The weather this year has been extreme and that�s having an effect on your basement. Whether it�s moisture seeping through an infinitesimal cracks during one of winter�s many deep freezes or the humidity associated with summer�s dog days, water is your basement�s enemy. Waterproof your basement now or you may find yourself facing huge remodeling bills in the not-so-distant future.Why Are Basements So Humid?Ever watched a house being built? The first step in the process is always the excavation of a large hole where the concrete foundation of the new dwelling will be poured.The ground that�s excavated to make room for the foundation consists of densely packed dirt. Once the foundation is poured and hardened, the rest of the hole will be filled back in but with soil that is far more aerated than the original hard-packed dirt, making it far more water-absorbent than the original ground. When it rains, water gets trapped in this layer of loosely packed soil around your foundation, eventually finding its way into your basement. The problem is exacerbated if the original hole was improperly graded.Your basement lies directly over your concrete foundation. Concrete is a very porous material, filled with cracks and air pockets where water from the outside collects, eventually evaporating and finding its way into your basement as water vapor.Humidity-Proofing Your BasementMany homeowners think the basement is complete when the drywall�s been hung and the wooden studs are in place. Not true, particularly if you live in a humid climate.Whatever the claims on the label, there�s no such thing as drywall that�s completely resistant to mold. Mold and mildew can damage drywall. Even worse, mold constitutes a major health threat for many people with Allergies or respiratory conditions. Moisture, mold and mildew get trapped, over time, underneath carpets and behind drywall. How do you know whether this is happening in your basement? Your nose tells you: That characteristic musty basement smell is the smell of mildew and mold.Fortunately, there are a number of inexpensively priced concrete sealants on the market today that provide an effective barrier between moisture pockets and basement walls and floors. In general, these products are manufactured from inorganic materials, which means they�re entirely resistant to mold. These sealants can be used in new construction projects or to waterproof existing basements. A small investment of time and money today spent waterproofing your basement can protect you from expensive contracting bills in the future.