Even if your basement is not full of water, a damp or occasionally wet basement can still be a significant risk to your home and your health. Even humid, damp conditions will cause a variety of problems which, if left unaddressed, can devalue your home and cause significant issues. Here are some of the obvious problems you might run into if you continue to let your basement be humid and damp.
Musty Papers and Books – If you store important papers or books in your basement, it only takes a little bit of humidity or moisture to damage them and maybe lose them all together. That paper will soak up the moisture and end up warping the pages, fading the ink and maybe growing mold and mildew on parts of the pages. Plus, if they get significantly wet, it takes a while for them to dry back out and that damp paper is very attractive to insects for nesting and eating.
Mold Damage – When things get damp, mold and mildew will develop and it can discolor and damage many things. If you use your basement for storage and you want your items to still be usable later, you need to have a clean and dry environment.
Rust – Tools, nails and other metal items are more likely to rust and jam up if you keep them in a damp condition. Reducing humidity and dampness in your basement will prolong tools and electronics you have in the basement.
Poor Air Quality – Obviously damp humid air can be musty and unpleasant. It can also be dangerous if you have mold growing in your basement. Different molds are more dangerous than others, but even less dangerous molds can cause allergies to flair up and an unpleasant smell and feel to the environment.
Insects – A damp basement will attract more insects and spiders. It is just a fact that a clean, dry basement is going to have far less of these pests. No one likes to see insects invading their home and having your basement waterproofed will reduce the infestation, along with getting a good exterminator to get rid of them once it is cleaned up, dry and waterproofed.
Deteriorating Foundation – The bricks that make up the foundation of your home support your living space. You must make sure the foundation is solid. If there is dampness and water around your foundation, over time it will help the foundation bow and deteriorate. This becomes much more costly if you put it off.
Home Value – Ultimately, even if the moisture in your basement is not at a dangerous level, it still devalues your home. When a buyer is looking at a home, they will notice the dank, wet air and the wetness in the basement, and it will be harder to sell your home. Don’t wait. Call an Ohio basement waterproofing company today and make sure your home is safe and maintains it’s value.