Basement and Crawl Space Dehumidification 101 |New Jersey

Basement and Crawl Space Dehumidification Tips for New Jersey

Leaving your basement or crawl space damp is never a good idea. When you let moisture fester, it creates several problems such as:

Mold Growth
Wood Rotting
Foul Odors
Insect Infestation

These issues can pose serious health risks to a building’s occupants while weakening its structural integrity. Dehumidification is your best bet in getting rid of excess water that’s lingering in the air or trapped in hard-to-reach places. If you’re having problems with indoor moisture, here are some ways you can deal with it:

Inspect Your Basement’s Ductwork and Ventilation Systems

If your basement’s ductwork and ventilation systems are damaged, expect cold air to move in and out of your building. When cold air heats up in your basement, it liquifies and leaves the area damp. Ductwork and ventilation damage can be caused by wear and tear over the years. To prevent air from invading your building this way, make it a point to have professionals inspect your property at least once a year. Ductwork and vent experts have the knowledge and experience to spot or pre-empt problems before they get worse.

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While it may cost you some money to get inspections done regularly, it saves you a much larger sum in the long run because of the serious repairs that you’ll never need. Regular maintenance also extends the lifespan of your home’s fixtures, saving you a bundle in renovation expenses that you’ll be avoiding.

Search and Plug all Air Leaks

Air leaks don’t have to occur in your ventilation and ductwork in order to cause trouble. Sometimes, they are found in your basement floors and walls. However, these types of air leaks don’t require the hands of an expert to address. You can repair them by using several tools that you can purchase at any hardware store. If you’re dealing with large holes, fill them with canned polyurethane foam. The foam can work with leaks that are found in your basement walls and around your pipes. For smaller holes, you can fill the gaps with some caulk or silicone. Caulk can be used on any kind of surface, but silicone is best used for nonporous materials like metals. If you want to neatly cover the small holes, use acrylic latex caulk as it washes out with water. Remember to also use high-temperature caulk when you’re plugging leaks in hot areas like furnaces.

Consider Getting a Basement Dehumidifier and a Sump Pump

To further improve your basement’s moisture control, consider installing a basement dehumidifier and a sump pump. A dehumidifier simply reduces moisture by decreasing the level of humidity in the air. On the other hand, a sump pump system extracts water from your basement with forceful suction. Whether the water came from a leak or from outdoors, sump pumps can help you deal with the trouble quickly and effectively.

If you need more basement dehumidification tips and services, call Select Crawlspace Waterproofing at 732-360-5052 or fill out the form on our contact page. All of our services are available for properties in New Jersey.

Get a clean, dry home with our dehumidification systems today!

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