Basement
A Dry Idea: In highly humid climates with a lot of moisture buildup, consider installing a heat recovery ventilator. These devices provide a controlled air exchange to prevent moist air accumulation.
□ Musty odors indicate a moisture problem. Check for discoloration on walls, floors, and ceilings, and take immediate action.
□ One method to determine if moisture is seeping through the slab is to tape a square piece of plastic wrap to your basement floor. If moisture beads up underneath, you have water getting through the slab. Call a professional for advice.
□ Keep dehumidifiers empty.
□ When finishing basements, seek expert advice before installing insulation, vapor retarders, or drywall against exterior concrete walls.
□ Inspect crawlspaces annually. Be sure to clean out crawlspace vents.
□ Check underfloor insulation. Replace any loose batts.
□ If it’s not present, install a 6-mil polyethylene vapor barrier on the ground.
