Each season presents its own challenges to homeowners struggling to keep their home in the best shape it can be. And while winter may get a bad reputation for being the bringer of too much precipitation that can damage a home, the warmer months of summer can also be difficult to deal with. And if you live in a region that experiences high humidity, summer can be problematic, especially for the basement. Here’s everything you need to know about fighting basement humidity in the summer.
Heat and Humidity
We all know that summer brings the heat, but humidity levels can also rise during these months. And that humidity level can rise even further once it enters your home and is cooled by the air conditioning. For example, if the humidity outside is around 65%, that could rise to 98% when it is cooled inside the home. And with that much moisture in the air, there are bound to be issues.
Mold Growth
One of the first issues that you might find in the home is the presence of mold in the basement if there is too much moisture in the air. As moisture from the air condenses, it provides a perfect breeding ground for mold, which can then spread throughout the house. Mold spores can trigger allergies and asthma if left to spread.
Moisture Damage
If left unchecked, high basement humidity can lead to water damage. This can happen when warm, moist air from outside hits a cold surface and condenses, leaving water to pool or leak. This occurs regularly on cold appliances that are kept in the basement, causing them to rust over time.
Expenses
Any way you look at it, summertime humidity can lead to a lot of very expensive problems. Getting rid of mold requires specially trained professionals, and the cost of replacing appliances that lose efficiency due to water damage is quite high. And if there is any exposed wood in a damp basement, that will need to be replaced often as well.
What to Look For
With an estimated 60% of homeowners being affected by dampness in the basement, it’s important that you know what to look for if you want to prevent inconvenient damage to the home. Here’s what to look out for:
- Visible mold
- Condensation
- Puddles of water
- Rotten wood
- Water stains
The best way to deal with basement humidity is to prevent it altogether. If you need assistance taking the right steps to protect your basement in the summer, the experts at B-Dry Boston will help you out. Contact us today.
