Managing Humidity: Summer Basement Problems and Fixes

Do I Need to Worry About Basement Humidity?

It’s not uncommon for your basement to experience increased moisture during the humid summer months so monitoring your basement’s humidity level is an excellent first step. You can purchase a hygrometer from a local home improvement store to track moisture levels. Signs of high humidity can also be detected visually — condensation on walls and surfaces is a clear indicator.

As a rule of thumb, basement humidity should range between 30% to 50%. Any readings consistently over 60% warrant further investigation unless directly linked to a heatwave or a known plumbing issue.

How Does Moisture Enter the Basement?

Understanding how moisture infiltrates your basement will help you address the problem effectively. Here are some common sources:

• Vapor diffusion: Water vapor from wet soils can infiltrate through foundation cracks, moving into your basement’s drier areas.
• Structural cracks: Settlement or hydrostatic pressure can cause cracks in your basement walls, providing a pathway for moisture entry. Masonry joints can also become weak points.
• Capillary suction: If the bond between your basement wall materials and water molecules is stronger than the cohesion among water molecules, water can be drawn upwards through small pores in the wall, creating damp rings near the floor.
• Condensation: Warm, moist air from outside can condense into water droplets when it meets the cool surfaces of your basement walls and floor.
• Air leakage: Rising warm air can create negative pressure, drawing moist air into your basement through cracks and gaps.

Controlling Basement Humidity in Summer

Preventing moisture intrusion is paramount. Inspect your basement for cracks or signs of water penetration such as wall spalling or efflorescence. If issues seem to originate from deep within the foundation, professional intervention might be necessary.

Avoid opening basement windows during hot summer months to prevent inviting warm, moist air inside. Use a ventilation system and fans to circulate air effectively. If humidity is already an issue, consider using an energy-efficient, self-draining basement dehumidifier.

Ensure your interior drainage system functions correctly. If it’s outdated, consider replacing it with a solution like BasementGutter™, which collects any water entering the basement and directs it to a sump pump for removal.

Leaking water pipes should be addressed promptly and insulated to prevent ‘sweating’ or freezing. Basement fans can also improve air circulation, helping to expel moist air. Don’t overlook exterior waterproofing, like clearing your gutters and repairing loose or damaged downspouts.

Ready for a Dry, Comfortable Summer? Contact Tar Heel Basement Systems

Don’t let a damp, musty basement spoil your summer. Our team at Tar Heel Basement Systems is ready to help you identify and tackle any issues, ensuring you have a comfortable, dry basement throughout the year. For a free basement waterproofing inspection and quote, contact us today. We’re here to ensure your basement stays as cool and welcoming as the rest of your home!

Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.