Is the ventilation in the basement sufficient?
Historically, basements have served as storage spaces rather than living spaces. Therefore, it was rare for anyone to reflect on the smell that often occurred in these spaces. However, times have changed and today it is quite common to also use basement space as living space.
This in turn places completely new demands on moisture, odors, and temperature. One way to handle it all is to install approved and effective ventilation. Therefore, in this guide, we will take a closer look at what you need to consider when you are thinking about converting your basement into living space.
Recommendations for basement ventilation
The Swedish National Board of Housing, Planning and Planning, the Swedish Public Health Agency and other experts agree – good ventilation is crucial for a healthy indoor environment , even in basements. The Swedish National Board of Housing, Planning and Planning's building regulations (BBR) have clear requirements for how ventilation should work in villas and other buildings.
Ventilation must provide enough fresh air to keep the indoor air clean and fresh. It must also remove moisture, pollutants and excess heat. The air must be distributed evenly throughout all rooms for the ventilation to function properly.
What causes moisture problems in the basement?
A basement is generally classified as a hazardous structure. Because it is surrounded by soil on the sides and bottom, the incidence of moisture is significantly higher than in other spaces. While there can be several reasons why moisture enters a basement, the following tend to be some of the most common:
1. Poor drainage
One of the most common causes of damp in the basement is a lack of drainage. When water is not drained away from the property, for example where the drainage system has become clogged, water can collect around the foundation. Over time, this will drip into the basement and contribute to the build-up of damp.
2. Groundwater
If the property is built in an area with a high groundwater level, water can naturally be forced into the basement through the property's foundation. This can be exacerbated during persistent rain with high precipitation.
Poor ventilation
Basements are often poorly ventilated, which means that moisture cannot find a way out. Many basement spaces also tend to have saunas, laundry rooms, etc., which further increases the accumulation of moisture.
Leaking pipes
It is also not uncommon for leaking pipes to result in moisture problems. Although it may not be perceived as a problem at first, even microscopic leaks can result in moisture damage over time.
Capillary suction
Considered one of the most common causes of moisture in basements. It occurs by absorbing water through small cracks and pores that occur in walls and floors. Ultimately, this can lead to the formation of mold. The process becomes even more powerful if the ground around the property is constantly damp.
High humidity over a longer period
If you experience high humidity in your basement for a long time, while neglecting to solve the problem, it can result in a number of unpleasant surprises. Some of the most common are as follows:
- Mold and Fungus Growth : In basements where humidity is between 75 - 80% and temperatures are around 15 degrees, mold can start to grow in as little as 30 days. This is especially true if you are storing things like newspapers, wood, or other organic materials.
- Damage to the building : If mold is allowed to run rampant, it can damage the foundation and structure of the house. Wood can rot, concrete can crack, and metal can rust. This can weaken the house and lead to expensive repairs.
- The unique "basement smell ": You've probably felt the musty smell in a damp and dark basement. The smell is hard to get rid of and can spread to the rest of the house. This affects the entire indoor climate and can make it less pleasant to stay there.
How to improve ventilation in the basement
If you want to improve ventilation in your basement, you need to focus on two things: bringing in fresh air and getting stale air out. To bring in fresh air, you may need new fresh air vents. These are installed by drilling a channel through the exterior wall, allowing outside air to flow in.
During installation you need to consider the following :
- Place the valve high on the wall. This will mix the cold air with the warm air, while reducing the occurrence of drafts.
- Old folding or pull valves often have a metal frame and usually have a square passage through the foundation, and then you can easily supplement the Airmove 3.0 with a mounting plate or choose our Airmove 3.5 Basement Valve which is thermostatically controlled.
- You can never bring more air into your space than you put out, so it is usually a good idea to have a consumption point in the basement that sucks out used air and at the same time activates the supply air so that you achieve a flow, Flow from the outside in, a flow around and finally a flow out of the basement.
Airmove – Smart supply air valves for the basement
With a fresh air valve from Airmove , you don't have to adjust the air intake yourself. The valve does it automatically and adapts to the outside temperature. Thanks to a built-in thermostat, both the air gap and the amount of air that is let in are regulated, without you having to do anything.
When the temperature drops, the Airmove valve reduces the airflow, and when it gets warmer, it increases again. How many valves you need in your basement depends on the size and number of rooms. A guideline is to use one valve per 25 square meters. If the room is larger than 25 square meters, two valves are a better choice.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my basement has ventilation problems?
Some of the most common signs of poor ventilation in basement spaces are musty odors, moisture stains, fogging on windows, and the formation of mold.
Is it difficult and expensive to improve the air in the basement?
It doesn't have to cost a fortune or require advanced solutions to enjoy fresher air in your basement. The easiest way is to install supply air valves from Airmove yourself, which are both cheap and effective. On our YouTube channel you will find more informative tips and advice.
Will drainage solve moisture problems in the basement?
No, although drainage is important, there may be other reasons why moisture is occurring in your basement, so it is important to get to the bottom of the problem and not rely on one solution.
