Cellars or basements are common in most larger, older buildings. Nestled under the main part of the house, they can serve as a space to make into a kid’s playroom, a home office, or, if you are a fan of ghosts, a space to tell spooky stories on Halloween!
However, if you have just bought a house that has a basement or you are renting a property with such a space, you may have noticed a problem with this space. There is a lack of ventilation in the majority of basements, so dampness can creep in and cause a bit more than just a bad odour.
Does damp look the same in a cellar? Well, yes and no. In this article, you will be walked through how to spot signs of damp in your basement and will be offered some solutions to resolve it.
Discoloured Paint or Wallpaper
Damping in a cellar can be caused by three things: rainwater running down from the outside of the home, a lack of ventilation, and damage to the foundation of the house, which allows water in.
If you have had extensive damp and flooding in your basement due to rainwater seeping in from the outside, then you will need to invest in a sump pump to prevent basement flooding in the future. If you have had minor to moderate flooding, this may have appeared as discoloured wallpaper or paint on the walls. These water stains can look brown in colour and can even lead to wallpaper peeling off. So, if you spot that, you will need to set up a dehumidifier or have an extractor fan fitted.
Musty Odour
Does your basement have an odd smell? For many people, a damp basement may have an odour that is musty or even slightly metallic. This is usually more noticeable after rain and is often accompanied by the sight of water running down the walls. Again, if your basement has a musty odour, you will need to consider having a dehumidifier set up in the basement and looking into extractor fans.
Condensation
Not all basements are windowless. Some may have a small window that is level with the ground outside, which can allow airflow to pass through the area. It should be noted that, in a basement, condensation is more likely to be noticeable in summer, as the cool air that is level with the basement meets the warmer air of the indoor space.
Condensation in a basement can also point to an issue with damage to the drywall. So, if you have set up a dehumidifier and it has made no impact on the condensation, you may want to call out a professional to assess the drywall. There may be cracks or holes in it, which may cause condensation.
Noticeable Mildew Growth
Another thing to keep an eye out for is mildew growth. Unlike bathrooms in a basement, this can look a bit different. Depending on the type of mildew, it may look brown, black, or even white. If the dampness in your basement has reached this level, you need to use an appropriate mildew removal spray to clean the area. Once it has been cleared, apply a high-strength, damp-proof paint, and talk to professionals about setting up ventilation in the basement.
Efflorescence
Another thing to look out for in the basement where there is suspected dampness is efflorescence. This is a white, powdery substance that can appear on the walls and the floors, as well as any furniture that may be in the basement. It is due to water evaporating and leaving behind salt deposits. Again, seek to remove it and look into having a high-capacity dehumidifier set up until a more permanent solution is identified.
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