A prevalent problem that many homeowners deal with is condensation in a basement or concrete cellar. If left untreated, it can result in moisture, the growth of mold, and even structural damage. Maintaining a dry and healthy atmosphere in your basement can be achieved by being aware of the causes of condensation and taking the appropriate action to remove it.
When warm, humid air comes into contact with colder concrete surfaces, condensation happens. Numerous factors, such as inadequate insulation, excessive humidity, or poor ventilation, can cause this. The first step in fixing the issue in your cellar or basement is determining the precise cause.
There are a number of practical methods for getting rid of or minimizing condensation in your basement. Among the most doable fixes are better ventilation, dehumidifier use, and appropriate insulation installation. Every technique tackles a distinct facet of the moisture issue, contributing to the establishment of a more equilibrium and arid atmosphere.
You can safeguard your basement or concrete cellar from the damaging effects of condensation by putting these strategies into practice. This increases the structure’s longevity and makes the area more livable and functional for your needs.
- Where does dampness come from
- How to understand that the humidity level in the cellar is high
- External waterproofing
- Internal waterproofing
- Arrangement of ventilation of the cellar and basement
- Folk methods of drying and combating condensation
- Specialized devices
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Where does dampness come from
Most frequently, this issue arises in basements. Condensation may appear for a variety of reasons, including:
- Problems with the ventilation system. As a rule, this is a common mistake made at the stage of designing houses. If the floor slabs were poorly laid and the ventilation ducts were blocked by construction debris (or they were not designed correctly at all), then it is not surprising that moisture appears.
- Groundwater level too high. This is almost a standard situation for most regions. In spring and autumn, heavy rains begin, which leads to flooding of basements and cellars. If the drainage system is poor, the humidity rises rapidly.
- Capillary penetration of moisture. During the construction of the concrete foundation, mistakes could have been made, due to which moisture from the soil began to penetrate through microcracks in the foundation.
If the issue is not resolved, mold growth will start. This implies that the entire building may become "infected" by the basement of the house. As you are aware, mold and mildew pose a health risk. Moreover, food will rot faster in an environment with higher humidity, and the cellar walls will age more quickly.
As a result, it’s important to routinely check the underground storage for wall damage. If the installation is done incorrectly, even the toughest concrete can crack.
How to understand that the humidity level in the cellar is high
There are multiple ways to comprehend the necessity of taking emergency action. Using a hygrometer is the most straightforward method. This unique gadget provides precise humidity readings for the space. This number should be 85–95% in a concrete cellar, just like it would be in a typical refrigerator.
In the event that the hygrometer is absent, we move on as follows:
- Pour water into a glass container and send it to the refrigerator for 24 hours.
- We put a container with cold water in the underground storage and see what happens.
- If after some time the glass starts to dry out, this means that the humidity is too low. If there are no changes on the walls of the container, we can say that the humidity in the room is normal. But if drops start to appear on the glass, this means that the humidity level is high.
High humidity is also indicated by puddles of water on the floor and condensation on the walls and ceiling. However, how can this issue be resolved? There are numerous efficient techniques.
External waterproofing
Prior to anything else, you should thoroughly inspect the drainage system, slopes, and drainpipes. If the cellar’s waterproofing is done poorly or not at all, you need to make all the necessary repairs. We carry out the following adjustments:
- Remove the old blind area.
- Dig a trench about 50 cm wide along the perimeter of the outer wall of the basement.
- Wait until the damp wall dries.
- We treat it with antifungal agents.
- We apply mastic, clay or concrete mixture with additives in the form of liquid glass to the surface.
- We make a new blind area and lay waterproofing material in it. For example, roofing felt can be used for this. Its edges are brought out along the wall of the cellar.
- We fill the hole. You can lay slabs, asphalt, gravel or any other material on top.
Ideally, you also need to lay a base and drainage layer for the blind area (simple blind area) or concreting (a more capacious, but durable system).
But sometimes external waterproofing is not enough.
Internal waterproofing
To accomplish this, you must:
- Dry the room well.
- Remove all the old whitewash, on which fungus could have already begun to form.
- Thoroughly clean all cracks.
- Treat all surfaces with an antifungal compound.
- Treat the walls with liquid waterproofing (at least 0.5 m from the floor).
However, if moisture buildup comes from the inside, even excellent waterproofing won’t be able to stop it. As a result, adequate ventilation in the room is crucial.
Arrangement of ventilation of the cellar and basement
An extra ventilation system must be installed if there is a disruption in the flow of air. Here, there are two options:
- Arrange natural ventilation. This is the easiest and most affordable way. To do this, you need to create so-called vents, that is, make small holes throughout the cellar. Their area is determined based on the area of the room itself. Usually the ratio is 1:400.
- Provide forced ventilation. This is quite an expensive pleasure. As a rule, this method is resorted to if the room is large.
All of this will stop issues from arising later. However, what should you do right now when the harvest needs to be saved immediately?
It is imperative to promptly address condensation in a concrete cellar or basement as it can result in mold, mildew, and structural damage. This post will walk you through some realistic and efficient ways to get rid of condensation, like installing dehumidifiers, waterproof coatings, and better ventilation. You can keep your cellar or basement dry, safe, and healthy by doing these simple steps.
Folk methods of drying and combating condensation
Traditional techniques are useful in these kinds of situations. To maintain a consistent humidity level in the basement, you can:
- Use clay bricks for drying. They are heated over a fire and then placed in the corners of the room. 2-3 hot bricks are enough. They will cool down and absorb excess moisture, and also dry the air. Usually, a few procedures are enough to forget about the problem for a while.
Practical! Burning coals that are arranged in buckets and positioned in the corners can be used in place of bricks.
- If mold has already begun to form on the walls and ceiling, then boric acid (20 ml per liter of water) or citric acid (100 g per 1 liter of water) will help. Ordinary table vinegar is also highly effective (if there is a lot of mold, then you can not even dilute it with water). You need to work with gloves and protect your eyes and respiratory tract. After processing, you need to wait for the walls to dry, after which they can be whitewashed.
- Ash and salt. As you know, the adsorbent quickly absorbs moisture. However, a lot of salt or ash will be required. But, this method helps for a very short period of time. As soon as the adsorbent is saturated with moisture (and this will happen in a few days), it will have to be replaced with a new one.
- Paper and sawdust. As is known, these materials have very high hygroscopicity (ability to absorb moisture). Therefore, old newspapers, sawdust, cardboard, etc. can be laid out around the perimeter of the room. After they become wet, the material will need to be replaced.
These techniques are simple to use but have a limited impact. You have other options if you are unable to address the issues with the cellar or basement design right away.
Specialized devices
Many chemical anti-mold products (some containing chlorine) are available for purchase these days. But it’s just risky to use them in areas where food is kept and cannot be removed during the course of the treatment. A dehumidifier will be the best way to address the issue. Currently available for purchase are multiple iterations of these units:
- Simple. In this case, we are talking about a container and a lid in which a “tablet” is installed, consisting of pressed salt and other components that are adsorbents. The salt is saturated with moisture and gradually melts, after which the tablet is changed. Usually one piece is enough for 2-3 weeks. The device itself costs about 600 rubles, and 2 tablets will cost about 400 in 1-3 months. This is the cheapest option. In addition, the device does not require connection to electricity.
- Specialized. In this case, we are already talking about a large device that runs on electricity. The cost of such units is from 15,000 rubles, but their productivity is much higher. In addition, such dehumidifiers are usually equipped with additional functions. They trap mold and mildew pores, eliminate unpleasant odors. There are models with an ionization function.
Treatment with quartz is used by some people. An ultraviolet lamp is needed for this. Humidity is not greatly affected by this, but disinfection is done, and that can be done in more easily accessible ways.
Problem | Solution |
High humidity | Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air. |
Inadequate ventilation | Install vents or fans to improve air circulation. |
Water seepage | Seal cracks and apply waterproof coatings to walls and floors. |
Insufficient insulation | Insulate walls and ceilings to reduce temperature fluctuations. |
Standing water | Ensure proper drainage and use sump pumps if necessary. |
Lack of heating | Install a small heater to keep the basement warm and dry. |
Keeping your basement or concrete cellar dry and healthy requires taking care of condensation. The proper ventilation techniques can help you drastically lower the amount of moisture buildup. Adding vents or opening windows on a regular basis can enhance air circulation and help regulate humidity levels.
A dehumidifier is an additional useful tool for managing moisture. By swiftly and effectively eliminating too much humidity from the air, these gadgets can stop condensation from building up on surfaces. For best results, make sure the dehumidifier you choose is appropriate for the size of your basement.
Reducing condensation can also be greatly aided by insulating walls and pipes. Condensation is frequently caused by warm, humid air coming into contact with cold surfaces. This can be avoided with proper insulation. Furthermore, a barrier against the entry of moisture can be created by waterproofing the basement’s floor and walls.
Upkeep of your drainage systems is also essential. Make sure water is being directed away from your home’s foundation by your gutters and downspouts. Water seepage into the basement can also be prevented by properly grading the area surrounding your home.
You can make your basement a more livable and comfortable space by following these instructions. Your concrete cellar will remain dry with regular care and attention to detail, shielding your house from potential damage and health hazards brought on by excessive moisture.