I just bought a house and noticed it's pretty humid and musty in the basement. The first thing I did was rip up the old carpet, but I'm wondering if I should take out the cedar wall panels too. I've been running a dehumidifier down there, but it still hovers around 52% humidity. Is there a way to keep the wood and lower the humidity levels?
2 Answers
I recommend using a thermal imaging camera to check for moisture behind the walls. Many basements are finished without proper moisture control. 52% is manageable, but basement dehumidifiers often run continuously. Also, inspect your gutters and downspouts. Make sure they're extended far from the foundation and that there's no pooling near it. That will help keep things dry.
52% humidity isn't too bad for a basement. If you want to keep the cedar panels, first check if they have any issues. If you're nervous about removing them, just cut the nails at the back instead of pulling them out. When you put them back, use new nails. That way, you can treat any issues behind the walls safely.