How To Keep Your Basement or Crawl Space From Getting Too Moist

Basements and crawl spaces don’t act like most other rooms in your house do. Even finished basements are more likely to attract moisture than, say, your living room because they’re located below ground. And because crawl spaces sit for long periods of time without anyone entering them, they’re a breeding ground for moisture and therefore mold.

First, Diagnose The Problem.

If you recently suffered a flood in your basement or have exposed pipes dripping from condensation, it’s pretty clear that your basement is too moist. But while those may be the more obvious signs of a problem, they’re far from the only ones. Even if you don’t suspect your basement or crawl space suffers a moisture problem, check yourself with this simple trick:

Tape a square foot of aluminum foil to the side of a wall (make sure to only tape around the edges in a square, don’t tape over the middle).

After a few days, remove the tape and lift the foil. If there’s water on the side of the foil, your basement is too humid.

Then, Fix The Problem.

Keep your basement and crawl space dry by:

• Ensuring rainwater is directed to flow away from your home.

• This can be accomplished by installing gutters and downspouts.

• Use water (and mold) resistant paint if you’re planning any future remodels.

• Leave a dehumidifier down there and run it occasionally.

• Prevent water vapor from getting into your basement by surrounding your home with rocks or gravel.

• Insulate cold water pipes so the condensation they create doesn’t seep into your crawl space, basement, or behind walls.

• Instead of drying clothes in your basement, dry them outside when you can.