You may want to enjoy the perks of basement remodeling suited to your own needs and demands. This, however, turns out disastrous and consuming on your part as you have to deal with the problems brought about by wet finished basement. In one way or another, instead of having the benefits of an underground function room, you are presented with yet another household problem — all because of the wet, damp state of your basement.

Whether you want to call for a professional help or take action by yourself will depend on you. What is important is you determine the problems that might have brought a wet finished basement. Tracing the main culprit will save yourself from the dilemma of facing further accumulation of water inside your house.

Here are three common basement problems you may encounter and the solutions that you can take to address them:

Condensation

This is mostly referred to as “sweating” wherein a pool of water arises in basement surfaces (walls and floors). This may be caused by warm air moisture within the room. Uninsulated cold water pipes should also be checked as this would also cause dampness.

The Problem. One big concern is that you can easily confuse condensation to runoff or seepage water. This may be because it still brings forth puddle of water within the area. The best way to differentiate them is by taping foil in the damp spots. Check after a day for moisture; if it forms outside of the foil, then it is best to conclude that water is condensing caused by air trapped inside.

Basic Solution. Ventilate the area by opening windows or putting up a running fan. During cold season, provide insulation within pipes by integrating foam so as to prevent air from coming into contact with the surface. Try to turn up the temperature in your basement and consider putting up more vents for more air circulation.

Runoff

Water runoff thrives within cracks and spots found in the basement walls and floors. This is due to unrouted water outside seeping into the ground in a capillary action towards a possible opening inside the room.

The Problem. You may have discovered a damp or wet state of your basement after raining or snowing. This is one primary sign that wetness is caused by water runoff.

Basic Solution. You start by locating cracks and open holes where water can seep into. Patch and seal everything up. You also have to address the outside area for more cracks and holes. Take into account the level of terrain your house is situated in. Slope the ground in such a way that you reroute the water away from getting into your house area. Check for leaks among your basement pipes and seal it.

Groundwater

If you sense that there is a continuous flow of runoff water inside your basement even without rain or snow, then you probably have to consider groundwater as a source of the predicament.

The Problem. Subsurface water causes a consistent wet basement area. There is a relative amount of water flowing within your walls. Your floors as well as the walls almost always have water.

Basic Solution. You may want to check the water table area as you may have been situated in the region with high water level. Taking action all by yourself won’t do much; try calling for some professional service to do the job for you.  Procedure solutions range from incorporating clay soils up to installing devices like sump pump to address the high water problem. What you need to do is look for quality contractors and explain detailed specifications of your concerns.

With an array of possible issues you might deal with regard to your basement floor, water can always be one of the pressing worries. But, being able to address the right sources can make every treatment and solution easy. All the more with the variety of market basement tools available. Having a basement dehumidifier in your house is one of the many effective wet basement solutions you can try.

Flood is one nasty incident you don’t want to encounter. This calamity will test your efforts and sometimes temper to put everything back. During floods, your basement will be a top candidate for the most severely damaged area in your home. This will be a headache but here are some steps and things you need to consider to make your basement flood cleanup campaign easier.

1.  Think of safety first.

Before you set foot inside your basement and do the actual cleaning, turn off all electric appliances.  Don’t just walk in immediately! Use a broom handle to reach your switch box. You can also call a licensed electrician to address this concern first before you proceed with further actions. Safety is important. The electrician can tell you when it is safe to walk in and address any related problems.

2.  Wear the needed outfit.

Once it’s safe to walk in the water, you can now start cleaning up. Waterproof boots and gloves, a long-sleeved shirt and pants will protect you from dirt, germs and bacteria. Molds and mildew most likely thrive in basements, and it would be wise if you wear a protective face mask so you don’t breathe the mold spores into your nose and lungs.

3.  Run your sump pump.

Use a pump to drain your basement of any leftover water. You must take note of the speed of how water is pumped whenever you have flood water that is several feet deep. In cases like this, water needs to be removed at a slow rate. If the water is pumped out too fast, the action will create a low pressure on the inside of your basement. This will cause higher pressure on the outside causing your basement walls to easily fall in. If your basement has a floor drain, mop all the water to the drain. If your basement does not, mop up the excess water and squeeze it into your bucket.

4.  Dry out your basement.

Damp areas are an invitation to mold, mildew and other bacteria. It is therefore important to quickly dry your basement. You can also open up your windows and doors to speed it up. Turning on a few large fans and a basement dehumidifier will likewise solve the trick.
 

5.  Remove objections.

Remove furniture, carpeting, rugs, and any other objections to accelerate your cleaning effort. Wet boxes and belongings weigh more than dry ones.  Always lift with your legs when handling these objects.

6.  Evaluate your belongings.

Try to check whether some damaged valuables can still be redeemed. With regard to your carpets, if the water damage is minor, you may be able to have them on bricks for air circulation that will help to dry them out. If both rug and padding are saturated, you might find it difficult to do it yourself. You can call a professional carpet cleaning service to help you with this matter. However if mold has begun to appear, it may be best to get rid of them and find replacements if possible. The same is true with other items. Don’t plug in your electronic items that were submerged in the basement flood water. It should be checked by a professional repairman first for your own safety.

7.  Clean everything thoroughly.

Clean the floor, walls, and other areas that may have been damaged thoroughly. Scrub the walls and floors with a solution made of 1 cup of bleach and 5 gallons of water. Be sure to wear rubber gloves and work clothes. You can also ask the advice of a home supply dealer if you want to get the right concentration of bleach or a suitable commercial cleaner for the walls and floor.

8.  Eliminate moisture.

For finishing touches, run the fans and the basement dehumidifier once more. Your basement should no longer look or feel moist and humid for it not to attract bacteria.

These are some key pointers you can follow to have an effective basement flood cleanup. This may take some of your time and energy, so it’s a wise idea that you find efficient ways to get the best results. And of course, look for the best dehumidifier for basement to have that dry basement for good.

Basement humidity is one of the common problems that you don’t want to encounter. When the ground surrounding the basement is saturated with water, there is a tendency that the water will penetrate your home through your basement.  This will contribute to excess moisture in your home which will eventually attract mold and mildew.

Exposure to these organisms can cause health related issues such as cold-like symptoms, respiratory problems, nasal and sinus congestion, watery eyes, sore throat, coughing and skin irritations, and can trigger asthma attacks and even adverse conditions. Mold and mildew must then be removed to avoid any health related problems. In addition to this, this problem can also do a lot of serious damage to the home.

This is where basement dehumidifiers come in handy. Here are 5 reasons why you need to have one.

1. It improves air quality in your home. Moisture trapped, particularly basement humidity, inside your home isn’t healthy for you, not even to your pets. It is the fuel for a contaminant breeding ground. Reducing the level of moisture in your home will make you breathe better and keep you safer from risky illnesses.

    

2. It protects your home. Moisture is the number one enemy of your home as it virtually affects its every aspect. Installing a dehumidifier will help in preventing many things that will lead you to costly repair such as wood rot, mold and mildew, and odor problems.

3. It helps you get rid of insects. Insects such as cockroaches, silverfish, centipedes and spiders thrive in moist environments. This is one aspect that most people overlook. If you manage the clamminess in your surrounding, you’ll eliminate many of the problematic insects.

4. You can save money. During summer months the elevated moisture problem forces you to run your air conditioner more frequently for you to feel comfortable. Removing such moisture level can help you get the same level of comfort in your house at higher temperatures. Many don’t realize this, but it will always be more economical to remove the said problem from the air than it is to heat or cool it.

5. It’s easier than you think. So many people think installing a dehumidifier is a taxing job. In most cases you can just place the equipment in your basement and run a hose from the outlet to your drain or sump pit. Special electrical requirements aren’t really needed and often, you can get satisfactory results without any ductwork added.

Basement dehumidifiers give you a wide array of benefits whether it is associated to the comfort that you want to maintain in your home or make sure that you and your family is protected from health related issues caused by molds. Now that you know the benefits that this equipment offers, look for the best dehumidifier for basement that will help you.

One problem with having a basement in your household is dealing with dampness. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, wet basement problems affect about 60% of homeowners. Such concern can cause serious problems not only with your home but also with your health.  Intermittent leaks can rot your house structure, attract termites and cause mold to flourish. Mold in turn can cause respiratory problems, especially with any one who is suffering from allergies.

There are several reasons why this problem happens. Lack of ventilation is one. Improving air movement would be one of the possible solutions but this is difficult if your basement is full of boxes. In such case it would be much easier to get a dehumidifier.

Here are some useful tips that can guide you in choosing and using a dehumidifier for your basement:

1.   Larger units require less energy.

Larger units remove moisture from the air more quickly. Smaller sized units need to be on all the time to do an equal work. This is ideal if your basement is open plan (only one big room).

2.   Large dehumidifiers don’t have to be emptied as often.

Dehumidifiers collect water from the air which in turn needs to be drained.  If the water doesn’t get drained regularly enough, the dehumidifier won’t be able to work well. Since large dehumidifiers hold more water, they don’t have to be emptied as often. The problem however with that is the bucket can end up being too heavy and difficult to carry. Dehumidifiers can hold between 35 and 135 pints of water.  Warning lights present in most dehumidifiers indicate that it is full which easily allows you to see at a glance whenever there’s a problem. So that you don’t need to concern yourself with the task of emptying out a dehumidifier, the easiest option would be to drain out the water into a floor drain, sump or sink. Using a hose can help but avoid one which is too long as you could easily trip over it.

3.   If a dehumidifier gets too cold, frost can build up around the coils preventing the machine from working as well as it should.

You can deal with this in two ways; either you switch off the unit and allow it to defrost, or you can buy a unit with a built-in sensor which will do the said task for you. If you live in a place which can get very cold weather, you should buy a dehumidifier which is designed to work in low temperatures.

4.   Keep the coils clean for the dehumidifier to have the dehumidifier work to its optimum level.

Make sure that the unit is protected from dust and smoke. Don’t overuse the machine. You also only need to use it if there is actually a problem with high humidity.

5.   Read through the specifications and ask guidance or advice from the sales person if you have some clarifications.

The market offers a vast number of dehumidifier models. They vary on quality, brand, size and functions. More often than not, sales info provided is quite confusing and appears too technical for consumers. Asking the assigned sales person’s for certain concerns can help in making a sound decision.

6.   Place the dehumidifier in an ideal location so that air can circulate

You can position most dehumidifiers against the wall since they have the air discharge at the top. If this isn’t the case then make sure to put it away from the walls and furniture so that the air can circulate. Keep doors and any windows shut to improve your dehumidifier’s efficiency. Your dehumidifier will come with instructions. Read the instructions carefully particularly those relating to safety.

Dealing with a wet basement is not an easy task but keeping in mind of the above mentioned tips will certainly help you in choosing and using the best among all basement dehumidifiers.
           
 

Isn’t it just “blech” inducing when you see mold and mildew growing or developing anywhere inside your home?

Molds and mildews are often times used alternately, but what is each specifically? Mold and mildew have many similar characteristics, but they are different types of fungi, and are often different in color and texture. They can sometimes be difficult to tell apart as they both spread out from spores. Mold is often black, green, red or blue in color while mildew is usually gray or white. Yes, they may look filthy but at the same time, they seem harmless – WRONG. Not only is the sight of molds icky and disgusting but it also imposes different health risks such as allergic reactions, tissues irritation, infections and toxic effects due to mycotoxins. You’re making yourself go through these risks without realizing it. Now take a look at your wet basement floor; do you see something which shouldn’t be there?

Mold and Mildew – Where Do They Exist?

Both mold and mildew thrive in damp environments and could eventually cause health risks, so keeping areas dry is the main preventative measure to help eliminate the fungi. When saying damp or moist environments, does your wet basement floor suddenly ring a bell and images of it come flashing in your mind? Are there some damp or musty smells coming from your basement? Mold and mildew might be the one causing this awful smell and creeping around your basement while you’re totally clueless and blaming it on other things.

Oh yes! Your wet basement floor can be a breeding ground for molds and mildews without you even realizing it. If ventilation is poor, water may accumulate in there. Better get rid of this unflattering and unwanted home accessory before it takes over your home. How embarrassing and unhealthy would that be if it happens? Yikes!

How Can You Get Rid of Them?

Now, upon identification and verification of the presence or soon-to-be appearance of molds and mildews, we proceed to the second step and question. How can you get rid of them? You can say good bye to these disgusting things of course by choosing not only a good but extremely effective basement dehumidifier.  With below 40% humidity, your basement is a safe place away from all these fungi and that’s what basement dehumidifiers do best.

So what exactly do these basement dehumidifiers do? Here’s a list of how they help you with your mold and mildew problems:

• Clear up the musty basement smell
• Eliminate mold causing humidity
• Dramatically reduce the risk of allergies triggered by mold
• Store keepsakes and valuable documents without fear of mildew
• Improve air quality in your home
• Protect your home investment

By making the right choice of going for a high quality dehumidifier, mold and mildew will never stand a chance. Save, prolong and preserve the beauty of not only your home but also your health by getting yourself a basement dehumidifiers right now!

Are you constantly having dilemmas about the awful sight and even smell of molds and dust mites growing in your home, specifically in your basement? Thinking about getting your basement a gift which is long overdue but don’t have any idea about basement dehumidifier systems?

Fret no more! Below are some tips you need to know in choosing the best dehumidifier for your basement. Just read on and when you’re done, you are knowledgeable and more than ready to get the basement dehumidifier that’s just right for you.

You think basement dehumidifiers are just like stand fans because they look different but are all the same? Wrong. Yes, basement dehumidifiers have a sole purpose: to dehumidify basements. But each is different and serves a purpose. They cater to a specific type of basement with specific requirements. When buying basement dehumidifiers, you have to be sure it is the right type for your home so that you can get your money’s worth and more importantly, you can effectively eliminate these basement nuisances which aren’t only destroying the beauty of your abode but is detrimental to your health as well. What’s the purpose of buying something and not getting the outcome and the primary reason you bought it in the first place, right?

So really, what are the things you need to know before shopping for basement dehumidifier system? Here’s what:

• Size. In order to know the size of the right dehumidifier to use, get the square footage of your basement. If your basement has a number of rooms, get the square footage of each by multiplying its length and width, if it has a part which is enclosed then it is necessary to have a different unit for it.

• Unit Check. Check the back of the box of each basement dehumidifier unit that you choose, note its features and verify that its capacity meets up with the square footage requirement of your room measurement.  The bigger it is, the better it will be since bigger ones won’t exert its maximum capacity all the time.

• Defrost Feature. The defrost feature prolongs your dehumidifier’s working capacity in summer months which are humid by getting rid of moisture from the air mechanically. See to it that the dehumidifier you choose has a defrost feature.

• Drain Hose Attachment. The drain hose lets the dehumidifier continue working while letting the water collected in the collection tray to drain. This is better than other units which instead of having a hose attachment, has a removable bucket that when it’s full it stops working until you empty it first. Drain hose attachments though are add-ons and need to be purchased separately.

• Front and Side Ducts. Front and side ducts let you dehumidify the air in a specific room while you place your dehumidifier in another room. This though is optional, you just have to check if you need one or not.

 
At this point, you’re all set and armed in going basement dehumidifier hunting with these pointers in mind. It just doesn’t add to your knowledge but also helps you, in a huge way, in choosing the best dehumidifier for your basement.

FACT: One out of every five Americans suffers from at least one kind of allergies.

Allergy and asthma are commonly caused by pet allergies (dander), season allergies (mold, pollen, etc.), and food allergies (peanuts, dairy, etc.). Beware! Two of the mentioned major causes lie in waiting right in your wet basement. If you have problems with having constant moisture in the least frequented part of your house, then you might consider getting a humidifier for your basement.

Moist, humid basements are the perfect habitat for irritants like dust mites and mold which exacerbate your allergy symptoms. Research and studies show that almost all sinus and chronic infections are caused by mold found mostly in homes with wet basements.

How basement mold causes allergy

Mold spores are airborne type of allergens like pollens that are easily transmitted by wind currents. Like fungi, mold reproduces by discharging spores into the air. Some people develop allergic reaction from inhaling mold spores. Deposits of mold spores on the lining of your nose can manifest hay fever symptoms. Of all the kinds of basement molds, black molds (stachybotrys chartarum) are the alleged biggest contributing factor of asthma, allergies, and even respiratory bleeding that may result to death.

How dust mite causes allergy

The other identified perpetrator in causing you more misery with allergy is dust mite. They are very tiny and invisible to the naked eye type of organisms and are easily attracted to dampness. These microscopic creatures overrun your living area and survive nourishment on human skin cell flakes and pet dander. Dust mites prosper in the wet areas of your home, and more exposure to them can trigger the symptoms of perennial asthma, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.

Do away with Moisture: No More Allergy and Asthma Symptoms

Now that you know the root cause of your allergy symptoms, how do you do away with the persistent troubles caused by your basement?Destroy their breeding environment with a guaranteed high quality humidifier for your basement. Your basement’s excess dampness allows breeding of dust mites and colonizing of molds on its wet walls, floors, furniture, and carpeting. And if you continuously ignore it, molds and dust mites will continue to breed and grow, thereby worsening your allergy symptoms. Look for a basement dehumidifier that fits your home, and experience a life that’s free from moisture, allergy, and asthma.

Unlike in the past where the basement’s only purpose is to either be a room where people store their junk or a place where people get killed in horror movies, modern families have started appreciating the value of having another room in the house that can be used for more practical and less nefarious purposes.

This trend has led to more people wanting to get their basements remodeled. However, a remodeled basement does not serve its purpose (an extra room for people to spend time in) unless it has been waterproofed. Let’s be honest, who would really want to hang out at a wet finished basement?

Besides the moisture being a bit uncomfortable, a basement that hasn’t been properly waterproofed also brings other disadvantages and dangers to your home.

1.    Lower re-sale value. If you ever decide to sell your house, chances are you want as many good things to boast to prospects as possible. A waterproofed, consistently dry basement is something a lot of people are looking for.

2.    Health risk to your family. Wet means damp and damp is the perfect environment for mold to flourish and mold means allergy, asthma attacks, and lung problems.

3.    Damage to your belongings. Your furniture and appliances can be affected if exposed to the presence of continuous moisture.

4.    Smell. Not so serious is you’re thinking health-wise or even profit-wise, but a smelly basement due to moisture from improperly waterproofed walls can cause a considerable amount of embarrassment. Especially if a guest comes over.

5.    Insect infestation. Besides mold, insects also enjoy the wet and the dark. Your basement is the perfect place in your house that offers both.

6.    Cracks on the floor. An un-waterproofed basement can mean there are cracks on the floor where unwelcome things can seep through. Radon is a radioactive gas that can be found in almost all soils and can pass through the cracks in your floor and come in your home. You don’t need an expert to tell you that breathing radon is not a good idea.

The dangers and inconveniences a wet finished basement brings can be avoided with proper waterproofing. As with most problems with obvious solutions, prevention is better than the cure. But if you need to fix a wet basement, buying a basement dehumidifier is a great start.

Importance of fixing a flooded basement

The American Lung Association states that 50% of all illnesses are a result of poor indoor air quality and that indoor air quality is rated as one of the three top health concerns of the nation. If you don’t clean a flooded basement, it can cause severe impact in the quality of air we breathe.

Red blood cells transport oxygen and nutrition to all cells in our body and they exchange beneficial payloads for toxins and carbon dioxide which they release in the lungs in order for us to live. If those red blood cells carry poor air quality, it can cause problems that might lead to a stern damage in our system.

Mold is everywhere

Mold usually hides in dark and wet areas of your house such as your garage, under the sink or even in your basement. These molds are considered to be threats in your family’s health. It can cause allergies and other diseases that if taken for granted, it may lead to death. Prevention is always better than cure. If we can prevent these health problems to happen, we need to make a necessary move to improve the quality of air we breathe. As we all know, wet basements are breeding grounds of all kinds of bacteria, dust mites, and molds that shoot parasitic infections in the air we breathe. Their breeding ground must be cleaned, dried, and sanitized but before that, “Think Safety First”.

Safety First

Safety is the key to a successful clean up. Before you start the process in cleaning your wet basement you have to make sure that your feet are properly geared to avoid incidents. Turn off your electricity supply inside your house to avoid electrical shock while cleaning your damp basement. Once everything is secured, you may now start the cleaning process. Dry your basement after cleaning it to avoid mold, bacteria build-up, and unnecessary smell.

Keeping Your Basement Dry, Post Clean-up

There are many basement dehumidifiers available in the market today to keep your basement dry, post-cleanup. As we know, excessive basement humidity level can stimulate the explosive growth of molds and dust mites. The Dri-Basement Dehumidifier is one of the best basement dehumidifiers that can control or even stop the production of these intruders leaving your basement and your home clean and dehumidified. It can lower down the level of relative humidity in your basement and keep your basement dry.

Basement dampness is a usual problem for most homeowners. Humidity in the basements can make your metal appliances rusty and it could even affect electronic circuits of your appliances stored in the basement. By using basement dehumidifiers you can basically solve your dampness problem.  Here are some things you need to know before buying a dehumidifier for basement humidity.

Here is another thing you might want to consider: waterproofing the area if leakage is a problem in your basement. Water seepage on the floors and walls will evaporate into the air and raise the humidity levels.

By waterproofing, the areas will remove water before it can be absorbed by the air and will allow your appliance to run less and save on electricity usage.

By knowing these things, you’ll be prepared to decide which type of basement dehumidifier to buy to help address your basement humidity problems.