Watch Out For Summer! How Humidity Can Damage Your Basement

Southern summers do two things very well: heat and humidity. High temperatures soar while the moisture in the air settles in the most unhelpful places and causes major damage in your basement. You may have noticed some of these signs already:

Humidity Damage in My Basement

Moisture is not your basement's friend. It can cause structural and health damage to your home and your family, respectively. Be alert of these symptoms of basement humidity:

Mold & Mildew

During the summer, the moisture in your basement air can linger and cause mold or mildew to grow. While certain types of mold are harmless, some growths can be toxic to you or your family. Any humidity over 55% in your basement encourages mold to rapidly breed and spread.

Unpleasant Smells

Mold growth can also cause a damp, musty smell that is commonly associated with high humidity. No amount of candles or air fresheners will be able to take away the musty smell caused by too much moisture in your basement. The best way to eliminate unpleasant basement smells and keep them from invading your home is by carefully regulating your basement humidity. Getting rid of the mold is not enough; you will need to attack the problem directly in order to leave your home smelling fresh and clean.

The Stack Effect

The Stack Effect is an extremely negative result of too much humidity in your basement. When hot air leaves your home through your attic and upper floors, a vacuum is created. This vacuum pulls air upwards from your basement, bringing any damp, humid air with it. This air makes everything feel slightly damp and unpleasant, while also bringing musty smells into your living space.

The best way to control the effects of humidity in your home is to address the problem at its source. Join us next week when we discuss our proven solutions to eliminating humidity in your basement!

We Can Fix The Humidity Damage In Your Basement

If you’re looking for contracting experts in Bremo Bluff, Columbia, Fork Union, Kents Store, Palmyra, and the surrounding areas, look no further than Fortress Foundation Solutions, the premier foundation repair, and waterproofing professionals!Call us today at 1-434-473-7012 or contact us online for a free estimate!