Moisture in the basement is an issue you might be dealing with. When the humidity in your home is too high or too low, your living conditions will not be safe and comfortable. You will likely experience health problems, mold growth, and property damage to some extent.
In this article, we will discuss how humidity can cause damage to your home and belongings. We will also give you tips on resolving your wet basement problems.
What Is Humidity?
Humidity is the amount of water vapor present in the air. On the other hand, relative humidity is the moisture in the air compared to the maximum amount of water vapor it can hold. When the air cannot hold any moisture, it then condenses as moisture droplets or dew.
Basement humidity and condensation are very common. This happens because your basement itself is located below the grade or ground. There might be foundation cracks or water leakage happening. The key is to find the signs of basement humidity as early as possible:
Signs of High Levels of Humidity
- Damp, humid air
- Smell and appearance of mold or mildew
- Wet stains on the walls and ceiling
- Obvious decay of wood and columns
- Dark spots and discoloration on surfaces
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- Excessive condensation on egress windows or basement hopper windows
- Walls, floors, and furniture feel moist
- Allergy symptoms among the family members
Problems Caused By Basement Humidity
The humidity level in your basement should be within the range of 30 to 50 percent. When the relative humidity in your basement space exceeds 60 percent, mold starts to grow. It can lead to potential problems like the following:
Mold and Mildew
These microscopic fungi can typically be seen in damp spaces like your basement. A wet and moist basement is the ideal condition for them to grow and thrive. Are there white or black patches on the ceiling and walls? There’s a high chance that mold is already present within your home.
Allergies and Health Hazards
Prolonged exposure to a moldy environment may lead to health problems. Children and people with asthma are sensitive to mold spores. These can trigger allergies and asthma attacks. In addition, mold spores can cause you to experience coughing, sneezing, stuffy nose, skin irritation, and other symptoms.
Wall Issues
Too much humidity in your basement will cause the walls to swell and contract. Soon, you will notice pockets of moisture in your walls. The excess moisture will lead to damaged paintwork and curling wallpaper. When the paint starts to flake away, you will need to apply a new coat to your basement walls.
But before you start with repainting or wallpaper replacement, it’s better to address the humidity issues. A professional basement remodeler knows different techniques to fix your moisture issues.
Flooring Problems
Basement walls are not the only ones that get damaged by humidity. Mold and mildew may also develop on your wood flooring or carpeting. If this happens, you need to use mold removal products. A chlorine-bleach solution can also be used to remove molding on wood floors. As long as the mold growth is not widespread, you can get rid of the problem quickly.
However, excess moisture will result in irreversible damage to hardwood floors and wooden fittings. Professional cleanup and remediation may be necessary if the mold has penetrated deep into the surface.
Damaged Goods
If mold growth is not removed quickly, the mold will digest different materials. Mold spores may damage materials like wood, drywall, soft furnishings, books, and paper. Anything that is stored in your damp basement may get ruined. Make sure to check your basement for any stain or musty smell. These are some signs that there’s excess moisture in your basement area.
To prevent this from happening, reach out to a basement contractor. They can help you remove and control the source of moisture within your basement.
Conclusion
The good news is you can take simple steps to deal with basement humidity. A company like Pittsburgh Basement Remodeling is here to guide you! We offer both complete and partial basement remodel. Our goal is to transform your below-ground space with our exceptional services.
When you work with us, you can expect impeccable results from our expert team.
To schedule an appointment with us, feel free to contact our staff!