Breathing Easier: How Waterproofing Your Basement or Crawl Space can Reduce Allergies

Allergies are a common occurrence and a common annoyance. Most people experience allergies during certain seasons like springtime when pollen is in the air. But did you know that if you’re experiencing allergies all year around or more often, your home could be trying to tell you something? Crawl spaces and basements are susceptible to high humidity and moisture levels. Air flows from these areas into the upper levels of your home, bringing humidity, dust and mildew with it. This adversely affects the health of a home and those who live there. Here’s how waterproofing your crawl space or basement could help prevent allergies.  

The Link Between Moisture and Allergies:  

Mold thrives in damp, humid spaces like basements and crawl spaces. Mold doesn’t just grow on the walls and floors, but the spores can become airborne. Your home’s HVAC system will then carry these mold spores from the lower levels to the rest of the house. Which may explain allergy symptoms such as itchy throat, stuffy nose and coughing.  

Dust mites are tiny parasites that live in places like bedding, carpet and furniture. They don’t drink water but absorb the humidity from the air if it’s higher than 50% relative humidity. Dust mites cause allergic reactions by releasing proteins through the air and through their hard shells. Keeping a basement or crawl space below that 50% humidity level would effectively kill dust mites and prevent more from spreading.  

A moist, damp basement encourages the growth of different bacteria. The air from the crawl space and basement leaks into the upper levels through what’s called the stack effect. The stack effect creates an airflow in your home from top to bottom. Building scientists say that up to 50% of the air you breathe on the first floor is from the basement. Therefore, if you have a humid basement or crawl space, this can compromise the indoor air quality and cause those aggravating allergy symptoms.  

How Waterproofing Helps: 

Waterproofing solutions such as the WaterGuard drainage channel, FlexiSpan crack repair, or CleanSpace wall covering can prevent seepage and safety direct moisture to a perimeter drain. By preventing water from seeping in through cracks or from the walls and floors, mold and dust mites have nowhere to thrive.  

Installing high-quality dehumidifiers, like the SaniDry Sedona, can ensure that humidity levels stay below that 50% threshold. By sucking the moisture out of the air, you make your home less susceptible to allergens.  

By eliminating the moisture at the source, your basement and crawl space can return to being functional areas instead of trouble spots. Waterproofing your basement or crawl space will allow you to enjoy a dry, odor-free and healthy home!

Are you experiencing allergies from a humid basement or crawl space? We can help. Call us today for a FREE estimate!