When moisture penetrates a structure, it can cause serious and costly damage. This is why creating a damp proof basement will prevent a lot of headaches. Since prevention is far more effective than restoration, you can cut major future costs by simply dampproofing.

When dampproofing, always fit a good solid water membrane between your concrete and your sub floor. Any water that gets up under the membrane will sink back into the ground under your home, and without proper protection, this water would enter your basement. Paint a damp proofing course around the lower 2 feet of your basement walls. Make sure it is mold and mildew resistant dampproofing paint. Ventilation is another major aspect of having a damp proof basement, heat will help dry out any dampness, and proper ventilation will stop moisture from propagating. Put air bricks in your basement walls, higher than any outside water level, but low enough to create a circulatory effect.