Month by month

January and February
Basements are usually driest now. Pour water in floor drains, since heated dry air empties traps. Check the crawl space for frozen or sweating pipes.
March
Often among the snowiest months. Keep snow shoveled away from the foundation and out of window wells as it melts.
April
Clean gutters and window wells. Reconnect downspout extensions. Walk the yard after the first spring rain to see where water flows.
May
Start the sprinkler system and check each zone for spray hitting the house. Set up and test the dehumidifier before humidity rises.
June
Hail and storm season. After a big storm, check gutters for damage and look in the basement and crawl space for new water.
July and August
Peak humidity downstairs. Empty or check the dehumidifier drain daily or weekly. Replace swamp cooler pads if not done earlier. Keep the humidity log.
September
Review the summer's log. Plan any drainage, grading or ground cover work for the dry autumn months.
October
Blow out sprinklers before freezing nights. Clear leaves from window wells and gutters. Drain and cover the swamp cooler.
November and December
Check the radon fan gauge, change furnace filters, and look at stored items for signs of summer mildew.

Why timing matters here

Basement odor problems in the Denver area tend to be seasonal because the climate is. Winters are dry and sunny between storms, so indoor humidity is low and musty smells often fade. That is exactly when owners forget about the problem. Then snowmelt and spring rain soak the soil, sprinklers start, and summer thunderstorms add bursts of water, while warm humid air reaches cool basement walls.

Doing outdoor work in fall and early spring, when soil is workable and humidity is low, means the basement is ready before the wet season. Starting the dehumidifier in May rather than waiting for the smell keeps materials from absorbing moisture in the first place.

Twice-a-year quick list

Do these every spring and fall in addition to the monthly items.

  • Look in the crawl space through the hatch with a flashlight.
  • Check the sump pit, if any, and test the pump by adding water.
  • Run water in every rarely used drain and fixture downstairs.
  • Check caulk around basement windows and the condition of window well covers.
  • Look at the bottom of stored boxes and the backs of furniture on foundation walls.
  • Replace the batteries in hygrometers and recalibrate if your model allows.

General information for Lakewood, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.