Basement Moisture Problems

Nearly every home has a basement moisture problems, assuming there is a basement in the home. The basic reason is that the basement, or part of it, is below ground level. A basement in modern homes is an extension of the living space in addition to an area for storage, and a place for the utilities such as; furnace, boiler, hot water heater, and water tank. There are several different styles of basements from day light (essentially a walkout), to lookouts where there are windows in the basement that permit a view outside.

For clarification of terms a cellar is not a basement but is often referred to as such. Although a cellar is a type of basement it is primarily used for the storage of food and drink (wine) for use throughout the year. A cellar by design is intended to remain at a constant cool (not freezing) temperature all year round, approximately 60 degrees. They are more common in older houses than in modern houses and are not intended for living space although they serve as an excellent shelter from tornadoes in some parts of the country. Moisture in a cellar is not considered a problem because they are not intend to be used as living space.