Basement Dampness: It is not unusual that a basement is damp but has no signs of visible water leakage. Many times that a homeowner complains about “dampness” issues in their basement, it is directly related to humidity problems. If you don’t see actual water in the form of streams, puddles or leaks, chances are pretty good that your problem is related to high humidity and not to water leakage.        

Rusty Metal Tools, Appliances, etc: Metal is a conductor. Because your basement is below ground level, it will be cooler than the upstairs and so will everything you store in it. Metal objects will lose their heat quickly because of their conductive nature. When warmer air from upstairs or from outside enters your basement, it quickly shrinks or “condenses” as it comes into contact with metal objects. This condensation process allows moisture to collect on metal surfaces causing them to rust.

Peeling Paint:  Paint peeling off or bubbling in the basement is a common problem. Paint peeling off can have 3 or more causes.

High Humidity – If you look at dry paint under a microscope, you’ll be surprised to see how “porous” it really is! The masonry walls and floors behind the paint are also porous. When a basement has a high humidity or dampness problem, moisture wicks through the porous surface of the paint and is absorbed into the masonry behind it. When temperatures become warmer, the moisture behind the paint turns into steam and forces the paint off from behind. Also, because moisture is absorbed into the masonry surfaces behind the paint, the water soluble ingredients in the masonry are leached out and crystallize as they dry. As crystals form, they force any coatings off the surface.

Improper Surface Preparation – Professionals will tell you, “The most important part of any painting job, is the surface preparation”. If a surface to be painted is not completely clean, dry, etc., the paint is not going to adhere to the permanent surface underneath. Paint on top of dirt, grease, etc only adheres to the dirt, not the surface underneath.

Musty Odors: Because your basement is below ground level, it will be cooler than the upstairs and so will everything you store in it. When warmer air from upstairs or from outside enters your basement, it quickly shrinks or “condenses” as it enters the basement. This condensing of the air volume, raises the humidity or raises the amount of moisture stored in the air. Everything porous in your basement, cardboard boxes, furniture, clothing, carpeting and even the masonry itself, “absorbs” all this moisture. The high content of moisture is the breeding ground for musty smells.

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