house. This doesn’t usually happen in newly built houses but in those that have been old and haven’t been treated for a while.
To avoid these issue plumbers in North Myrtle Beach, SC recommends the use of concrete paint-and-sealer combo, floor matting, and mechanical wall panels to protect the walls and the floor. These combos and panels come in a variety of strengths and colors so you can find the one that works best for you and your place.
Seal All the Air Leaks
Identifying any air leaks and sealing them off can greatly help in avoiding moisture and dampness in your basement. These air leaks are mostly near dryer vents, basement windows, and other small points. These should be sealed with foil tape to prevent humidity in your basement. Silicone sealer or foam weather sealer is extremely useful for leaky windows and vents.
One other suggestion by plumbers in North Myrtle Beach, SCis to keep the windows closed when there is high humidity expected in the temperature as a further protection measure.
Attend to Gutters and Downspouts
If water is collecting on the outside of your house after rain and your basement starts leaking then it would be nearly impossible to prevent things from getting damp inside. Plumbers in North Myrtle Beach, SC suggests you add gutters to your house that channels the water to downspouts. These downspouts should also be at least four to five feet away from the house so that it moves the water away from your house’s foundations. This can be done with the help of horizontal extensions.
Make Use of Energy Efficient Dehumidifier
To make sure that your basement remains dry and no musty odors can be smelled there it is highly advised to install an energy efficient dehumidifier by plumbers in North Myrtle Beach, SC or anywhere else. Opt for a dehumidifier that has functions like self-draining – so that there is no collection tray to remove after every couple of hours, blowing motor – to circulate air through the basement, air filter – to remove dust particles from the air and odor filter – to get rid of the pungent smell in the basement.
The Bottom Line
These are some of the common ways to dry out your basement. If you still notice any signs of dampness or moisture in your basement after trying any of these methods or a combination of these then it is better to call in an expert professional to handle the issue. It is important not to try and fix it all on your because plumbers in North Myrtle Beach, SC believe that you may be calling for more trouble. If you are located in North Myrtle Beach, SC and are looking for experts in this field then get the help of Benjamin Franklin Plumber. For further assistance call their 24/7 emergency number 843-213-6611.