Humidity In Your Basement?-Why It Happens and What to Do
Humidity In Your Basement?-Why It Happens and What to Do
Humidity in your basement? how do you know if you have a problem with humidity? The look, smell, and touch or signs of small pools of water are all signs that there is humidity in your basement. Knowing the signs and fixing the problem right way is significant to prevent costly damages and health issues. In this article the waterproofers at ACCL Waterproofing will go over the different signs of humidity and the solutions to fix it!
Signs of humidity and moisture in your basement:
- Condensation on the Walls and Floor
- Stained or Peeling Walls
- Damp, Humid Air
- Standing Water on the Floor
- Deteriorating Carpet or Wood
- Rotting Columns, Headers, and Joists
- Odour of Mould or Mildew
- Water Trickling Out of the Walls
- Foundation Cracks
Humidity problems can typically be controlled by using a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers work in the same way that a air conditioner does. A blower circulates warm humid air over refrigerated coils causing moisture in the air to condense while collecting it in a water tank or discharging through a hose to a floor drain. Having a dehumidifier will help keep the excess moisture away as well as help with condensation problems that could be coming from dryer vents or pipes.
3 Sources of basement humidity/moisture
Once you know how to spot moisture and humidity problems its essential to find out what the source is. Below we have listed the three penitential sources of basement humidity/moisture.
- Ventilation: When you leave your basement windows open during the warmer weather seasons, all the warm air from outside can turn into humidity causing condensation on the floors and walls.
- Groundwater/Rain: During rainstorms or floods if you don’t have the proper grading, gutters, and downspouts the water could find its way into your basement. Causing your basement to end up either flooded, or have a small leak that will allow for moisture and humidity to flow through eventually creating mould and mildew.
- Interior moisture: Moisture can be originated from dryers, cooking, humidifiers, and showers.
Common Causes & Solutions:
You now know the signs and sources of humidity and moisture, But how to you fix the problem?
1. Missing gutters and downspouts:
If your downspouts and gutters aren’t directing rainwater away from the foundation of you home or are just not functioning properly. The water can accumulate in the soil around it and your foundation – eventually leading to leaks into your basement.
- Solution : Existing gutters should be cleaned regularly to insure proper functionality. Ensure a minimum of 1 downspout to be placed per every 50ft of roof eave. Extenders should be placed on downspouts to ensure water is at least 4ft away from the foundation.
2. Condensation:
When moist warm air comes in contact with your cool basement floors and walls moisture is created. If moisture is coming from condensation typically thats an easy fix. Moisture coming from leaks and drainage problems is another story.
- Solution: Check your dryer exhaust, drains, central air conditioners, and cracks in your foundation to insure nothing is leaking or clogged. You can increase air circulation, insulate your basement, invest in a dehumidifier. or install a basement exhaust fan- if your basement has a shower or kitchen in it.
3. Interior water leaks:
Spotting foundation leaks, or any type of water in your basement is reason for concern. Water leaks can come from various places such as showers, toilets, washing machines, pipes, and cracks.
- Solution: To fix interior leaks you need to call a professional waterproofing company.
4.Ineffective Grading:
If the grading around your foundation is ineffective it will cause the rain or groundwater to make its way into your basement. The ground around your foundation should slope away from the house, now towards it.
- Solution: B uild up the dirt around your foundation, creating a slope aiming away from the house. This should be a minimum of one inch per foot, for at least 6 feet. Contact a professional waterproofing company to get the job done right!
- If you notice the signs and symptoms of humidity and moisture in your basement, DO NOT WAIT- Deal with the problem as soon as possible. The longer you ignore the signs of moisture and humidity the more costly and bigger the repairs will be! Remember if you notice mould and mildew growth- Act quickly as mould spreads easily and impacts health.
Don’t Drown in a wet basement!
Rely On Wet Basement Waterproofing Experts in Toronto
If you’ve noticed foundation cracks, spots, water, mold, and mildew, don’t ignore the signs or it could lead to more damage and possible health effects.
The basement waterproofing specialists at ACCL Waterproofing know how to repair your basement and foundation walls and keep moisture out of your basement. We would be pleased to develop a guaranteed solution to keep your basement dry!
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