
Basement Floor Construction Detail - There are numerous ways to help avoid moisture damage issues in a basement. The first rule of thumb is no dirt basements. Although these are less prevalent in this day in age, it is a good idea to point out that dirt flooring not only hold a large amount of moisture but can also give off a number of gases. When building a basement, make certain that you have a floor drain with a trap installed in the lowest point of the ground.
With no floor drain, any water that is spilled inside can't get out. Sump pumps are usually used where flooding due to a high water table might be a issue. In addition, waterproof the exterior of the base walls and put in a perimeter drainage system. An often overlooked problem in bathrooms is moisture that comes from humidity.
The simplest way to control humidity would be to exhaust water vapor produced in the house to the exterior. Indications of high humidity include condensation on windows, pipes or other surfaces as well a general awareness of moisture from the atmosphere, dampness, and smells. Many times, the humidity will be caused by exposing the basement to external air (open windows), having wet laundry hung to dry from the basement, storing firewood from the basement, and/or a dryer vent that exhausts indoors.
In summer, use a portable air conditioner or air conditioning to reduce humidity. In hot, humid weather, maintain basement windows closed. Run the furnace fan continuously to circulate house air. The key to maintaining basement humidity low would be to keep them well ventilated and to keep additional moisture out of the basement.
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