Spring rain and winter storms are obvious trouble points for keeping your basement dry. However, the summer can be just as challenging if you don’t know how to prevent the hotter days from causing more basement woes.

Has this ever happened to you? It’s a wonderful day outside, so you open your basement windows to air out the room. You’re expecting any lingering musty smells to be replaced with the sweet scent of summer air, Yet when you return a few hours later to shut the windows, you discover a light sheen of moisture clinging to the walls that is sure to cause more of a damp smell.

Why does that happen?

Condensation – your basement walls, being below ground, are usually much cooler than the rest of your home, and they’re cooler than the warm summer air. So as the air hits the walls, it cools and leaves some of the moisture it was carrying on that cooler surface – just like the outside of a glass of iced water will attract a lot of condensation on a hot day.

Without a little intervention, that condensation can lead to unsightly and unhealthy mold developing, but luckily, condensation isn’t too difficult to tackle. Dealing with condensation early means you can avoid mold setting in – which can be more difficult to tackle.

Ventilation

Keep the windows shut if you can. Opening basement windows on a hot, humid day, will just let more humid air into the basement. A ventilation system keeps the air moving without bringing humid air into the basement. A ventilation fan can help prevent any humidity issues in your basement, causing issues.

It’s particularly important if you have any bathroom, kitchen, or laundry facilities in your basement as these can all increase the moisture in the air.

Insulation

Insulating your basement walls and pipes means that the moist air isn’t hitting the cool basement walls – so it doesn’t turn to condensation. It also helps stop air getting in through cracks around pipes and vents.

Remove Carpeting

Carpets are rarely a good idea for basement flooring. Carpets trap moisture and dust and become a breeding ground for mold. Tile or vinyl is generally the best option for basement flooring. You can always add removable rugs for comfort and decoration.

Dehumidifier

Condensation on basement walls indicates a high humidity level, so being able to control the humidity level means that you can reduce condensation and make the air in your basement more comfortable in general.

If your home is too humid – usually considered as anything above 60% relative humidity, a dehumidifier is invaluable for keeping your home condensation-free.

There are lots of different dehumidifier options – from portable to professional-grade commercial units. However, a professional dehumidification system is usually the best choice to remove excess moisture. Systems like Humidex dehumidify and ventilate the entire house, making them an excellent choice for homes with condensation and humidity issues.

 

If your basement moisture issues are more than just condensation, and you’re looking for a reliable company for basement waterproofing services in New Jersey and the surrounding areas, we’ve got over 30 years experience in installing basement waterproofing systems and mold remediation. Our friendly representatives are ready and waiting to book in your no-obligation, free basement inspection, so why not contact us today?