There’s nothing mysterious about basement humidity issues. Chronic humidity accumulates in the basement due to chronic moisture sources down there. Another non-mysterious fact is that basement humidity problems frequently don’t stay in the basement. Consequences of a persistently damp, humid basement directly below your floor—such as toxic mold growth—can impact the upstairs environment, too.   

Here are 8 things to know about basement humidity and ways to deal with it:

• A basement dehumidifier can lower humidity but doesn’t address  ongoing causes of it.
• Sources of basement moisture/humidity fall into three categories: Rain and resultant infiltrating groundwater, influx of humid outdoor air that triggers basement condensation and moisture sources originating inside the basement.
• One inch of rainfall deposits over 1,200 gallons of water on the roof of an average-size residence. Unless it’s collected in functional gutters and discharged at least four feet from the house through downspouts, roof runoff soaks into the ground adjacent to the house and may then seep into the basement, contributing to high humidity.
• Soil surrounding the foundation should be slightly graded to divert pooling water away from the basement during rain.
• In certain locales, naturally occurring groundwater may also seep through pores and tiny cracks in the concrete basement floor and walls, elevating basement humidity. A sump pump with an air-tight cover installed in the basement floor relieves under-slab pressure that drives seepage. A perforated drain pipe installed around the perimeter of the basement footing also collects and removes groundwater.
• Plumbing pipes routed through the basement should be checked for seepage and leaks. Cold water pipes “sweat”condensation in a humid basement, adding more moisture to the air. Insulate cold pipes with foam insulation sleeves.
• An unvented clothes dryer placed in the basement is a common humidity source. Dryer exhaust should be vented directly to the exterior through an approved fireproof dryer vent.
• Avoid frequently ventilating a basement with outdoor air in a humid climate. Humidity becomes trapped and accumulates in the enclosed basement space. If a basement requires ventilation, consider adding an operating ductwork vent to admit cool or warm air from the house HVAC system.

At Rytech of New Orleans, we know that no region of the country is totally immune to the danger of flooding and resultant water damage. During March, however, Louisiana has been particularly hard-hit. Triggered by heavy rains in the northern and central part of the state that began on March 8, the swollen Sabine and Red rivers exceeded their banks and downstream communities in low-lying territories were rapidly inundated. Just five days later, President Obama declared the region a federal disaster area.

Flooding was widespread and severe enough to temporarily close a segment of Interstate 10. The Louisiana National Guard reported over 4,000 rescues and 14 Red Cross shelters were set up to accept residents forced from their homes. Further south near Lake Ponchartrain, the historic St. Joseph Abbey and Seminary College—which had withstood flood events for over a century without damage—was swamped by the surge that sent over two feet of water into most campus buildings.

The disruption and economic aftermath are likely to linger long after flood waters recede. The National Flood Insurance program estimates that water damage from as little as one inch of flood water inside a typical residence exceeds $7,000. Rytech experts estimate that one foot of water can increase cost of recovery to over $18,000. Homeowner’s insurance provides no coverage for flood water damage recovery, nor associated consequences like mold contamination. Many homeowners in the region carry private flood insurance—in high-risk areas it’s required by law in order to receive a home mortgage. For others, federal disaster assistance loans are available.

Rytech of SW Louisiana would like to caution homeowners impacted by the March floods about unqualified and non-certified individuals—as well as some perpetrating outright scams—often proliferate in the wake of a flood event, offering water damage recovery services. Established, reputable water damage recovery professionals are licensed contractors, certified by the IICRC (Institute For Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification), the organization that develops standards for water damage and mold remediation, as well as uniform business practices. For reliable and effective water damage recovery services after flooding, contact Rytech, Inc.