The Dangers of Damp Basements

So, what exactly are the dangers of damp basements? Sure, a little flooding can be troublesome but if you don't have any valuable's stored down there its no biggie. Unfortunately, that's just not the case. There is plenty more to worry about than a bit of water. 

•  Dust mites: Dust mites are parasites that will embed themselves into carpets, bedding, and furniture. They live and thrive in high humidity environments. You can't see them, because they are extremely small. Their droppings float into the air causing issues like allergies and asthma attacks. Dust mites are the #1 indoor allergen. The only way to get rid of them is proper and consistent moisture control!
• Bacteria: Dust mites are not the only irritant that thrives in a high-moisture climate. A damp basement can be a breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria. This can lead to many different harmful infections, once the bacteria becomes airborne. All homes have what we call the "stack effect". This means that air flows within a house by pulling from the bottom and releasing out the top. Therefore, whatever is present in the air of a basement, is also present throughout the air of the house.
• Structural Damage: Overtime, regular exposure to moisture will cause detrimental damage to a home's structure. The presence of water vapor can decrease the life of a roof, the shingles, and even the paint on the walls. Damp basements will cause carpets to smell moldy and musty. Condensation and rotting wood can lead to hardwood floors buckling and doors and windows sticking. Due to the "stack effect" mentioned above, a wet basement can even cause mold all the way up in the attic. 
• High Energy Bills: Damp air requires more energy to cool and more energy to heat. Moisture inside of your basement could be draining you of money every month without you even knowing it!

These are just some of the ways a damp basement could be causing harm to your home and your family. A basement does not have to be wet and flooded for a home to experience these problems! Water seeping in at small amounts can be destructive overtime. This is why waterproofing a basement can be so beneficial to your home and family's health!