What does a dehumidifier do?
AnswerRemoves moisture from the air
A dehumidifier draws in damp air, condenses the water out and releases drier air.
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Basement facts & stats
8 fact-checked facts about basements, each with the reason behind it. 4 more are in today's round and join this page after it closes.
The basics
Basement foundation walls are most commonly made of what?
AnswerConcrete
Foundation walls are typically poured concrete or concrete block, strong enough to hold back soil.
Going deeper
Radon, a gas that can collect in basements, has which properties?
AnswerIt is radioactive, colorless and odorless
Radon cannot be seen or smelled, so testing is the only way to know its level.
Why do root cellars help keep stored vegetables cool?
AnswerSurrounding soil holds a steadier, cooler temperature
Earth insulates underground spaces, keeping them cooler and more stable than outdoor air in summer.
What is an egress window?
AnswerA window big enough to escape through in an emergency
Egress windows give a way out of below-ground rooms in a fire or emergency.
What is a French drain?
AnswerA gravel-filled trench with a pipe that redirects water
A French drain uses gravel and a perforated pipe to carry groundwater away from a foundation.
Expert level
Radon gas forms from the natural radioactive decay of which element in soil and rock?
AnswerUranium
Uranium in the ground decays through radium into radon, which can seep into buildings.
What is efflorescence on a basement wall?
AnswerA white, powdery deposit of salts left by evaporating water
Water moving through concrete or brick carries salts that stay behind as a white crust when it evaporates.
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