Most Homeowners Aren’t Aware How Vulnerable They Really Are
Indoor air quality is often overlooked as a potential health hazard in the home. Wet and humid basements or crawl spaces affect the quality of air in the entire household. Without proper ventilation, humid, musty, moldy air gets trapped in the basement or crawl space and becomes stagnant. This can lead to unwanted smells as well as unhealthy breathing conditions in other areas of your home.
Why do basements and crawl spaces tend to be musty? One reason is that heavier, damp air settles in the lower levels of the home, basement, and crawl spaces. Everyday activities, such as doing dishes, cleaning, and showering, can create humidity inside of our homes. Dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other airborne particles present in households cling to the humid air and then settle.
Another more direct cause for mustiness is the presence of foundation seepage and crawl space flooding. Even if there is no evidence of standing water issues in the basement or crawl space, it is possible that hydrostatic pressure is enabling groundwater to infiltrate the foundation walls. This can lead to high humidity and, as a result, poor indoor air quality.
How can you get rid of mustiness in the basement or crawl space?
A common method to combat mustiness is using a dehumidifier. Although a dehumidifier will reduce the moisture in your basement or crawl space, there are drawbacks. Most dehumidifiers are not very energy-efficient. Using one can add significantly to your electric bill. They also do not offer a permanent, no maintenance solution to the problem.
A first step towards a permanent solution is to get an inspection from a trusted basement waterproofing company. A free inspection can help determine if the issue is one that can be resolved with an air ventilation system alone, or one than requires basement waterproofing or crawl space encapsulation first. Once a space is dry, we can focus on improving air quality.
Our Promise to You
We will never stop fighting the damaging effects of foundation seepage and poor air quality in homes. We are committed to restoring and maintaining the value and safety of every home we serve.