Why does hot summer air cause a damp basement?
Why is my basement so damp? Condensation. Basement condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes in contact with your cool basement walls and floor. As the walls cool the warm air, moisture is created, just like condensation on a cold beer on a hot summer day. Both can cause a surprising amount of moisture to be put into the air.
Why is the dehumidifier always on in the basement?
- Ground moisture: The soil around the basement contains a lot of moisture. ...
- Lack of ventilation: It’s great that more people are beginning to see the need to ventilate the basement. ...
- Household appliances: In many homes and residential apartments, most moisture-producing appliances, including washers and heaters, are found in the basement. ...
Why do homes in some states have no basement?
The chief culprit of most missing basements in the South is damp soil. This is especially true in places like Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and eastern Texas. States that have a lot of swamp land or wetland territory, as well as those with significant amounts of coastline, simply have too much water in the ground to make most basements feasible.
Why do you need a basement dehumidifier?
Your basement has water damage.
- Your basement has water damage. Water damage due to leaks or flooding is a tell-tale sign that you need a dehumidifier in your basement. ...
- Your basement has funny odors. Funky and musty odors are another sign that your basement needs a dehumidifier. ...
- Your basement has been unchecked for months. ...
- Your basement walls have condensation. ...
How do I stop damp in my basement?
8 Ways to Dry Out a Damp BasementInstall a Dehumidifier. ... Ventilate the Area. ... Reseal Your Concrete. ... Attend to Air Leaks. ... See to Downspouts and Grading Issues Outside. ... Inspect Driveways and Other Outdoor Construction Features. ... Air Out Wet Items Elsewhere. ... Check Your Vents, Including Your Dryer Vent.
Should I worry about a damp basement?
Though many people may not think having a moist basement is a dire situation, its effects can take a serious toll on your entire home. Moisture can cause mold or mildew to form throughout the area and spread. This mold can then cause health problems, including nose and throat irritation or skin reactions.
Are damp basements normal?
Basements have a knack for getting wet and developing problems in summer. This is pretty normal, as it's a time when humidity is at its peak. The air gets musty, carpets develop stains, wood decays or rots, and moisture droplets form on the cold basement floor and walls.
Will dehumidifier fix damp basement?
To eliminate damp in basements it is important to understand the cause of the excess moisture and where it is coming from. If damp is coming from excess moisture rather than a leak or drainage problem, a dehumidifier is the perfect solution.
How can I dry my basement fast?
Use fans and a dehumidifier To start drying, use a dehumidifier in the center of your basement. This will be a big help for removing moisture, but you can use large fans if you don't have a dehumidifier. Turn on the air conditioning in your basement — that will help too.
How common are wet basements?
The American Society of Home Inspectors, based in Des Plaines, IL, estimates 60 percent of U.S. homes have wet basements, and 38 percent run the risk of basement mold.
Can a damp basement affect upstairs?
Most damage in the basement or crawl space itself is obvious, such as mold, rot, wet insulation, wet drywall, and the list goes on. But humidity in the basement or crawl space affects the upstairs too.
Do I need a dehumidifier in my basement?
Do I Need a Dehumidifier in My Basement? In spaces that are naturally more damp, such as basements and crawl spaces, a dehumidifier will help dry the air, reducing musty odors and preventing mold growth and other issues caused by excess moisture.
How can I lower the humidity in my basement without a dehumidifier?
Set Houseplants Near Windows.Hang Baking Soda In Plastic Bags.Use Fans in the Room.Purchase Carpeting Mats.Place Damp Rid in Your Basement.Install a Vent Fan.Add Extra Drainage and Waterproofing.
Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?
Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity? Yes. Dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity. While the wattage (483.24W is average) and the hourly electricity usage (0.427 kWh is average) are not substantial, the long duration of use results in dehumidifiers consuming a considerable amount of electricity.
How long does it take for a dehumidifier to dry a basement?
6. How long will it take to get the moisture under control? As long as the dehumidifier you choose is large enough for the area it is working in, and there are no specific damp problems, then a dehumidifier will normally reduce the humidity to the chosen level within a few days to a week.
Do you need to run dehumidifier in winter?
During cold winter months, the air in your home is usually dry, which means a dehumidifier is not necessary. In fact, dehumidifiers actually work most efficiently in warm temperatures and decrease in efficiency as the temperature cools.
Can living in a damp basement make you sick?
Moisture in a wet basement is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Once airborne, the bacteria can cause many different harmful infections, and if they are not cleaned out properly the sickness will keep coming back. These bacteria colonies like to grow on damp, organic matter such as wooden floorboards and walls.
Can moisture in the basement make you sick?
Water damage, condensation and a continuously wet and moist environment will usually lead to mould growth as well as mildew. Mould could cause any number of issues from rashes and respiratory issues to headaches and even memory loss.
Can a humid basement make you sick?
Bacteria Flourishes in Damp Basements While a humid basement alone isn't bad, it can quickly create problems. For example, if anyone in your household is sick, especially with a respiratory infection, the bacteria from their illness can travel throughout your home through the HVAC ducts.
Can a damp basement affect upstairs?
Most damage in the basement or crawl space itself is obvious, such as mold, rot, wet insulation, wet drywall, and the list goes on. But humidity in the basement or crawl space affects the upstairs too.
What Should I Do?
Where does the problem occur? Below a bathroom? Ceiling? Corners? Where the problem occurs can lead to what is causing the problem. If the problem is localized (a spot on the ceiling, wall or corner it is possibly caused by a water leak. If the problem is in a large area, like a whole wall or room, then it might be caused by humidity.
Stop water leaks
Clean rain gutter and redirect downspout runoff away from the foundation.
Reducing indoor humidity
If your basement has a dirt floor, cover the floor completely with plastic to slow down water vapor coming through the soil.
Why does my basement smell so bad?
High humidity within your basement is a serious problem. Excessive moisture can lead to health problems including breathing issues and lowered immune system defenses, it can damage your belongings inside the home, contribute to structural problems, and cause a musty, dirty smell in all areas of your home.
What happens if you don't insulate your pipes?
Are your pipes insulated? If they aren’t, you’re risking moisture from condensation. The warm air from the dryer hits the cool pipe, and creates moisture.
How to protect pipes from condensation?
Insulate your pipes. Wrapping them with insulation is a simple way to guard against water damage from condensation.
How to kill bacteria in moist environment?
Use UV-germicidal lights. Turn them on every once in awhile to kill the bacteria that grow in moist environments. It’s inexpensive and simple.
Why is there no leak in my house?
Well, the problem might not be from problems outside the house, like seepage, runoff, and cracks in your foundation. If there’s no direct leak somewhere in your pipes or walls, you’re likely suffering at the hands of high humidity.
Do you run a dehumidifier?
Do you currently run a dehumidifier? You should. That’s one of the easiest ways to maintain the moisture levels in your whole home. BWI specializes in whole-home dehumidification systems that are affordable and effective to clean the air that circulates through your home.
What are the sources of moisture in a basement?
Moisture is generated inside of basements from people and their activities. Common sources are humidifiers, unvented clothes dryers, showering and cooking. When basements are finished, these activities increase.
What to do if moisture in basement persists?
Interior or exterior drainage system: Then, if a moisture problem persists, proceed with an interior or exterior drainage system. All of these techniques are described below. If your goal is to finish a basement that has water problems, it is recommended to first deal with the water problem.
What are the three sources of moisture?
There are just three sources of moisture: Liquid water from rain or ground-water. Interior moisture sources such as humidifiers, unvented clothes dryers, bathrooms and cooking, as well as the moisture in concrete after construction. Exterior humid air that enters the basement and condenses on cooler surfaces.
What is the movement of moisture in the vapor state through a material?
Vapor diffusion through foundation walls. Vapor diffusion is the movement of moisture in the vapor state through a material. It's dependent on the permeability of the material and the driving force of vapor pressure differential.
How to approach a building problem?
Then proceed in a logical order doing the next least costly technique with the most positive likely result. With moisture problems, the best approach is almost always to remove or control the source of the moisture, not to try to stop it at the last line of defense.
Why do basement windows open in summer?
In the summertime, basement windows may be opened for fresh air. If the outside air is warm and humid, it will condense on the cool basement wall and floor surfaces. Many homeowners see this moisture and believe they are experiencing basement wall leakage, when in fact the accumulated moisture is from condensation.
Is a basement in Minnesota a finished space?
In addition, basements are increasingly used as finished living and bedroom spaces. In these cases, moisture problems are not only annoying and uncomfortable, but can lead to significant health problems.
What is the purpose of sump pump?
A sump pump can help keep your basement or crawl space dry, eliminating excess moisture and groundwater from seeping into your home.
Why is my basement wet?
If you begin to notice wet spots on the basement floors or walls, you probably have a basement moisture problem. Persistent condensation can lead to structural damage. In many cases, a dehumidifier can provide a solution. Another common contributor to a wet basement is runoff from gutters. Directing them away from the foundation ...
Why do we need to waterproof a basement?
Waterproofing a basement can prevent structural damage, improve the air quality, lower utility bills and make a finished basement a possibility. Learn about common water problems in basements, what's involved to fix them and how much you might expect to pay. Basement Waterproofing Options.
What happens if a basement floods?
A basement flood can cause irreparable damage to not only a home and the items within it, but the space that is left behind. Learn how to safely repair and restore a flooded basement with these tips. How to Fix Common Causes of Basement Water Problems.
What is vapor barrier?
A vapor barrier is useful for keeping moisture from making its way into a basement, keeping mold and water damage at bay. Get the inside scoop on these moisture barriers and find out how they can help protect your basement. Waterproof Flooring for Basements.
What causes moisture in basement?
6 common causes of basement moisture and how to fix them. #1. An Interior Water Leak. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you should always check for inside leaks first when trying to identify the cause of moisture in your basement. A water leak can come from numerous places: a shower, a sink, a toilet, a washing machine, a dishwasher, a bad pipe, ...
Why does rain come out of my basement?
Rain or groundwater often makes its way into basements due to poor grading. The ground around your foundation should slope away from the house, not towards it. If draining in the wrong direction, water will accumulate against your foundation and eventually make its way inside. This often happens when fill dirt around your foundation isn’t properly compacted. As the dirt settles, the slope changes and water flows toward your house rather than away from it.
What is condensation in a basement?
Condensation. Basement condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes in contact with your cool basement walls and floor. As the walls cool the warm air, moisture is created, just like condensation on a cold beer on a hot summer day.
What is the purpose of gutters and downspouts?
The purpose of gutters and downspouts is to direct rainwater away from the foundation of your home. If those gutters and downspouts are missing, or not functioning properly, rainwater is often directed towards your foundation. As water drains toward your house, it can accumulate in the soil around it.
Why do we open basement windows?
In warmer weather, we often open our basement windows to help ventilate the space. However, when we let humid, outside air into our cool basements, it can condense on the walls and floors.
What happens if water drains into your basement?
As water drains toward your house, it can accumulate in the soil around it . If water accumulates around your foundation, chances are, it will make its way inside into your basement. How to Fix It: Consider adding gutters if there are none already in place.
Where does water come from in a basement?
Such sources can include dryers, showers, cooking, humidifiers, and even the moisture from newly-constructed concrete.
What causes dampness in basements?
Many things can cause your basement to be damp. The major culprits include:
How to tell if your basement is damp?
If your house is perpetually damp, it means there’s significant moisture or water in the walls or the floor. Telltale signs of damp or moist basements in your Ohio home include: 1 Mold or mildew appearance on floors and walls 2 Walls look or feel unusually cold or wet 3 Efflorescence on floors and walls 4 Damp patches on the base of the wall rising upwards 5 Floor paint and wallpaper peel off 6 Excessive condensation on your windows 7 Tiles, vinyl or carpet are wet and loose/lifting
What happens if you put laundry in the basement?
Basement laundry: If you do laundry in your basement and use a dryer, it will direct much of the moisture from the clothes to your walls. Over time, the moisture will condense and cause your walls to become damp.
Why does my basement have condensation?
Basement condensation is most likely caused by water vapors which slowly rise from the ground below and make its way through the foundation right to your floor and walls.
How to control moisture in a bath?
Use ventilation fans in your baths and kitchen to control moisture. Make sure they’re venting outside. If you have a heating and ventilation system, ask a contractor to come and check it. You want to be sure it’s sized correctly and that it’s removing moisture from indoor air.
Can a damp basement cause sleepless nights?
Moist basements shouldn’t cause you sleepless nights. You can quickly fix moisture problems by addressing the root cause. If it’s a broken pipe, have a plumber come and fix it. Make sure pipes are adequately insulated to prevent moisture from condensing and seeping through the walls.
