Rain

Rain brings its own problems in old homes. I have been heading downstairs for a week or so, making sure I don't smell mould on the stone walls. Very few of the old basements have water seeping in through the walls, like what happens in today's home. Our stone walls are 2.5' thick.

What we do have is less ventelation, at least for now, and less heat. When we upgrade the heating system we are going to heat the basement more. This will accomplish two things - first, the main floor will be warmer. If the floors in a room are warm, then the whole room is warm. That is the theory behind the under-floor wire 'warming' cables being installed in today's bathrooms.

Heat in the basement will also eliminate the threat of mold.