Whether your home's basement is finished or unfinished, one fact remains: no homeowner wants to discover water or moisture issues in a basement. Unfortunately, basement moisture problems are rather common and can be brought on by any number of causes. From foundation cracks and high indoor humidity levels to bad gutters, there are many potential causes of moisture in a home's basement. Fortunately, there are steps any homeowner can take to reduce basement moisture and enjoy greater peace of mind.

Revisit Your Home's Gutter System

Start by taking a look at your home's roofing and gutter system. Your gutters are your home's first line of defense against moisture issues, as they are responsible for safely carrying water to a safe distance away from your home. A gutter system that is clogged or set up inefficiently could result in excess water around your home's foundation, which will eventually allow moisture to seep into your basement and begin causing problems. Upgrading or repairing your home's gutters could not only help to prevent basement moisture issues but could also add years to the life of your roof as well!

Repair Settlement Cracks as They Appear

Speaking of your home's foundation, understand that it's normal for a home of any age to develop settlement cracks over time. It's important to repair these cracks as they arise, however, because they will begin allowing moisture to penetrate your home's foundation and basement otherwise. You can easily repair small settlement cracks yourself using cement patching, or you can hire a professional to take care of this for you.

Consider Basement Waterproofing Services

If basement moisture is becoming an issue despite taking preventative measures, it may be time to call a professional home waterproofing service to evaluate your home further. These companies offer basement waterproofing services that can essentially create a waterproof membrane around your home's perimeter, thus keeping unwanted moisture out of your basement for good.

Have a Dehumidifier Installed

Sometimes, basement moisture comes not from the outside, but from inside the home. Test your basement's indoor humidity levels; if they're on the high side, it may be time to have a dehumidifier installed in your home that will wick excess moisture out of the air seamlessly and quietly.

No homeowner wants to deal with basement moisture issues, but by taking these steps, you can avoid many of the potentially expensive headaches associated with basement water leakage problems!