- 1) Dehumidification. Even if the basement appears dry, water vapor can linger in the atmosphere for days or weeks. …
- 2) Interior drainage. …
- 3) Seal foundation cracks. …
- 4) Leave windows shut. …
- 5) Don’t irrigate the garden. …
- 6) Grade the yard. …
- 7) Maintain gutters and downspouts.
Why are basements humid in the summer?
Basement Humidity in the Summer
During summer months,
the air outside is hotter and more humid
. That air can make its way into your basement, increasing your humidity levels to around 60 percent.
Why are basements damp in the summer?
Air humidity is greater in the summertime simply because
warm air is able to hold more moisture than cold air
. This humid indoor air increases the risk of basement water damage because a lot of finished basements use drywall.
How do I get rid of dampness in my basement?
- Install a Dehumidifier. …
- Ventilate the Area. …
- Reseal Your Concrete. …
- Attend to Air Leaks. …
- See to Downspouts and Grading Issues Outside. …
- Inspect Driveways and Other Outdoor Construction Features. …
- Air Out Wet Items Elsewhere. …
- Check Your Vents, Including Your Dryer Vent.
Why is it so humid in my basement?
Humidity is
caused by evaporation of water into the air
. … When the soil around your basement gets oversaturated with water, the water will start making its way into the basement through the porous concrete walls. Because you have a dryer or other appliance venting inside your basement.
Do I need to run dehumidifier in basement in winter?
During cold winter months, the air in your home is usually dry, which means
a dehumidifier is not necessary
. … Most dehumidifiers should not be operated in temperatures below 60° F, since the moisture removed from the indoor air can freeze when it condenses on the cooling coils, which can damage the unit.
Is it safe to run a dehumidifier constantly all the time?
Should a Dehumidifier Run Constantly?
No, there is no need to keep the dehumidifier running constantly
. It’s generally enough to run the unit when the humidity level is 50% or higher. A good rule of thumb to remember is to maintain a comfortable 30-50% humidity level for most homes.
Will mold grow at 55 humidity?
A
relative humidity greater than 55 percent is enough to support the growth of black mold
. … Household problems such as water and pipe leaks cause water intrusion and an environment perfect for black mold to grow. The mold can continue to grow unabated if a small leak goes undetected for a long time.
Can moisture come up through concrete?
Concrete’s porous nature means that
water from under your home can seep up through your concrete floor
, making it damp. … Basements and garages – the typical rooms with concrete floors – also suffer from poor air circulation, giving the moisture nowhere to go once it seeps through the floor.
Should I open basement windows in summer?
When basement windows are open in the summer,
more warm and humid air is able to penetrate the basement which will cause condensation and make the problems even worse
. … Condensation is wet, which makes your basement wet, which is the perfect place for musty, smelly, mold.
Will a dehumidifier in the basement help the whole house?
A basement dehumidifier designed to work in
low temperatures
with proper square-foot and pint rating can work for your entire home. Whole-house dehumidifiers can also be professionally attached to an HVAC system to help keep the humidity at optimal levels in your entire home.
Is DampRid good for basements?
DampRid Hi-Capacity Moisture Absorber Bucket attracts and traps excess moisture, eliminating musty odors from damp areas. … Ideal for larger spaces like
basements
, garages, where stagnant air and excess moisture is a problem.
How do I circulate the air in my basement?
Floor fans and
a dehumidifier
are additional options that may help keep a basement adequately ventilated. Another option is to install exhaust fans that connect to vents located throughout the basement. These fans can be permanently installed in windows or might require cutting through a basement wall to install.
Is it bad for your health to live in a basement?
Some health risks to people who live in basements have been noted, for example mold, radon,
and risk of injury/death due to fire
. … Presence of mold can lead to “respiratory symptoms, respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis and asthma”, as well as personal belongings being contaminated by mold.
Do basement walls need to breathe?
Foundation walls like concrete are porous. This means they can take in 10-15 gallons of water vapor a day. … That is why your walls need to breathe.
Moisture needs somewhere to go
, and a house that is sealed up too tight ends up with moisture in puddles and rotten drywall.
Where should dehumidifier be placed in basement?
In conclusion, the best place to keep a dehumidifier most definitely is
the downstairs basement or upstairs close to the stairs
. This is because the basement is the most humid place in your house. If there is any other moist condition upstairs, its source must be resolved rather than placing a dehumidifier.
