Maintaining your basement and protecting it from dampness isn’t just a good idea for structural reasons, but also for health reasons. As well as damaging your house, excess moisture can lead to a range of health hazards, including rodents and pests, mold, bacteria, and dust mites. This is especially problematic for families living above basements, where most dampness accumulates. Waterproofing your home is the best way to prevent these issues from getting out of hand. Luckily for those looking for help with basement waterproofing, New Jersey is the place to be. Let’s take a look at some of the potential health risks of having a damp basement, and when you might need to call in the experts. Rodents & Pests Having a damp basement can attract all sorts of pests and rodents into your home. Without proper waterproofing, mice, rats, cockroaches, spiders and even snakes will be attracted to the humidity in your home. These creatures are unwanted pests for a reason. Rodents, in particular, are capable of causing tremendous damage to properties and their droppings are also a paradise for bacteria and viruses. Nobody wants their family breathing in these germs and these airborne bacteria can be especially problematic for family members with compromised immune systems. They can and will lead to an increased risk of infection and serious illness. Bacteria It’s not just rodents and pests that cause bacterial buildup. Dampness itself can also cause the problem. When the air becomes stagnant and humid, bacteria begin to thrive. These bacteria travel through the air and through HVAC ducts into the property. If not dealt with quickly, their increased presence can be dangerous if members of your family are immunocompromised. The best way to prevent this is with specialized basement waterproofing (New Jersey offers plenty of choices). Mold Moisture breeds mold and it is one of the most common problems associated with having a damp house. It grows extremely quickly in humid and moist environments and will propagate on most surfaces without much trouble. The main problem with mold is that when its spores get released into the air, and we breathe them in, it can be very harmful to our health. Some symptoms associated with exposure include: - Respiratory illness
- Asthma
- Headaches
- Infections
Dust Mites Dust mites can be found in most homes. But when our homes become excessively damp or humid, they can propagate to dangerous levels. Dampness provides dust mites with the ideal ecosystem to live, thrive and multiply. As they increase in numbers their skin and faecal matter become airborne. This isn’t great for anybody to breathe in, but can be particularly dangerous for individuals who suffer from respiratory conditions like asthma. Prevention is better than cure, so that’s why it’s so important to avoid excess condensation in your basement and avoid dust mites from multiplying in the first place. Basement waterproofing isn’t just important for protecting the physical structure of your home. It’s important for protecting the health of everyone living in your home as well. Waterproofing is an effective way to protect your health and property from the perils of unwanted water. That’s why it's so important to choose a company with a good reputation for the best service around. Luckily, for anyone needing basement waterproofing, New Jersey has some of the best experts in the country. Author Plate Nick Iskenian is a local resident of New Jersey and the owner and founder of Best Choice Waterproofing. The company provides effective, professional quality solutions for damp problems, carrying out foundation repairs and basement waterproofing, New Jersey. If your home is suffering from water seepage, mildew, damp, cracks, warping, paint peeling or a range of other issues, their highly trained field operators have the skills and experience to solve the problem.
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