Every homeowner knows that the basement is the most humid place in the house.
Your basement is the haven of molds because of the adequate amount of humidity in the area.
A dry basement does not mean it is free of mold and mildew.
The fungi may already be growing underneath carpets, furniture, or behind walls.
A finished orunfinished basementwill always have molds or mildew because of humidity.
This means the temperature in your basement is affected by whether it is hot or cold outside.
A leaking pipe or slab can cause increasedmoisture and humidity in your basement.
It is, however, common for a basement to have moisture problems that are not properly treated.
In this article
What should Basement Humidity be?
High and low levels of humidity can cause serious repercussions causing your basement to be a less comfortable area.
Levels of humidity can also affect the welfare of the house.
Finished or unfinished basements should maintain anideal humidity level of 30% 50%.
These figures, however, may change depending on the climate in your area.
The levels of humidity in your basement depend on the temperature outside.
The relative humidity in your basement may drop to below 50%.
The icy conditions outside may cause ice to form in the ventilation ducts and window sills of your basement.
You may need a dehumidifier to help adjust the humidity levels in your basement.
Humid basements may also cause structural damage to your house.
Water Stains
A moist basement may show brown or yellow stains starting on its interior walls and floors.
Any discoloration or even water crawling down the walls are signs that something is wrong.
Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew are disastrous effects of having damp a basement.
This may ruin the stuff you have in the basement and may spread to other parts of your home.
This shows that there is seepage in your basement.
Rotting
Water entering your basement may show in the deterioration of wood and carpets.
Rotting may also show in joists, headers, and columns in your basement.
Any of these signs are clear indications that your basement has excess moisture.
Effects of Basement Humidity Issues
Poor quality of indoor air is the major effect of basement humidity.
This can lead to many serious repercussions.
It may also compromise the structural integrity of your house.
Mold and mildew have the capacity of deteriorating paper, wood, and carpets.
The musty smell may also leak throughout your home.
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Paint on the walls may peel, bubble, and blister when humid conditions exist in your basement.
Stored Items
Your basement stores most of the things you no longer need.
Excess humidity can damage these items.
The problems brought on by excess humidity in your basement can leak out and affect your entire home.
Related:Basement Leaks Where The Wall Meets The Floor
What is Relative Humidity (RH)?
Relative humidity (RH) is expressed in percentages.
The relative humidity is expressed in percentages.
A comfortable humidity level is about 40%.
The edges of wallpaper may peel and drawers in furniture may also loosen.
High RH
Humidity levels above 50% are considered high RH.
Molds, mildew, and fungi infestations are the main effects of high humidity.
Molds and mildew can damage concrete and wood.
Molds and mildew can also have serious effects on your health.
Black mold can even cause death.
High RH also causes termite colonies to thrive because wood rots in a humid environment.
Termites also bring with them health risks.
They may also compromise the structural integrity of your home.
Ideal RH
An ideal RH should for comfort and health be between 30% to 50%.
Depending upon the function of your basement (storage, recreation, furnished living, wine cellar, etc.
), high humidity can have a negative impact on your health, possessions, and home.
Low humidity can likewise have the same effects.
The dehumidifier should be positioned in the dampest area of your basement.
Well, there are ways it’s possible for you to get rid of humidity even without a dehumidifier.
The leaves of this plant remove moisture from the air in your basement.
This plant will also work well in your basement because it only needs little sunlight to grow and survive.
Steam from your kitchen and bathrooms is one of the causes of high humidity in your basement.
Leak pipes cause moisture to go down to your basement causing dampness and wet areas.
Fixing the leaks will prevent moisture from getting into your basement.
Inspect your Sump Pump
The sump pump is often found in your basement.
It should always be in perfect condition so it can pump water away from your house.
Keep Gutters Clean
Gutters work to keep water out of your house.
Clogged gutters, though, allows external water to input your basement.
