Repairs Your Basement May Need To Turn It Into A Dry Storage Area For Your Belongings

Even if you don't plan to turn your basement into a game room or spare bedroom, it's still good to keep it in good repair so you can use the space for storage and so you can keep the musty smell to a minimum. You can use a dry basement for storing emergency food supplies, clothing, and other household goods in boxes and bins without worrying about mold or rust from dampness. Plus, controlling moisture in your basement also helps control bugs like silverfish that are drawn to the moisture. Here are some basement repairs you may need to turn the space into a dry and safe storage area.

Seal Cracks In Concrete

Cracks are common in concrete of any type, and they aren't always a signal of dangerous foundation damage. However, cracks need to be sealed so water can't leak through. Another important reason to seal cracks in your basement is so radon doesn't rise from the soil and enter your home. A basement repair company like Mammoth Structural Movers INC can fill cracks by injecting them with the right type of filler so the crack is plugged and stabilized.

Fix Leaks Around Windows

A leaky basement window could be the reason your basement has so much moisture and humidity. Since the window is low to the ground, rain might leak into it if the ground is sloped toward the window or if a gutter trough dumps rain close by. Caulking around the windows or applying weatherstripping or new seals can prevent leaks and keep rain outdoors where it belongs.

Raise A Sunken Floor

Some basement repairs are a little more involved. When the soil under the basement floor shifts, the slab can sink or crack. These cracks are usually uneven since one side sinks lower than the other. The basement repair company will probably recommend raising the sunken portion before filling in the crack. Raising the concrete can be done by injecting grout or foam under the slab so it is elevated back into position.

Fix Condensation Problems

Part of the reason your basement is damp might be due to condensation rather than a leak. While condensation isn't a structural problem, it can cause humidity to be so high that you can't use your basement for storage or your things will be ruined. Fixing condensation is a matter of wrapping exposed pipes and venting a dryer outside. Condensation forms when warm air collides with a cold basement. One possible solution is to warm the basement so it's not as cold. You might want a basement repair company to add insulation to your basement once it's been dried out. First, it's necessary to protect the insulation from water that might seep through the concrete. The repair company might do this by putting up waterproof sheets or they may just apply spray foam to the walls rather than using batt or board insulation that is damaged when wet.

Once your basement is dry and cracks are sealed, you may want to run a dehumidifier all the time to make sure the space stays dry. This could be important if you'll be storing things in the basement that could be harmed by humidity.