(Family Features) If your basement feels muggy, the air is damp or it’s a bit on the stinky side, you may have a humidity issue. Addressing and correcting the problem won’t just make your basement more comfortable; it’ll also create a cleaner, healthier environment.
 
To help ensure your home – and basement – remains in good health, the experts at Thrasher Foundation Repair, a trusted leader in the industry for 50 years, offer these insights and tips.

By nature, basements are prime candidates for humidity problems. They’re underground and surrounded by dirt, a notoriously bad conductor of heat. Because of that, basements are naturally cooler than the other rooms in your house. When warm, moist air from outside or upstairs comes into your cool basement, the moisture in the air cools and turns into water droplets.

In addition, the soil around your basement can hold a lot of water, which can seep through cracks or concrete pores. Because basements don’t typically have many windows or doors, there isn’t a lot of fresh air moving. Appliances like washing machines, dryers and showers can contribute to humidity, too.

Signs You May Have a Humidity Problem
Detecting high humidity in your basement early can save you a lot of trouble. It’s not just about discomfort; excessive moisture can lead to bigger issues like damage to your home and health problems for your family.

Physical signs of humidity include condensation on windows; wet stains on the walls or floors; a white, chalky substance on the walls; damp, humid air; a musty or mildew smell; and wood rot.

You may also experience health symptoms that suggest a problem, including allergic reactions, difficulty breathing or asthma.

Correcting Humidity Issues in Your Basement
If you’re dealing with high humidity, the experts at Thrasher Foundation Repair offer these tips:

1. Improve Ventilation: “When the weather allows, open basement windows to let fresh air in,” said Dan Thrasher, CEO of Thrasher Foundation Repair. “You can also place fans strategically to circulate air and move moisture out.”
   
   Other steps you can take include making sure moisture-producing appliances vent outdoors and using an air purifier to improve air quality, reduce mold growth and alleviate allergy symptoms.

2. Seal Leaks and Cracks: Check your basement walls and floor regularly for any signs of cracks or leaks. Apply a waterproof sealant to any cracks you find and patch larger gaps. If you’re dealing with significant moisture, you may need to enlist help from a professional.

3. Maintain Gutters and Downspouts: Clogged or damaged gutters and downspouts can cause water to pool around your home, increasing the risk of it seeping into your basement. Clean gutters regularly and check for damage. If necessary, extend your downspouts so water runs farther away from your house. If your gutters clog frequently, consider installing gutter guards.

More Advanced Humidity Control Solutions
While simple solutions like opening windows and using fans can work, sometimes you need to take more extreme measures with an advanced humidity control plan.

• Invest in a Dehumidifier: A dehumidifier sucks in damp air, removes moisture and blows back drier air. Desiccant models, which use absorbent material to remove moisture, are ideal for extremely humid environments and work well in cold basements, whereas refrigerant models are more common and affordable. Use the right size for the space and choose a central location for best results.
  
  
• Consider a Basement Waterproofing System: If your basement has structural issues that let water in, you may need to explore interior waterproofing or foundation repair. One option is applying a waterproof vapor barrier on interior walls. However, installing a sump pump and waterproofing system is among the least disruptive and most effective ways to manage water in the basement. Together, a sump pump or perimeter drainage system can help manage water that collects around or under your basement and keep it permanently dry.

Find more advice for handling a humid basement at GoThrasher.com.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (decorated basement)
Sump pump photo courtesy of Thrasher Foundation Repair. Caption: This finished basement includes a sump pump, interior drainage system and waterproof vapor barrier to help keep the space dry.