Question 1

Can a Damp Basement Lead to Health Problems?

Accepted Answer

Even if you do not use your basement as a key room in your home, it is important to understand the risk that a damp basement can pose to your health. When left untreated, damp will only worsen over time, which can lead to the formation of more serious issues like mould, since it provides mould spores with an ideal environment in which to thrive and grow. Damp and mould in your basement can spread to other areas of your property and can be the cause of serious health issues including respiratory problems and asthma. If you already suffer from asthma or allergies, damp and mould is only likely going to make these problems worse.

Question 2

Will a Dehumidifier Help a Damp Basement?

Accepted Answer

To determine how you are going to deal with the damp and moisture in your basement, it is important to make sure that you determine the root cause of the problem. A dehumidifier may be a simple and effective way to deal with damp in your basement if the problem is a result of condensation. If your basement is used regularly for washing or drying clothes, or you have a bathroom in the basement, adding additional ventilation or a dehumidifier can certainly be helpful. However, a dehumidifier is unlikely to be as effective if the damp problems in your basement are caused by something more serious such as ineffective grading, cracks in the foundations or broken gutters. In these cases, you will need to deal with the issue that is causing the damp first before you can get the full benefits of using a dehumidifier in the space.