Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers - musty smell in basement , worse after rainfall!

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zimzum
06-29-07, 07:45 PM
I have a 500 sq ft basement and a new 65 pint dehumidifier that keeps the basement on avg 45% and after a rainfall it rises to 55% for a day or 2!

the basement is dry loooking but gets a mustier smell after the rain and my first floor smell a bit musty also. the first floor I still think is mostly ue to the 20 yr old carpet though.

can anyone give me some guidance on what to do next, iss my dehumidifer big enuff?



zim

mitch17
06-29-07, 08:16 PM
The rise in humidity suggests rain water infiltration. I'd see if I could figure out where. What kind of grade and landscaping do you have around your house?
zimzum
06-30-07, 07:08 AM
I forgot to mention im in a townhome !
heres some pics of my basement, landscaping and downspout setup.

see if you could see any problem!

just copy and paste this link in your browser

http://s201.photobucket.com/albums/aa17/zimzum1970/


thanks
zim

twelvepole
06-30-07, 11:55 AM
Gutters and downspouts should be clear. Downspouts should be connected to drains and water carried away from structure to french wells. Soil should slope away from structure to carry water away from foundation. If you have efflorescence, you have moisture penetration that is carrying salts to the surface of the blocks. Your pictures reveal moisture issues in the basement.