wet and cold basement basics

Many basements haven’t any insulation at all, or exterior drainage, or proper lighting, which is a cause of coldness, discomfort and problems. A well-constructed basement can be an agreeable daily living space. But basements are often the opposite of that: they are uncomfortable, dark, chilly, wet places.

Cold non-Wet basements

If your basement is cold and uncomfortable but doesn't display signs of moisture, the source of your problems can be in your heating system, or in air leaks in the upper parts of the house, or in unsealed combustion appliances, duct leaks or, partially, in insufficient lighting...

See: Wet and Cold basements

Exterior Drainage

Before waterproofing any walls or applying any insulation in your basement walls, you should inspect and fix problems with drain footings around the house or with gutters and downspouts. Surface and underground drainage is crucial.

See: Drainage and basements.

Basement Interior Walls Insulation

The insulation of the interior basement walls increases the risk of mold and mildew, if the walls aren’t perfectly dry.

See: Basement Interior Walls Insulation

Basement Exterior Insulation

The insulation of the basement interior walls doesn't fix problems associated with exterior moisture sources.

See: Basement Exterior Insulation and Waterproofing and Basement Waterproofing

Basement Lighting

Proper lighting can produce amazing transformations in the basements. Many basements are unappealing because of lighting (or lack of it).

See, for tips: Improving basement lighting

Basement Waterproofing and Insulation Costs

See: Basement Insulation and Waterproofing Costs and Payback