It’s officially summer, which often brings heavy afternoon showers and higher humidity. Basements are prone to flooding. And extra water and basement humidity levels lead to mold growth and other issues in your space. Below are a few tips and suggestions for staying on top of humidity this summer!
Measure Humidity Levels and Determine the Cause
Humidity levels are important because mold, mildew, and other types of bacteria thrive in high humid (damp) environments. Healthy humidity levels should be around 30-50 percent. You should be able to physically discern if your basement is damp and humid. A distinguishable characteristic of high humidity levels is condensation on the walls and other surfaces. Hygrometers are helpful tools for measuring humidity levels. And many smart thermostats (like the Nest) also measure humidity levels along with the temperature.
Many factors lead to high humidity in your basement space, including heat, water build up from the ground outside your basement, and poor circulation.
Decreasing Humidity Levels
If your basement does not have a good central air conditioning system it may be too hot, contributing to higher humidity levels. If the budget allows, consider updating or even overhauling the current basement air conditioning system to prevent mold and mildew growth. Window AC units or portable AC units are budget-friendly options.
Running a humidifier also reduces the humidity levels in your basement. If you have a large basement, you may need one humidifier in each room or at least a few in different sections to bring the levels down to 50 percent or less.
Updated insulation protects your basement from the high outside temperatures and dampness. Walk around the exterior of your basement to check for cracks in the walls or windows. Caulk and repair cracks and even update old windows to maintain consistent temperatures and levels in your basement space.
Prevent Water from Seeping in
Check the gutters and other areas surrounding your basement where water collects. Preventing water buildup keeps the ground dry and also ensures protection against water seepage.
Consider installing a water alert system, which sounds an alarm or triggers your phone to alert you if your basement is flooding or humidity levels are rising. This is a great way to stay on top of your basement humidity maintenance this summer!
