I'm planning to finish my basement, but I want to make sure I do everything possible to reduce moisture before investing a lot of money. I live in Connecticut in a house built in the 1960s. I've already taken some outdoor measures like extending the gutters. Right now, there aren't any visible moisture issues, but previously my kids unplugged the dehumidifier for a couple of months, and I noticed some mold growth on certain items. What preventive steps can I take to keep moisture at bay before I start the renovation?
4 Answers
If you have a high water table like I did, just having weeping tiles might not cut it. I had water pooling under my slab, which led to constant moisture. Installing a sump pit really helped alleviate that problem. You might want to look into similar solutions if water is a concern beneath your basement.
First off, make sure you have a reliable dehumidifying system in place. In Connecticut, summer humidity can sneak into your basement, so you'll want to monitor it closely. Consider investing in a WiFi humidity sensor so that you're alerted if the levels rise. That way, you won’t be caught off guard like you were when the dehumidifier was unplugged!
You mentioned extending gutters, but have you tackled other drainage issues? It's important to have a complete system in place—like an exterior french drain and proper grading away from the house—if you're serious about keeping moisture out.
For solid advice on this, check out ASIRI Designs on YouTube. The guy has tons of info about building science and can guide you through the whole process, whether it’s a remodel or new construction. You'll definitely find some helpful techniques there!
Thanks for the tip! Are sealants like Kilz Dry Lock good for moisture reduction, or would that just be pointless?