Last Updated on February 6, 2024 by SampleBoard
Are you fed up with water damaging your foundation? Are you thinking about dehumidifying your foundation?
We know moisture is your foundation’s silent foe. Therefore, we recommend you buy a dehumidifier. Dehumidification is a prerequisite for foundation repair.
Explore the following with us:
The process of waterproofing your foundation by exterminating moisture is called dehumidification. A dehumidifier, an appliance used for this purpose, works by following a simple mechanism:
It absorbs the humid ambient air.
The next step is the condensation of damp air. It is assisted by:
Then, the moisture is collected in a pan in the form of vapors.
Lastly, dry air free from moisture releases into the foundation space.
Half of the air within your home moves from the bottom of your home (its foundation) to the top.
It is known as Stack’s effect. The walls and floors of your home’s foundation, despite appearing dry, bear moisture in the hidden pockets.
Due to this reason, the air in your home harbors water vapors which can:
Do you think you can easily manage with air conditioning and ventilation alone? No, they do not eradicate the moisture, and this is where dehumidifiers come into action.
In other words, you must install them to safeguard the foundation home against its worst enemy, i-e., moisture.
High humidity levels endanger your home and your health. Have a look at these benefits of having a dehumidifier in your foundation.
Due to moistness, the foundation becomes a breeding ground for:
Purchase a dehumidifier to provide your family with a refreshing and comfortable environment to breathe in.
Insects like millipedes and roaches love damp environments. A moist foundation can be their favorite place to thrive. Install a dehumidifier in your foundation to avoid infestation of such pests.
Too much moisture can warp the wooden structures like door frames and furniture. In addition, metallic surfaces can get rusty over time.
By dehumidifying your home’s foundation, you can get rid of moisture which is causing:
Condensation causes paint and wallpaper to fall off. However, you can install a dehumidifier to remove condensation and its aftermath.
Get a dehumidifier installed in your foundation to secure your valuables mold-free.
Dehumidifiers exterminate the moisture from ambient air, freeing it from musty odors.
There are two types of dehumidifiers:
Refrigerant dehumidifiers have refrigerant coils installed for working. They follow the principle of condensation.
Desiccant dehumidifiers contain a desiccant to absorb humidity. Desiccants are moisture-absorbing agents, such as Silica gel and activated carbon.
In this way, they dry the air, and gradual rotation of the desiccant wheel collects moisture from the stream of surrounding air entering the appliance.
Dehumidifiers suitable for foundations like basements and crawl spaces have underlying features:
Auto-Humidistat: A foundation dehumidifier possesses an automatic humidistat that turns the instrument ON and OFF as needed to regulate humidity and save electricity.
Self-Restart: A good dehumidifier restarts itself automatically in case the power cuts.
Auto-Defrost: A dehumidifier should be efficient enough to defrost the ice that is formed on the unit automatically.
Filter: An air filter present in foundation dehumidifiers traps unwanted particles like allergens or dirt.
Consider the underlying things before buying one:
It will help you select the right size of the dehumidifier. If it is too small for your foundation, it will not absorb moisture efficiently. Similarly, you can’t buy a large dehumidifier for a small foundation space.
The energy star rating of a dehumidifier suggests how efficiently it can work or if it is good at saving energy. Always go for dehumidifiers having this rating.
The temperature in a home’s foundation is usually low. Make sure to buy a dehumidifier that works effectively in low-temperature zones.
Measure the temperature using a thermometer of your foundation before selecting a dehumidifier.
Dampness in a foundation or basement is usually high. You can also use a hygrometer to get an estimate of the moistness levels. A foundation requires the installation of a heavy-duty dehumidifier.
Optimally, the foundation should be neither too dry nor too humid. The humidity level should be moderate, approximately 40%.
Excessive moisture is a common foundation problem that can be avoided by using a dehumidifier. The appliance can also be used for regulating humidness during foundation repair.
Refrigerant coils or desiccant materials in the dehumidifier absorb moisture from the foundation’s environment.
In this way, it provides you and your family members with a freshening, breathing environment free from mold, pests, and mites.
Remember, a good humidifier should be energy-efficient and capable of working in low temperatures and high humidity levels. In addition, it should possess automatic restart, humidistat, and defrost options.
