With more of a focus on our health these days, many experts are pointing to a new and invisible cause of concern hiding in our homes. High humidity can wreak havoc on our homes and, ultimately, our own health if not handled properly.
Depending on the age of your home and the climate in which it is located, humidity below ground can be difficult to manage on your own. Mold and mildew flourish at high humidity levels. Therefore, all basements rather finished or not, should be kept at or below 50% relative humidity.
There is also a threat of keeping humidity levels too low. When levels drop to below 40%, there is no longer enough water molecules in the air for pollutants to attach to and then fall to the floor where they are vacuumed up. Instead, these pollutants are more likely to be breathed in because they stay in the air longer. Basements, however, are more prone to humidity levels that are too high, rather than too low.
Keeping Mold and Mildew at Bay Requires More than Ventilation
Many homeowners believe that adequate air flow alone will keep a basement from being a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and sources of food on which both thrive. Mold can grow on concrete, metal, and plastic even though they are non-cellulose materials. While proper ventilation is necessary to maintain a healthy environment, the humidity level has a greater impact.
Not only is your health and the foundation at risk in areas with high or low humidity levels, but for homeowners storing possessions in the basement, the risk is even greater. A humidity level outside of the range suggested by experts can cause damage to furniture, décor, and other possessions being stored in the space.
Dehumidifiers Provide a Low Maintenance Solution
If you think you have high humidity levels in your basement through finding mold and mildew or from using a hygrometer to measure the levels, a durable dehumidifier could be your best bet. A dehumidification system draws the moist air in from your basement and, through the use of an evaporator and condenser, removes the moisture from the air.
A reputable and experienced professional like those at Tom’s Basement Waterproofing can determine the cause of your high humidity levels and provide the appropriate remedy to keep your home and family safe. Call Tom’s Basement Waterproofing at (586) 776-7270 or use our online contact form to request more information on handling your humidity levels.