How To Keep Basements Dry Without A Dehumidifier

Keeping basements fresh and dry can be tricky. As they sit below ground level, they are much colder than the rest of your home and there is little to no ventilation. This can lead to basements feeling damp, alongside a musty smell that can be difficult to remove. The easiest way to tackle this is to purchase a dehumidifier that can collect moisture from the air, keeping it under control, but there are some other tactics that you can deploy to try and reduce moisture before it becomes a bigger problem.

Why are basements more likely to be damp?

Before we try and fix the problem, it is important to know what causes damp in the first place so that it can be effectively tackled. There are a number of different reasons why basements are a breeding ground for moisture.

As your home’s basement is buried in the soil surrounding your home, the moisture levels in the soil can slowing seep into your home. This occurs particularly after rain when the ground is saturated and pushing up against the foundation walls. You might see damp patches on the walls if this happens, but often there may be no visible water marks. On top of this, many basements do not have enough ventilation meaning that any water in the room can’t easily evaporate which can lead to damp walls and surfaces and a smell that lingers in the room. Living in an area with high humidity also means that your home is more prone to dampness, especially in hot, very humid summer months. Finally, one of the most obvious causes of damp in a basement is a plumbing leak from pipes or valves in your home that is leaking into the basement. It doesn’t need to cause a large flood, but even a small drip over time can build up and cause some serious damage.

How can I dry my basement without a dehumidifier?

Buying a dehumidifier is very effective but does come with a cost. Before you purchase one, there are some steps that you can take to try and dry out your basement yourself. The key to trying to dry out your basement is air circulation, as this is a natural way to ventilate the room. This can include:

1. Using fans

If you have a couple of fans in the house already, place them at opposite ends of the basement to allow the air to circulate more freely around the room. This can help the moisture evaporate and leaves the air feeling fresher.

2. Opening windows

If you are lucky enough to have a basement that has some windows, opening these when it isn’t too humid outside and the temperature is cooler can help get rid of moisture. If it is too humid outside, make sure your windows stay closed to keep the moisture that is in the air, out of your basement.

3. Adding extra ventilation

If you don’t have a window, adding some ventilation into your basement will save you a lot of hassle in the long run. Adding a vent grill, or wiring your basement up to the HVAC system in your home will help circulate air, reducing dampness.

4. Seal off the basement

If you think that moisture is leaking in to your basement from a particular crack, leak or entrance, sealing this off is the best way to stop water coming in. Often moisture can come through tiny hairline cracks that you would barely notice, but patching these up can make a big difference. As well as cracks in the wall, look for cracks in the foundations, and use a sealant to block these off. If you find that any of the cracks in the wall or floor are getting wider, you will need to consult an expert for advice.

5. Block draughts

The seals around doors and windows can sometimes be too loose, leaving air and dampness to seep in to the basement. To help block this out, add some caulk or weatherstripping – a small move that can make a dramatic difference.

6. Add a waterproof coating

A great way to treat all your walls at once is by applying a waterproof coating. Waterproof paint can be painted onto all walls in your basement to create a barrier for moisture. This is a way to slow down moisture coming in from the soil surrounding the basement. This paint won’t stop major leaks, but for general damp, it can be pretty effective.

7. Improving outdoor drainage

If you know that soil around your basement is prone to flooding and becoming saturated, you should assume this is the root cause of your basement dampness. Anytime it rains, the water will pool near the foundations of your home and begin to seep in. Therefore, it is best to try and improve the draining in these areas so that the water drains away from your hom

8. Clean your gutters

Another way that water can be getting in to your home is if it is running down the walls from the gutters. Overflowing gutters can cause a number of different issues, but the problem doesn’t take that long to fix. Clean your gutters at least once a season, or more regularly after large storms or wind to remove debris.

9. Look for causes inside your home

Sometimes, the damp in your home isn’t coming from outside, but inside. Key features to look for include checking your dryer vent to check if it is cracked or damaged, and fixing any drops or leaks from pipes around your home. Cold water pipes can cause condensation that can lead to damp, so adding some insulation such as foam sleeves to these can help reduce this.

10. Insulate the walls

Keeping the basement warming is a great way to try and reduce condensation that leads to damp. Adding in some insulation foam boards is a great, water-resistant way to try and make the space more energy efficient and damp-proof.

When To Consider a Dehumidifier

Sometimes even when ventilating the space and trying some of the techniques above, it is not enough to get rid of the damp in your basement. Tell tale signs of this can be visible damp or mold patches on the floor, walls or ceiling. You may also notice a lingering smell that does not disappear, condensation build up on walls and surfaces, or damp soft wood. If you have appliances or tools, they may start to slowly rust.

In these situations, a dehumidifier is the most reliable option to control humidity over a long period of time. This can save you money in the long run as it reduces the level of damage that damp can cause to your home and belongings.

Some great dehumidifiers for basements are crawlspace dehumidifiers that are compact enough to keep in your home, but large enough to powerfully extract the moisture. For example, the Argendon Shield 35P, can remove up to 35-70 pints of moisture, covering rooms up to 1000 square feet – perfect for many home basements. Argendon have dehumidifiers that also cover larger spaces should you need this, offering a more powerful solution for bigger damp problems.

The take away

There are ways to try and dry out your basement without a dehumidifier however, it does depend on the intensity of the problem. The best tactics for this include increasing the airflow to your space, tackling drainage issues and sealing any cracks and leaks. Many of these steps don’t cost a lot, or take a lot of time, but they can make a huge difference to your home.

If you have tried these solutions but still need support in tackling damp issues then a dehumidifier is the next step to help draw the water out of the room, creating a more healthy and clean environment for you and your family. Argendon are experts in dehumidifying both residential and commercial spaces and have friendly staff that are on hand to help advise on the solution that works best for your home.