Basements are a refuge.
It’s where people gather; kids play; adults dim the lights for a movie or game night. In the basement you’re safely underground—insulated from the pressures of the real world and even your home.
But part of what makes basements fun and distinct makes them difficult to manage. This enclosed, underground space is challenging to ventilate, making it far more likely to develop mold and undergo structural damage. To prevent this from happening to your basement, read on to learn more about managing basement humidity.
Why Are Basements Prone to Humidity?
Basements suffer from excess humidity because they’re underground and difficult to ventilate. Basement floors and walls also directly contact soil, which can seep in through poor grading or foundation cracks. And because of their poor ventilation, moisture-generating appliances like laundry machines and showers can cause and sustain excess humidity.
Basement Humidity Leads to Mold, & Worse
The more humidity your basement has, the more likely it is to develop mold. Beyond mold and its health risks is the structural damage that humidity brings; high humidity can also cause foundation and structural damage, as well as corroding metal, interfering with your heater and HVAC system as well as electrical systems.
Your Home’s Humidity Levels Need to Be Balanced
Basements are best kept at a relative humidity level of 30 to 50 percent, a range that reduces the risk of mold growth and associated health risks. During winter, that should be reduced to 30 to 40 percent.
If humidity is too low, it leads to dry sinuses and bloody noses, and chapped skin. High humidity grows mold and supports termites, silverfish, and rodents.
What are the Signs of a Too-Humid Basement
If you know how to look, it should be relatively easy to spot signs that your humidity levels are out of whack.
As you descend your basement stairs, notice if you feel that you’re entering another atmosphere.
- Are my basement walls damp to the touch?
- Are there small white salt deposits on the floor?
- Condensation on metal surfaces?
- Does it smell like rotten veggies?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you likely have a humidity problem.
How to Manage Your Home’s Humidity Levels
Effective humidity management requires monitoring your home’s moisture levels and temperature.
Thankfully, there are a lot of things you can do to manage your humidity better.
Some of our favorite tips include:
- Insulate your basement walls (ideally R-10 insulation and a vapor barrier)
- Clean up spills and leaks fast (mold only needs a day or two to grow when by a water source)
- Install exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms (be sure to run between a half hour and a full hour after showing)
- Install a dehumidifier to extract water from the air
- Avoid over watering plants, especially those near your foundation
- Make sure dryers and other appliances vent outside your home
Keep Humidity at Bay to Keep the Mold Away
It only takes a modicum of effort to keep humidity levels in check once you know what to do. Managing moisture levels will go a long way to keeping a happy and healthy mold, free of mold and full of comfort.
Why MoldGone?
At MoldGone, we offer FREE mold inspection. Our mold removal and mold remediation services are available at reasonable prices.
Call us today at 240-970-6533 or Click here to schedule your appointment.
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