Lancaster Humidity Buildup — The Need for Waterproofing
PA is a state where many types of weather and seasonal changes occur quickly. From drought to heavy rains, basements can and do become flooded. But this does not mean all basements suffer water seepage.
There also is the fact that only about 40 percent of homes in the US have basements. Many have only crawlspaces. Humidity though, can build up in innocuous ways. Dampness occurs when cold air meets hot air and can happen in any portion of any residence.
With seasonal fluctuations in Lancaster, homeowners can notice humidity buildup but not be able to pinpoint it. Bathrooms and kitchens are notorious hiding places for humidity buildup. Buildup leads to condensation, making a home look and feel musty and somewhat dank.
This doesn’t mean that a home without a basement cannot suffer from water damage. Humidity control is needed in many homes to control dampness in walls, ceilings, and even under floorboards.
In Lancaster, the highest month of humidity is September, which makes August a great time to assess humidity buildup in a home and take measures to prevent the buildup in walls, crawlspaces, ceilings, and even under floors. Structural problems do occur with built-up humidity, and Basement Gurus, LLC can ensure this does not occur.
Mold containment is an important factor in the integrity of properties in Lancaster, PA. As beautiful as Lancaster is, it also can be cloyingly humid, and mold does accumulate quickly. This is a bonus for the agricultural industry there but can impair homes tremendously. 
Over-humid environments lead to mold, fungus, and all types of unseen bacteria, which are then unleashed into the air within a home. Health problems do occur with these conditions. Especially with individuals with breathing problems, the stakes of not waterproofing against humidity become higher.
The acceptable level of humidity within a home is between 30 and 50 percent. Any more than that means that humidity is building up and being released into the home atmosphere. If a home has a basement, then waterproofing is the first step.
However, since humidity can hide behind walls and even underfloors, a good dehumidifier is oftentimes needed, and a good basement waterproofing company will also waterproof walls, crawlspaces, and even floorboards. Thoroughness in waterproofing is needed.
Signs of Lancaster Humidity Buildup
Some indications can be seen while others cannot, but homeowners should be on the lookout for the following:
· Condensation on appliances, walls, sinks, or commodes
Even if a fan is used, condensation means unseen and relatively high humidity within a home. As stated before, a good dehumidifier can help, but an inspection of all walls and floors should be done by a certified waterproofing company. Any crawlspaces or basements should have a thorough inspection to eliminate all causes of dampness.
· A dank smell that permeates a home
The truth is that once a dank smell appears, there usually is water behind the walls and possibly under ceiling tiles and floorboards. A basement waterproofing company needs to be called, while a dehumidifier will assist in containment after thorough treatment. A dan smell can also signal mold, mildew, and bacteria trapped inside walls, floorboards, and ceilings.
· Air conditioning that does not cool a home thoroughly
Although air conditioning can malfunction, if the home seems to be cooling and yet feels “sticky” inside, it can generally be the fault of poor waterproofing. Lancaster can be very warm and humid, but an AC unit that leaves residents still feeling uncomfortable can mean humidity buildup.
· Furniture and clothing that seems a bit “moist”
Yes, this does happen. It can be subtle, but clothing and cloth furniture that feels a bit damp is a sign of built-up humidity.
· Condensation on the inside of windows
While windows will have condensation or moisture on the outside, windows that have this on the inside can signal humidity buildup.
How to Combat Lancaster Humidity Buildup
There are many ways to do this. Removing the humidity is a first step via a dehumidifier and removal of moisture from walls, floors, ceilings, basements, or crawlspaces.
Professionals might remove parts of the walls, ceilings, or floors and generally use dehumidifiers with open windows to air out the humid surroundings. There are chemical compounds to speed up the process, but baking soda itself also absorbs dampness.
Prevention is the key, though, and even leaving bowls of baking soda in a room will cut back on dampness. Baking soda is hydrographic, which means it absorbs molecules and dampness. This can be recommended after severe humidity is relieved.
Most professionals will also recommend the “old fashioned” remedy of leaving fresh air inside. Humidity is trapped easily in newer buildings with great insulation, and allowing the “sun to shine in” is a good method for keeping dampness at bay.
Summary—Lancaster Humidity Buildup—The Need for Waterproofing
Basements generally need waterproofing, as do crawlspaces. A good, solid, and reputable company such as Basement Gurus will assist in removing all types of humidity and dampness within any home. With 30 years of experience, no money down, and ZERO percent financing, a home can be completely waterproofed within any budget.
Damp conditions within any home eventually harm all aspects of a home and make living uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous. Call 1-800-834-6584 before the “humid season” hits in Lancaster, PA.