Basement Humidity
When there are cracks or crevices in the base of your home, excess humidity and moisture will easily be able to get inside and cause problems. Humidity is a measure of the amount of moisture in the air. Whenever there are openings in the wall or floor, moisture will naturally seep inside. You may not notice that there’s a problem at first, as it often takes prolonged exposure before damages become obvious.
Warning Signs of a Problem
- Home doesn’t feel comfortable, even when the thermostat is set on the right temperature
- Skin feels clammy or moist
- Home smells musty (indication of mold growth)
- Certain spots on the first floor of the home no longer feel level (indication of wood rot and deterioration)
- Personal belongings in the basement are damaged
- Wooden furniture appears to be rotting or warping
Dehumidifiers
To take care of the problem, we can install a dehumidifier to control the amount of moisture in the air. We install easy-to-use and simple-to-maintain units that will do their job without any prompting from you. This means that you won’t need to worry about switching any levers or pushing any buttons to get them working. They will keep the relative humidity levels inside of the home at a safe and comfortable level.
What Causes Humidity and Dampness in Basements
Two factors usually cause basement humidity and dampness. The first factor is the basement itself. If you have a leaky basement whether from cracks in your basement walls and floors or from water seepage, this can raise the relative level of humidity of your basement. The second factor is the temperature of your basement. Because basements are located beneath the soil line of your home, they will inherently have a lower temperature. This can lead to higher humidity levels due to the inability of the air to hold the moisture. Both of these factors combined are the main causes of humidity and mold growth in your basement.
Recommended Basement Humidity Levels
Studies have shown that as much as 50% of the air in a home comes from either the basement or crawl space. The air contained in your basement or crawl space is often higher in moisture content or humidity and carries with it many allergens and odors. Experts at the Environmental Protection Agency and other sources recommend maintaining a relative basement or crawl space humidity level in the 30%-50% range. Anything above a 50% humidity level for an extended period can cause mold, mildew, and bacteria to grow in your basement.
How To Reduce Basement Humidity
Our team at Americas Basement contractors has been helping homeowners tackle their basement humidity issues for years. Whether the humidity in your basement has caused mold to grow or you have experienced musty odors coming from your basement, we can help. Our team installs Santa Fe dehumidifiers to help maintain a constant and safe humidity level in your basement. This system ensures that the humidity in your basement does not get too high causing damage to the joists or supporting structures of your home. Contact our team today to schedule an estimate and to find out how installing a dehumidifier in your basement can keep your home safe.
