More and more people are looking to finish their basements
to increase overall property value and expand their space. It is still a common
practice to finish a basement with carpeting, but this is not the best course
of action. Carpeting and basement simply don’t mix. Just
as you wouldn’t want carpeting at the base of a shower, you should avoid
carpeting in your basement because of increased moisture. Carpeting is prone to
mold through a moisture wicking process called capillary action that occurs in
all basement foundations. As moisture wicks up from the foundation, it
evaporates, hence the reason why basements maintain higher humidity than
elsewhere in the home. Once a carpet, area rug or a pad is placed on top of the
cement foundation, it will begin absorbing this excess moisture. When excess
organic matter such as dirt, dust, skin cells, and pet dander are added to the mix
mold growth occurs. Carpet manufactures sell the concept that the fibers are
mold resistant, which many are, but it’s the imbedded organic matter that promotes
biological growth. Furthermore, basements without proper dehumidification will exasperate
the issue when the relative humidity exceeds 55%. Hidden moisture within the carpeting
will cause foul odors. These odors are actually a chemical or microbial
volatile organic compound (MVOC). The mal-odor results from off-gassing during
the biological processes causing eye, nose and throat irritation. These harmful
MVOCs are a clear indicator that there is an indoor air quality issue which can
cause adverse health effects even without the presence of elevated mold spores.
This issue becomes significantly more serious when pathogenic spores are
present, as they lead to acute or chronic diseases. If the mold and bad odors aren’t
enough to discourage you from carpeting a basement, consider the inevitable
dust mite explosion and bacterial proliferation within the fibers. IndoorDoctor
recommends a synthetic floor system like a soft tile or laminate to decrease the
ultrafine particulates and toxic mold spores. Be sure to control the humidity
throughout the basement below 45% with supplemental dehumidification. For most
New England basements a typical 60 pint dehumidifier sold at a hardware store is
insufficient to sustain low humidity during summer months. The larger dehumidifiers
like the Santa Fe, Sani-Dry or Wet Basement models are much more effective at
controlling the overall humidity throughout the basement. Ventilation systems
like E-Z Breathe (www.ezbreathe.com)
will further assist with humidity, odor, radon and spore reduction without any
added maintenance. When retrofitting your basement be safe and consider the air
you and your family will breathe.
