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Unfinished basements are tempting spots for storing household goods as well as for creating new living space. But many homeowners have discovered that the basement can be too damp to provide safe storage for many items. Moisture causes damage of its own, and in the dark basement environment can also generate mold and mildew problems.

Before you start buying or building storage units to be used in your basement, and even before you start hauling boxes downstairs, take some time to assess the potential for problems. Many moisture problems can be remedied, or at least lessened, with little effort.

Assess the Threat

Moisture problems are not always easy to spot. Obviously, if your basement occasionally has visible surface water, you know that you have a problem. But a high humidity level does not always leave such obvious clues. Here are some symptoms that can alert you to troublesome moisture levels.

Dry rot on joists or sills.
Rust on metal objects.
Musty or sour odor.

If any of these clues are evident, you should try to find the source of the moisture.

Find the Source

Basements are usually damper than the rest of the house. Excess moisture can come from the following sources.

Cracks in the foundation.
Plumbing leaks.
High water table.
Gutters and downspouts clogged, funneling water to the foundation.
Improper grading around the foundation.
Leaking windows or doors.

Investigate each of these potential causes to narrow your search. Once you have identified the source, you will know where you need to concentrate your remediation efforts.

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Reduce the Moisture

Address all sources of moisture problems you find, using the following methods. Some you may be able to handle yourself, others may require professional help.

Control runoff. Clean out gutters and downspouts. Repair or replace any damaged sections. Use soil to create suitable grading.
Seal leaks. Fill leaking cracks and holes with a masonry repair compound or hydraulic cement. Coat moist walls with waterproofing paint.
Control a high water table. Interior perimeter drains can collect moisture and channel it to a sump pump. An exterior drainage system is usually the most expensive option.
Use a dehumidifier.

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