5 Basement Bugbears Solved

Basements can be useful spaces to have in a home. However, these rooms can be susceptible to a few common problems. Such problems can be solved by taking the right protective measures. This post explains more about how to deal with some of the most common basement issues.

Flooding

Being underground means that basements are more prone to flooding than other rooms. It’s important to not let water settle in your basement – many of the problems listed below are caused by moisture. Water extraction experts can help to remove large amounts of water, while small puddles may be possible to soak up with towels.

To stop water from getting into your basement, you’ll need to seal all cracks and gaps. There are other measures you can take too such as adjusting the grading around your home so that the ground slopes away, keeping gutters clear to stop foundations getting wet, and growing plants around your foundations to soak up water. High-risk flood areas may require more serious measures such as flood defenses and drainage systems.

Mold

Mold likes to breed in dark, warm, damp places – which makes basements a prime location. Letting more sunlight into a basement or reducing the temperature may help reduce mold growth, but the most practical measure that you can take is to reduce moisture. This includes patching up leaks, installing extractor fans and potentially installing a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air. Air purifiers can also help to get rid of mold spores in the air.

Mold is a health hazard and it could spread to other parts of your home, so it’s important to tackle mold as soon as you can. Anti-mold sprays can be an effective way to kill mold. You can also try DIY anti-mold solutions like vinegar and baking soda.

Pests

Basements are common places for critters to hang out. Common unwanted visitors include spiders, cockroaches, mosquitoes, ants, termites, mice and rats. Pest control services may be able to get rid of serious infestations, but to stop these pests coming back you need to tackle the source.

Damp is one of the biggest sources – many pests look for moist indoor areas where they can hydrate and breed. By tackling this damp problem using towels and a dehumidifier, you may be able to put off pests. Make sure to also fix up cracks, as this will stop pests getting in. Speaking of which…

Cracks

Cracks in a basement can have many different causes. They may be caused by water damage or they may be the result of foundation issues. Sealing these cracks up is important for preventing leaks and pests. This may be something that you can do yourself using a caulk gun.

Of course, it’s important to work out why cracks are appearing so that you can prevent them coming back. A home with subsidence may need to be underpinned, while cracks from moisture damage may require steps like buying a dehumidifier.

Smells

Basement smells are often caused by damp, mold or pests. Sorting out these problems can help to remove any smell.

Ventilation is often key to preventing more general odors. If there are not enough windows to provide this, it could be important to install an extractor fan. Air purifiers could help to further remove odors, as well as using natural deodorizers like baking soda and charcoal.