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Condensation on Basement Windows & Pipes
Something that a lot of us might notice about their basement is how damp they can be. Have you ever noticed condensation on your basement windows or pipes? You might be wondering what causes that if there are risks associated with this phenomenon, and if there’s anything you can do about it.
While many of us have accepted damp basements as a part of life, the truth is that moisture in our basements can have deeper effects than we might realize, and can even affect our health. The good news is, there are steps you can take to remedy this all-too-common basement issue, so you don’t need to live with a damp basement forever. Let’s dive in.
Causes of Condensation on Basement Windows and Pipes
To better understand the issue, it can be helpful to understand what causes condensation to form in our basements on basement windows and along basement pipes.
The root cause of moisture appearing in basements is the elevation of basements–and for more than one reason. As basements are positioned lower than the rest of the building, water will naturally seep downward over time.
What’s more, basements can often be cooler than the rest of the building. This is due to a few things, including that warm air rises while cool air sinks, and that basements are insulated by the ground around them, which can be cooler than the surface of the ground.
As basements are lower and cooler than the rest of the building, and sometimes the air around the building, they can be naturally conducive to the formation of condensation. Pipes running unheated water also might be cooler than the air in the basement, especially during cooler months.
Water vapor in the air can cool down as it comes in contact with cooler windows and pipes in your basement. As the water vapor cools, it becomes solid water, and we see condensation on basement windows or condensation on basement pipes.
Naturally, basements lead to the formation of condensation for a few reasons, and this makes them an ideal breeding ground for excess unwanted moisture. You might be wondering what the big deal is; dry air has its downsides, too, right? While a little bit of moisture in the air is great for breathing, too much can also lead to problems.
Risks of Condensation on Basement Windows and Pipes
Condensation on basement windows and on basement pipes might seem harmless, but the moisture that causes this condensation can have some serious impacts on your home over time. One of the most pressing risks of excessive moisture is the potential health risks that it can present, but another is that excessive moisture can threaten the integrity of a building over long periods of time.
Health Risks
Damp buildings can present some potential health risks that shouldn’t be ignored. While a little bit of moisture and humidity in the air is a great thing–after all, breathing excessively dry air isn’t pleasant, either–overly moist and excessively humid environments can present their own fairly serious problems for our comfort and health. Importantly, pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, need certain conditions to thrive.
One of those conditions is the right amount of moisture. In overly moist environments, pathogens can sometimes thrive and pose a health risk to nearby humans. In fact, damp indoor environments conducive to mold formation have even been potentially linked to health conditions such as Asthma, allergies, and other respiratory illnesses. While a damp basement doesn’t automatically lead to these outcomes, these potential risks should not be ignored.
Damage to the building
Your health isn’t the only thing that can be put at risk due to excessive moisture and condensation. These conditions can also be suboptimal for the longevity of the structure.
While the wood and concrete that homes and other buildings are often made from can deal with getting wet occasionally, too much exposure to moisture over time can cause damage to foundations, wood in homes, and more, which can threaten the integrity of a building. Excessive moisture can lead to outcomes such as rotting wood, cracked foundations, and prematurely corroded metals in plumbing and wiring.
Solutions
Understanding the risks of condensation on windows and pipes and the moisture that can accumulate due to the same root causes, it’s reasonable to wonder if there’s anything you can do about it. The good news is that there is. You can take some simple steps to mitigate these risks by addressing the moisture in your basement.
Ensure your basement is properly insulated and ventilated
If the air outside is dry and the temperature is acceptable, you can ventilate the basement and pull in dry air from outside. Unfortunately, this may be less effective if the temperature outside is too unpleasant, or if the air outside is humid as well.
You can also ensure that surfaces that get cold from the outside are well-insulated. Since the ground is often cooler than the air, this might include the basement walls themselves. This can help you work to avoid excessive condensation. However, insulation may not make the air itself any less humid.
Install and use a dehumidifier system
A basement dehumidifier system, ultimately, is one of the most effective ways to mitigate humidity issues in your basement. There are a few things you can look for in a good dehumidification system. These include how much moisture it’s capable of holding, whether or not it includes a humidistat, how drainage or storage of water works, and whether or not it has an automatic shut-off.
Basement Waterproofing
Depending on the conditions of the basement, basement waterproofing may be needed. This is typically recommended if there is also standing water in your basement or excess moisture that can’t be solved with a dehumidifier system.
Why Moisture Loc?
At Moisture Loc, we have over three decades of experience helping mitigate moisture concerns as a family-owned and operated business. That translates to a professional team of experts, always ready to help you take on moisture problems of all kinds. If the next step for you is getting a basement dehumidifier system set up and running, be sure to contact us today and learn how we can help.
