A homeowner asks: Should I worry about my basaement? It's damp all the time and wet in spots when it rains.

Sorry about your basement. Rest assured, you are not alone. According to the the American Society of Home Inspectors, 60 percent of homes have a wet basement. So don't worry about it. ACT!

What harm can a wet basement do?

Plenty. Resulting mold can impact your health and the health of your family. Moisture can destroy items stored in the basement. In severe cases, the foundation of your home can be damaged.

And, if you're thinking about selling your home, a wet basement must be disclosed to all potential buyers and poses an obstacle to a sale. A musty smell will send buyers elsewhere. The nose always knows.

What causes a wet basement?

The list is long. Identifying the cause of your dampness will be an important first step in eliminating it. Your clue is that it is worse when it rains. Rain and snow melt are big culprits in wet basements. Other causes can include subsurface seep, humidity, condensation, poor ventilation, and leaky pipes.

Stay dry!

Fixing a wet basement often starts at the top.

• Check your roof for leaks and clean your gutters and downspouts at least once a year. Clogged gutters allow rainwater to overflow down the side of the house to the foundation.

• The foundation also protects the basement from moisture. Grading must slope away from the house, and shrubs and trees should not be so close that growing roots crack the foundation and allow water in.

• Installing a sump pump can mitigate subsurface seep.

• So can waterproofing the walls and floor.

• A dehumidifier or two helps alleviate excessive humidity,

• Wrap pipes, especially cold pipes, to prevent condensation.

• Improve ventiliation by opening a window if possible on nice days or install an exhaust fan.

• You know what to do with leaky pipes.

Should you need the name of a waterproofing company, we can recommend a few in South Jersey and Philadelphia.