Damp in basements is a common problem in many households, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Most often found in older houses, it is caused by poor drainage, high humidity levels and moisture seeping through cracks in the structure.
While severe cases of damp require professional intervention to ensure they are correctly treated, there are several things you can do yourself to help get rid of the damp.
To learn about the causes to avoid, the signs to watch out for, and how to eliminate damp from your basement, keep reading – we’ve asked the experts for their top advice.
How to get rid of damp in basements
1. Address the cause
Before you try to remedy the problem, Rob Girling, Owner of HGS Plumbing and Heating, says you need to find out what's causing it, such as checking for leaks in pipework or heating systems.
2. Improve drainage outside
Look into your drainage and decide if it needs improving, advises Ben Snape, a damp expert at IntelOptic. A poor system will cause rainwater to collect outside your home or in the soil around your foundation, which can seep into the basement.
3. Improve ventilation
By ensuring your basement has sufficient ventilation, you’ll help keep humidity levels normal and discourage moisture from forming. Opening windows, installing trickle vents, or using an extractor fan are all steps in the right direction.
4. Use a dehumidifier
One of the easiest ways to reduce moisture in the air is by using one of the best dehumidifiers, and it’s something that both Rob and Ben would recommend. If your basement is below 1°C, you’ll want to choose a desiccant model, which can withstand cold temperatures without your dehumidifier freezing up.
5. Seal any cracks
Rob says, "Any cracks should be sealed, and where water is regularly pushing through, it may be that you need something called tanking. This is a specialised waterproof membrane or coating applied to walls and floors to stop water getting in."
6. Keep gutters clear
By keeping your gutters clear and free of debris, you prevent water from overflowing and running down the walls, where it can soak into the foundation and increase the risk of damp in your basement.
Our top shopping picks to prevent basement damp
This extendable brush is the easiest way to keep your gutters clean, and it comes with two different head attachments.
Extracting nine litres of moisture per day, this desiccant dehumidifier will help to solve your damp problem.
Keep an eye on whether your humidity levels are improving with this remote-controlled hygrometer.
Ben Snape is part of the team at IntelOptic, a home health app that helps identify early signs of damp using cutting-edge AI and optical technology.
Signs of damp in basement
If you're unsure whether you have damp in your basement, watch out for these tell-tale signs:
- Mouldy, musty smells
- Staining on your walls
- Peeling paint and bubbling wallpaper
- Warped flooring
- Condensation and damp spots
- Visible mould and mildew
- Rotting wood
- Rusty metal
- Cardboard boxes that feel damp and soft
- Furniture that feels damp
What causes damp in basements?
"The main reason that basements are prone to damp is that they sit below the ground," explains Ben Snape. "Naturally, this means they’re surrounded by soil, which almost always holds moisture. If that moisture finds a way through, either through a small crack in the wall or floor or because rainwater has built up around the foundations, it can seep inside."
Rob Girling adds that high humidity levels inside the house can also contribute to the problem, which is why using a dehumidifier (such as this VonHaus dehumidifier from Amazon) can be beneficial.
Should I worry about damp in my basement?
Damp in a basement shouldn't be left untreated. Rob Girling says it can not only indicate a bigger issue with drainage or waterproofing, but also lead to mould growth and musty smells that no one wants lingering in their home.
Ben Snape adds, "Damp can also affect the structure of the building, weakening timbers or masonry and even cause damage to anything near it. The damp can travel outside of the basement into upper floors, which is another reason that early attention and action are crucial."
House issues aside, mould can cause serious health problems – such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis – and can trigger allergic, respiratory, immune, and inflammatory reactions.
The longer you leave damp in a basement, the harder it becomes to rectify, so it’s best to treat it as soon as possible. By following the steps above, you'll be on your way to resolving the problem.
To learn more about this common household issue, read our explainer on what causes damp and how to treat damp in general.
