How Humid Weather Can Affect Your Basement
When we picture water entering our homes, we generally imagine the usual culprits: rain or snowmelt. We also think about problems inside the home, like broken pipes or clogged drains. However, humidity is one of the sneakiest ways that moisture makes its way into our home, and since it’s so easy to ignore it can also be incredibly dangerous to the integrity of your home.
When water accumulates in your home, you could be facing:
- Damage to furniture or items that are stored there
- Discoloration of the paint and/or wallpaper
- Mold or mildew growth, which can aggravate current health problems or lead to respiratory issues
- Any type of metal furniture or equipment may rust
- Warping of drywall and wood paneling
- Infestations of bugs and rodents
- A severely cracked foundation in need of repair
In the summertime, the humidity in Maryland can range anywhere from 54-84%, so it is definitely a concern for homeowners. Humidity will affect your basement just like any other type of water issue, but it will do it in a much quieter, less noticeable way. To avoid even the smallest amounts of humidity from becoming a big problem, take the following preventative measures.
- Get a dehumidifier. Just as the name implies, this device will remove excess moisture from the air, and you are then responsible for emptying the tank of water or having some kind of place to snake a tube for the water to go. The best dehumidifiers will run on their own and have adjustable settings, as well as a way for you to measure the current humidity in the air.
- Run fans. You don’t need to do this daily, but once a month open the doors to the basement and run some fans through the space. This will clear it out and prevent from air getting moist and stale and thus becoming a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and more.
- Care for windows. Caulk the edges of your windows, fix any broken window panes, and repair old frames. All of these are openings that will not only allow humid weather to creep in but also rain and melted snow.
- Make sure any vents lead outside. Check your dryer and any basement bathrooms to ensure that vents will send excess moisture outside and not just into the home.
- Hire a contractor to waterproof your basement. The most effective way to keep water of any type out is a professional waterproofer like AA Action Waterproofing. This will not only protect you against humid summer days, but against rainstorms, snowmelts, or interior water issues and/or flooding. Give us a call today to help waterproof your home against harsh Maryland weather. 888-922-5517