Storms, burst pipes, and wall cracks can all send huge amounts of water down into the basement of your Raleigh, NC, home, drenching your carpets and damaging furniture plus organic materials. Like everyone, you’ll be more preoccupied with how you can drain the two to three feet of water on the surface than what to do with the moisture that’s building up in there.
Over time, the moisture in the air can cause serious structural damage to your basement and the entire home. Worse still, if your basement is damp, it can encourage mold and other harmful microbes. So dealing with moisture is just as important as ejecting the water that’s turned your basement into a waterpark.
Why Dry Out The Basement After a Flood?
Don’t rejoice that your basement walls and floor are now dry after draining the water. Moisture is lurking in the atmosphere and this can cause secondary damage to your home. Depending on how long the water sat on the floor, high humidity levels may cause wood rot, wall paint to peel off, and encourage mold and mildew growth. And then there are pests and termites too that wait for the basement to get damp before they can come in.
Without a functional dehumidifier, your basement can deteriorate and fall apart. Repairing it won’t be cheap. So the best thing to do is get a dehumidifier. It’s going to complement what the fan or wet vac does by clearing the atmosphere of air, stopping secondary damage. Aim for at least 50% humidity levels.
Before running your device, open all the basement windows to increase air circulation. Also, remove any carpet and clean all the debris on the walls and surfaces. Position the dehumidifier six feet away from the wall for maximum performance. When you do so, your device will help dry out the basement in 12-24 hours.
Remember, the longer the moisture is present, the higher the chances of damages to structural elements and other items in the basement. So act fast!
Benefits of A Basement Dehumidifier
Not only does a dehumidifier dry up your home, but it also can improve your health and save you money. Here’s why you should get one after a flood:
- Safeguards your basements from water damages: Moisture causes serious damage to household items over time. In the long run, costs of repair will reduce.
- Prevents mold growth: Dehumidification will discourage mold growth and prevent any adverse health impacts like skin rash, respiratory problems, and dry eyes that accompany exposure.
- Works anytime and anywhere: In areas that may be susceptible to flooding and drainage problems like Raleigh, NC, a dehumidifier can be a great addition to your basement waterproofing initiatives. They can work round the clock to keep moisture out regardless of the prevailing weather conditions.
- Kills dust mites and other microbes: Like mold, dust mites thrive in warm and humid conditions. These microscopic organisms can cause itchiness, eczema, and other allergy-related issues. Dehumidifiers make your basement less habitable for dust mites.
- Breathe easy: Your damp basement could be teeming with airborne allergens that can cause respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties. Removing the excessive moisture allows you to breathe fresher air with fewer allergens.
What’s the Best Dehumidifier for your Basement?
Dehumidifiers come in various shapes and sizes. The most important thing is to find one that can serve you well and boost the efficiency of your HVAC system. We strongly recommend energy-efficient models that also are self-draining so you won’t have to empty buckets of water every other day.
So is a humidifier worth the investment? Yes, it is worth every penny. If you need help with sizing or installing a dehumidifier, get in touch with the professionals at Tar Heel Basement Systems. We’re happy to perform a free basement waterproofing inspection and recommend the next steps.
