Basement Waterproofing Company in Northern VA
With summer comes lots of fun and sun. In Northern Virginia, it also comes with a sticky humidity that is hard to escape. Not only can humidity be unbearable, too much in your basement can lead to mold and structural damage.
A little humidity can be fixed with a dehumidifier. If there are other underlying causes, however, it may be time to call in a basement waterproofing specialist to help find the root cause of your basement humidity.
How Much Humidity is Too Much?
The first step to tackling humidity in your basement is to check the humidity level with a few simple tests you can do on our own. One is to look for condensation on windows, glass, metals, or the ceiling. If you can see droplets of water on your wall or equipment, this is a sign of too much humidity, which can lead to mold that will eat away at the structures in your home.
Even if there is not noticeable condensation, here are some other long-term effects of too much humidity:
Rust
If there is no visible sign of water, check the condition of nails or metal surfaces. If you notice a lot of rust this is a sign of high humidity. Check for rust in your electrical circuit breaker as well.
Musty/Moldy Smell
Basements may not smell as good as your kitchen after baking chocolate chip cookies, but that does not mean it should smell funky. Any persistent, unwanted musty smells are signs of mold and should be addressed right away. Mold can cause harm to you and your family’s respiratory health and lead to cognition and memory problems.
Visible Damage
Wood swelling, paint bubbles, and peeling wallpaper are all signs of too much humidity. Stains on concrete and walls are also signs that water has been present.
Tips for Wet Basement Waterproofing
If you notice any of the symptoms of excess humidity, take action this summer to keep your basement feeling fresh. Here are some simple tips that are beneficial for maintaining humidity levels.
Turn Off the Central Humidifier
Many people forget to turn off their central humidifiers in the summer. This is necessary to keep your central AC working in peak performance and dehumidifying properly.
Use Air Conditioner
Using your AC can help keep relative humidity in your home down. If there seems to be no air flow in the basement, consider installing a ventilation system. On cooler days, open the windows to get some fresh air flow.
Insulate & Seal Cracks
Window and wall cracks are a great way for outside humidity to enter your home. Caulking are often used to fix small and persistent cracks, while a concrete solution may be needed for bigger or persistent cracks.
Install a Dehumidifier
A good dehumidifier is a great way to keep humidity levels in check.
These tips might be all that’s needed to fix your humidity problems, but if water is leaking into your basement, reducing humidity will only solve half the problem.
Some common causes for leaks into basements include but are not limited to: improper landscape drainage, clogged or misplaced gutters, groundwater swelling, and leaky pipes. If you are not sure what exactly is causing the problem, consult a basement waterproofing technician. They are trained to spot the root cause of basement humidity, saving you money and time.
Basement waterproofing does not have to be an expensive or complex fix. Early awareness of humidity in your basement can offset potentially harmful conditions. Protecting your basement from humidity in the summer will protect your home and health year-round.
Specialized in customer service and experienced in solving home humidity, award winning Drainage & Erosion Solutions is the premier choice for residential and businesses across Northern Virginia. Need help with your basement humidity? Call Drainage & Erosion Solutions today at (703) 534-1949.
