Fighting Basement Humidity in the Summer

Humid summers can reap havoc on a home, including a basement. The ideal level of humidity is between 30 and 50 percent in the summer. The air is not too dry at this rate, but it is also not too humid, where mold will begin to grow. Once mold begins to form, it is hard to stop. Depending on the type of mold, it could be severe. For instance, black mold is dangerous for you and your family’s health and is very difficult to clean.

How is the Humidity Entering My Basement?
The humidity is entering from a weak spot in your basement. Meaning, you could have poorly insulated walls, cracks in the walls, old windows, or even a leaking pipe. When your basement mirrors the outside temperature, there is a problem. To remove the humidity, you should be on the lookout for dampness or signs of water.

How Do I Remove the Humidity?
First things first, there are two methods to consider. To have a quick solution, you could purchase a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture. Dehumidifiers are a relatively cheap and quick fix. However, the price varies depending on the side of the room you are trying to remove the moisture from. The larger room that you have, the more expensive dehumidifier will be. They also are not fixing the root of the problem and have ongoing costs. For example, dehumidifiers use electricity and affect your electric bill for as long as you are running it.

Cracks in the walls, poorly insulated walls, old windows, or leaking pipes could result in much worse problems than having moisture in the air. Often, water will find its way inside, causing more damage to your home and belongings. It would be best if you began by looking for water or a pipe that could be leaking. Then check the windows and for any cracks surrounding the windows or cracks in the walls. If you cannot find a likely source, reach out to a professional.

Risks of Not Fixing the Humidity Level
Having too much humidity in the air can cause mold or mildew to form. Mold can be dangerous for you and your family’s health. Some molds, such as black mold, should not even be touched or inhaled. Removing any mold or mildew should be taken very seriously and be done carefully.

Call the Experts
To properly remove humidity from your basement, you must locate the source and fix the problem. If you are unsure where the problem is, Ark Basement Services are the local professionals here to help. We have teams located in Pittsburgh and Erie, PA, and provide free estimates. Contact us today regarding your basement moisture problem.