relatively dry basement, how to make better

[calvin]

I have a relatively dry basement and was wondering the most effective way to improve it. I'd like to either run the
dehumidifier even less or eventually
finish part of it. By "relatively" I mean
- inspector stated he could not find any
evidence that water had ever been
in basement
- have a small 65pt dehumidifier which
periodically runs during the summer
months (empty every couple of days)
- on ridge with good drainage
- concrete walls/ floor (house '95)

In situations like this, what is the typical source of moisture?
Vapor through the wall and floor?
Humid summer air cooling in
basement?
Would waterproofing the walls/floors
affect the humidity significantly?
Is there a test to tell?

-calvin

Other details:
- basement ~24x50 7.5' high
- ground ranges from ~4 to 5 .5 ft
from basement floor

[stevea]

There are many things that can be done to improve a basement. First, I would say to get rid of that dehumidifier and replace it with a SaniDry Basement Air System. Not only does the SaniDry dehumidifier the basement air but also has a two stage air filter system. You can remove up to 100 pints a day with the SaniDry using the same energy cost as a 35 pint dehumidifier.

After the SaniDry is installed I would recommend sealing all holes and rod ties in the basement walls. I would also make sure all windows and especially bulkhead doors be air tight sealed. As far as the walls I would recommend some type of vapor barrier be installed.

Most summer time humidity is from high humidity caused by hot humid outside air and cool basement temperatures.

Which brings us to my opinion on a product line which claims to vent the bad basement air outside using a sheet metal duct work attached to the basement walls and has a fan which blows the basement air outside. DO NOT FALL FOR THIS IDEA !!! Let me explain why. Let's reason on this thinking for a minute. If this unit (Humidex/HumiVent) draws the bad air out of the basement, where does the good air come from? Well they say to cut the bottom of the upstairs basement door an inch and then this vent will draw the good air upstairs down into the basement. So basically what you are now doing is operating the heat or air conditioning with the window open! They say this unit operating on pennies a day which is true , however when you figure in the cost of additional heating or air conditioning, this is a very expensive option.

That is why I recommend a SaniDry, because it conditions the basement air from within the basement. It also will help save you money on air conditioning costs because dry air is easier to cool than wet, humid air. I believe that when a house has a dehumidifier installed instead of a SaniDry the homeowner is paying for energy costs at a greater amount than the initial cost of the SaniDry. (really a home without a SaniDry is paying for the unit without the benefits)

Depending on what you want to do with the basement Pioneer can design a system to accomplish your needs.

I hope this helps. For a free color brochure on the SaniDry and our other basement products call 1-800-649-6140 or request one right here online.

Thanks for visiting. SteveA

[calvin]

Steve,

Thanks for the valuable information. You mentioned that the walls should have a vapor barrier. If the walls were waterproofed when constructed (don't know), should there be any concern about double barriers?
Should the floor get any vapor barrier?

-calvin

[stevea]

Most waterproofing on the outside of the basement walls are breathable, and allow moisture to evaporate out of the concrete wall. I would recommend a drainage system like WaterGuard be installed with a product like Thermal Wall or CleanSpace on the walls and tied into the drainage system down below the floor.

I would recommend a product for the basement floor we install called Thermal Dry sub flooring system. (In fact within several months a new version will be available that are non- organic tiles that interlock together and then you can install carpet padding and carpet right over it. This is a great way to keep that cold, damp concrete floor much warmer.)

You can request a brochure entitled "Getting Ready To Finish Your Basement" right here on line or by calling our office at 1-800-649-6140. Thanks SteveA