Fighting Basement Humidity in the Summer

Excess basement moisture and humidity can lead to rusted pipes, appliances, and more.

Now that we are in the midst of summer, many homeowners are preoccupied with picnics, pool parties, barbecues, and other types of backyard fun. But what about your basement? As temperatures rise, so does the humidity. If you have issues with a wet basement, then this could be detrimental for your entire home.

By implementing humidity control measures, you can protect your home now and throughout the year!

Your damp basement and the summer sun

Let's say on a mild summer day of 80 degrees, the outdoor humidity is about 65 percent. When this air enters your basement, it is cooled to 65 degrees with a relative humidity of 98 percent.

A relative humidity level of 70 percent or higher creates the perfect breeding ground for mold growth. Leaving basement mold unchecked could amount to unhealthy indoor air, causing sickness to your family and aggravated upper respiratory issues. Also, home-destroying mold could also cause costly foundation damage.

Another issue to worry about with high basement humidity is excess moisture. When warm air hits your cold appliances, condensation will occur. With a build-up of moisture on your appliances, they will begin to rust and eventually lose their efficiency over time. Saving money will be tough if you are constantly having to repair or replace broken-down appliances caused by a wet basement.

Signs of high basement humidity

Visible mold growth is one of the signs that your basement has excess humidity and moisture.

According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, wet basement issues impact at least 60 percent of U.S. homeowners. This staggering statistic is often a result of ignoring three major causes of wet basement issues, including excess humidity, subsurface seepage, and rain-related water intrusion.

If you have noticed any of these issues in your basement, high humidity levels could be damaging your home:

Installing an energy-efficient basement dehumidifier

The energy-efficient basement dehumidifiers from Basement Systems offer reliable and cost-saving performance.

If you have noticed any of these wet basement issues, installing a basement dehumidifier can help. The SaniDry dehumidifiers from Basement Systems are specifically designed for high-humidity areas like below-grade spaces.

Not only do the SaniDry dehumidifiers regulate humidity levels, but they also filter excess moisture, musty odors, and other contaminants from the air. This can help promote healthier indoor air, reduce health risks for your family, and protect against damage to the foundation and appliances.

Other features of the SaniDry dehumidifiers include:

• Energy efficient performance for maximum cost-savings 
• Auto-humidistat sensor that shuts off the system when desired humidity levels are reached
• No bucket to empty, as the system was designed for automatic operation
• A two-stage air filter that captures mold, dust mites, and other contaminants

If you are overwhelmed with your home's basement moisture issues, your local Basement Systems dealer can help. Schedule a free moisture control evaluation and cost estimate today.