7 Simple Basement Air Quality Tips
Breathing is just as important in life as sleeping, eating, and staying hydrated. However, this basic but critical function is a problem for many people. Chronic lung diseases like asthma and COPD affect more than 35 million U.S. residents.
Air quality is a global concern, and many legislators and activists passionately work to improve environmental conditions. You can take steps, too, in your own home.
Learn what causes poor indoor air quality and follow our experts’ basement air quality tips for a safer and healthier home!
Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality
When there’s something off with your home’s air, you’ll know it. Common symptoms of diminished air quality include:
- Stale air
- Unpleasant musty odors
- Damp basement
- Frequent illness, increased allergies, asthma flare-ups
You spend a lot of time in your home, and if the air you breathe inside is compromised, it will impact your quality of life. Aside from the nuisance of bad smells, your health and your family’s well-being can significantly suffer.
Poor indoor air quality is often caused by the stack effect, a home’s natural airflow pattern from bottom to top. As a result, pollutants and other issues in your basement don’t stay confined to that area but can impact your entire home.
Causes of Air Quality Issues
Many people believe damp, musty basements with poor air quality are normal. While these conditions are common, they are not safe or healthy.
The following sources cause air quality problems:
- High indoor humidity
- Basement leaks
- Water-damaged materials
- Mold growth
- Poor ventilation
- Pest infestations
These causes can be noticeable or difficult to detect and often co-occur with other signs of damage. A basement waterproofing expert like Groundworks can help you pinpoint and properly address the exact source.
7 Easy Steps to Improve Air in Basements
1. Seal Cracks, Gaps, and Leaks
Address any potential entry points for moisture and outdoor air. Inspect your home’s walls and floors for foundation cracks and seal them (with help from a professional). Check around windows, doors, and utility penetrations for gaps and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk. Pay special attention to the rim joist area where the house frame meets the foundation. Install or repair exterior drainage systems to prevent water from seeping into the basement.
2. Reduce Basement Humidity with a Dehumidifier
Managing basement humidity is essential for preventing mold growth and maintaining comfortable conditions. Install a dehumidifier sized appropriately for your basement’s square footage and moisture level. Position the unit centrally and ensure proper drainage or regular emptying of collection tanks. Maintain relative humidity between 30 and 50% for optimal air quality. Consider a unit with a built-in humidistat for automatic operation and consistent humidity control.
3. Use Mold-Resistant Materials
When finishing or renovating your basement, choose materials designed to resist mold and moisture. Install mold-resistant drywall, use waterproof flooring options, and select water-resistant insulation materials. Paint walls with mold-resistant primers and paints, and consider installing a vapor barrier behind finished walls. Avoid using organic materials like traditional wood or cardboard boxes for storage, as these can become breeding grounds for mold.
4. Ensure Proper Ventilation
Investing in proper basement ventilation solutions is crucial for maintaining good basement air quality. Install a combination of mechanical ventilation systems and natural airflow solutions. Consider options like window wells, exhaust fans, or a whole-basement ventilation system. For finished basements, extend your HVAC system to include adequate supply and return vents. Adding a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy recovery ventilator (ERV) can efficiently exchange air while maintaining temperature control.
5. Install Air Purifiers
Air purifiers for basements can significantly improve air quality by removing airborne contaminants. Choose units with HEPA filters to capture mold spores, dust, and other microscopic particles. Consider models with activated carbon filters to address odors and chemical pollutants. Position air purifiers in high-traffic areas or near potential sources of contamination. Multiple units or a whole-house air filtration system may be necessary for larger basements.
6. Remove High VOC Sources
Minimize or eliminate sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in your basement. Avoid storing paints, solvents, cleaning chemicals, and other VOC-emitting products in the basement. If storage is necessary, ensure containers are tightly sealed and consider moving them to a well-ventilated garage or outdoor shed. When finishing or renovating your basement, choose low-VOC materials including paints, carpets, adhesives, and sealants.
7. Practice Regular Maintenance and Cleaning
Establish a routine maintenance schedule to prevent air quality issues. Regularly clean and vacuum the basement using HEPA-filtered equipment. Check and clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage away from the foundation. Inspect and clean HVAC ducts, vents, and filters regularly. Monitor walls and floors for signs of moisture or mold growth. Keep storage items elevated off the floor and away from walls to promote air circulation.
The Groundworks Solution: Comprehensive Basement Waterproofing
While this is a straightforward guide, some of these basement air quality tips may require assistance from a professional. The best thing you can do for your basement’s health and your family’s safety is to entrust projects to improve air in basements to local pros.
Our teams at Groundworks have many years of experience in creating safer and healthier homes across the United States and Canada. We’ll inspect your home, determine the cause of the air quality problem, and recommend solutions tailored to meet your needs.
These include our comprehensive basement waterproofing system:
- Interior drainage to collect leaking water
- Sump pumps to remove the water
- Discharge line attachments to prevent freezing, backups, and flooding
- Wall vapor barriers to prevent moisture intrusion
- Dehumidifiers to control humidity, reduce odors, and clean the air
Your home can also benefit from foundation repairs, such as carbon fiber straps or wall braces if cracks and structural damage contribute to basement issues.
Contact Groundworks Today For Better Air!
We all need air to live, and that air should be clean. Poor basement air quality isn’t just a basement problem—it’s a whole-house issue that affects your family’s health and comfort.
At Groundworks, we understand how important your home and family are to you—they’re important to us, too. We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and installing quality repairs that safeguard what matters most. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and receive a no-obligation estimate for customized solutions that will improve your living environment.
