Basement & Crawl Space Dehumidification

Why is moisture control important?

While water is necessary to life, it isn't always welcome — especially in our homes. Unwanted moisture, whether in the form of water or high relative humidity, has the power to cause thousands of dollars in property damage and significantly impact the health and comfort of your home.

Problems With Excess Moisture

• Dry Rot & Decay: Moisture can lead to dry rot, which causes decay and weakens structural components.
• Pest Infestations: Damp, humid environments are ideal for termites, carpenter ants, and other structure-damaging insects.
• Corrosion: Moisture causes metals like valve handles, ducts, HVAC equipment, tools, and other items to rust.
• Mildew & Foul Odors: Relative humidity above 60% promotes the growth of mildew, which can cause unsightly stains on walls and sealings and lead to persistent, unpleasant odors.
• Mold & Dust Mites: High relative humidity allows mold and dust mites to thrive, which can worsen asthma, allergies, and other respiratory problems.
• High Energy Bills: Excess relative humidity means your air conditioner has to work harder and longer to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

Repairing water leaks and removing moisture from the air is critical to keeping your home mold and mildew-free. Dehumidification is a way to control moisture and keep below-grade spaces like basements and crawl spaces dry and clean.

What causes excess moisture in the home?

Moisture can enter basements and crawl spaces through porous cinder block walls.

Moisture can infiltrate a crawl space or basement from the adjacent soil, either as liquid water or water vapor. Once inside, water vapor has the potential to disperse throughout the entire house. In addition, below-ground areas act as natural condensation generators. When warm, humid air comes in contact with cooler surfaces, it creates condensation.

Sources of Indoor Moisture

• Breathing: Humans exhale moisture when they breathe, especially during sleep. The number of occupants in a room can impact indoor humidity.
• Laundry: Washing machines and dryers produce moisture as they operate. Drying clothes indoors can also add to humidity levels.
• Bathing: Showers and baths generate steam and humidity in the bathroom, which can spread to other areas if not properly ventilated.
• Cooking: Activities like boiling water, cooking with uncovered pots, and using steam-producing appliances can release moisture into the air.
• Ventilation: Inadequate ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and attics can trap moisture indoors.
• Houseplants: Indoor plants release moisture through a process called transpiration.
• Leakage: Roof leaks, plumbing issues, and water seepage from the ground can introduce unwanted moisture.

Prevent Mold With an Energy-Efficient Dehumidification System

To maintain a healthy indoor environment and prevent issues like mold growth and structural damage, it's important to manage and control indoor moisture levels through proper ventilation, insulation, and moisture prevention measures — and Sure-Dry can help!

Since 1994, Wisconsin homeowners have trusted the experts at Sure-Dry to provide proven and effective solutions to eliminate basement and crawl space moisture. As part of the Basement Systems network, we have access to state-of-the-art waterproofing and mold control products, including the energy-efficient SaniDry™ dehumidifier.

If you're worried about crawl space or basement moisture, we can give you peace of mind. Contact us at 1-800-379-3788 or online today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate in Green Bay, Appleton, Oshkosh, Fond Du Lac, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Wausau, Stevens Point, Wisconsin Rapids, Neenah, and nearby.

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