Your Guide to Relative Humidity
In a previous article, we tackled the question, “How to Dry Out a Crawl Space and Manage Humidity Levels?“
Now, we’re going to take a step back and answer, “What is relative humidity?”
The answer is straightforward, so let’s dive right in.
What Is Relative Humidity?
Relative humidity measures the amount of moisture in the air compared to the maximum amount the air can hold at a given temperature.
It’s expressed as a percentage; for example, if the relative humidity is 50%, the air is holding half of the moisture it can at that temperature. Warmer air can hold more moisture than cooler air, so relative humidity changes with temperature fluctuations. Understanding relative humidity is important because high levels can lead to problems like mold growth, condensation, and wood rot, especially in areas like basements and crawl spaces.
How to Measure Relative Humidity and Protect Your Home
Measuring relative humidity in your home is easy with a hygrometer, a small device that reads the moisture level in the air. Hygrometers are inexpensive and can be placed in areas like basements, crawl spaces, or living rooms to monitor humidity levels.
High humidity can negatively affect your home by promoting mold and mildew growth, damaging walls, ceilings, and floors, and posing health risks.
Excess moisture can also cause wood to warp or rot, damage insulation, and create an environment that attracts pests like termites. Keeping an eye on relative humidity helps you take action before these issues escalate.
Understanding Relative Humidity & Its Impact on Your Home
In this post, we answered the question, “What is relative humidity?” We explained that relative humidity measures the moisture in the air compared to its maximum capacity at a given temperature. High humidity can lead to problems like mold, mildew, wood rot, and pest infestations, so keeping an eye on humidity levels is crucial for maintaining a healthy home.
There’s much more to learn about humidity’s impact on your home. In our next article, we’ll dive into the differences between wood rot and mold.
If you need basement or crawl space waterproofing, Foundation Recovery Systems offers a quick, easy, and completely FREE inspection—just click the button below to get started!
FAQs
The cost varies based on the size and condition of your crawl space, as well as necessary repairs. Foundation Recovery Systems offers free inspections, no-obligation quotes, and financing options to accommodate your budget.
Keeping humidity levels within 40-60% is crucial to prevent mold growth. For expert guidance on maintaining such levels, reach out to Foundation Recovery Systems.
A humidity range of 40 to 50 percent is optimal. Lower levels can cause uncomfortable dry air, while higher levels promote mold growth and other moisture issues. A professionally installed crawl space dehumidifier, combined with waterproofing and encapsulation methods, is essential. Contact Foundation Recovery Systems for a free inspection and estimate.
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From the outset when Doug called on us to analyze our situation until the last of the work was done by foreman Jordan and Alex we were very …
From the outset when Doug called on us to analyze our situation until the last of the work was done by foreman Jordan and Alex we were very impressed. Doug did a thorough job getting us the best solution and Jordan and Alex worked tirelessly to provide excellent work while being a pleasure and cordial throughout. They kept us informed throughout the entire process and we are excited to be enjoying the solution they provided.
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FRS did the contracted work in a timely professional manner. Tanner, the foreman, was very professional and kept me well informed as the…
FRS did the contracted work in a timely professional manner. Tanner, the foreman, was very professional and kept me well informed as the work progressed.
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Jordan Mullen with Foundation Recovery Systems completed our home inspection on our driveway, third stall and sidewalk issues from washout…
Jordan Mullen with Foundation Recovery Systems completed our home inspection on our driveway, third stall and sidewalk issues from washout under our concete. I learned a lot from his expertise and experience of what causes these issues, how to correct them and avoid additional damage in future. Jordan is a pure professional at his job and I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of concrete issue's.
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We are very pleased with this company. Their Reprentative TANNER was exemplary. He did a super jpb. He figured out to solve our issue…
We are very pleased with this company. Their Reprentative TANNER was exemplary. He did a super jpb. He figured out to solve our issue quickly, the work was sceduled and a week later our problem was fixed. The young men on the crew were very courteous and kept us informed every step of the process. Thyanks guys for a good job.
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I had a great experience with Foundation Recovery Systems and especially with their Field Inspector, Ken Jordan. Ken was super thorough…
I had a great experience with Foundation Recovery Systems and especially with their Field Inspector, Ken Jordan. Ken was super thorough when inspecting my house, and he really took the time to explain what was going on and what needed to be fixed. What I appreciated the most was that he didn’t try to upsell me or push for anything unnecessary—just honest, straightforward recommendations. You can tell Ken knows his stuff, and he was professional while still being easy to talk to. I felt like I was in good hands the whole time. If you’re dealing with foundation issues and want someone who’s knowledgeable and trustworthy, ask for Ken Jordan. Highly recommend!
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Very polite and timely. Great job. They even cleaned up afterwards.
Very polite and timely. Great job. They even cleaned up afterwards.
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Frank was awesome- Very informative and very helpful in us understanding what needed to be done!
Frank was awesome- Very informative and very helpful in us understanding what needed to be done!
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I can't say enough good things about Kyle, Kaleb, and Tristan from Foundation Recovery Systems. They did an amazing job waterproofing our…
I can't say enough good things about Kyle, Kaleb, and Tristan from Foundation Recovery Systems. They did an amazing job waterproofing our basement and installing a sump pump. It’s been tough finding someone to come out to our place, but these guys went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. If you need basement waterproofing, these are the people to call. Highly recommend!
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We have been in our home for such a short time and my wife and I started seeing cracks in our walls. We had another “reputable” Company…
We have been in our home for such a short time and my wife and I started seeing cracks in our walls. We had another “reputable” Company come out and give is a bid on what they thought needed done. Doing our due diligence we contacted FRS to have them come out. My expectations were minimal. I could not have been more wrong. Cesar came and assessed, diagnosed and thoroughly walked me through what was actually going on with our home and his Integrity and professionalism was outstanding! Thanks to Cesar and his honesty, we will be using FRS for all our work and recommending them to anyone that needs Foundation work in the future. More specifically, Cesar “The House Whisperer” Munoz!
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Nate, Josh, and Jaeden were really great today!!! The job was done quicker than I anticipated, they cleaned up after themselves and…
Nate, Josh, and Jaeden were really great today!!! The job was done quicker than I anticipated, they cleaned up after themselves and everything was explained in plenty detail before and after they got done! Definitely recommend these guys and this company for anyone’s foundation needs!
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This is based on Quote only. We have not had work completed yet, it is scheduled. He did take a long time with us going over everything so…
This is based on Quote only. We have not had work completed yet, it is scheduled. He did take a long time with us going over everything so we knew exactly what he is planning on doing. He also explained the difference in materials he plans to use with different parts of the job. The services they offered was above what others was offering even though their prices were a little higher.
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I found them by a quick google search but of course reading the reviews I decided to go with their service. I was first contacted by Peter…
I found them by a quick google search but of course reading the reviews I decided to go with their service. I was first contacted by Peter Sirna who was the sales associate who helped schedule everything and answer every question we had. When I say every question he did, even a text on the weekend he was quick to respond. The crew came out on the day that promised and there were a couple of issues. They immediately brought them to our attention and they broke down how to solve the issue promptly. The crew ran by Joel, Trayvon, and Coleman were awesome. They got here early and stayed late if they had to. If you have any doubts on which company to use I would highly recommend them, they are extremely professional, cleaned up afterwards, and will even come back in the future to make sure that all the work they did was done correctly. Lifetime warranty is a cherry on top. Wouldn’t be the sharpest knife if you went with someone else.
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Just finished up with the consultation on my home regarding the foundation issues that I have been having. Dustin arrived promptly at the…
Just finished up with the consultation on my home regarding the foundation issues that I have been having. Dustin arrived promptly at the scheduled time. He was kind, courteous, knowledgeable and made sure that I had a full understanding of the process as well as the financing options. I greatly appreciated the appointment and I would definitely recommend this business to people who may be having similar issues
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Alexander Norris came and inspected the area and work I needed done and came exactly on time. I had another company no call no show so i…
Alexander Norris came and inspected the area and work I needed done and came exactly on time. I had another company no call no show so i was very thankful for him actually showing and and on time! He gave a me a few different plans that he came up with to solve our problem. Communication is key!
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Great company to work with, Sales team- really know the products, low pressure sales. Install team- extremely professional, laid back easy…
Great company to work with, Sales team- really know the products, low pressure sales. Install team- extremely professional, laid back easy going. Layied down tarps to keep mud and dirt to minimal, moves most of the concrete through a small window in the basement. Reviews with me beging mid and end of install.
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I would like to extend my gratitude toward Colten and the team he sent to finish the job on my basement. It was a process with ups and…
I would like to extend my gratitude toward Colten and the team he sent to finish the job on my basement. It was a process with ups and downs but when he stepped in, he fixed my issues and went above and beyond what I ever expected. I can say the product has held up beautifully, on November 4-5th we had torrential downpour in the city of St. Louis, I’m happy to report i had a dry basement, not one drop of rain made its way in. I was incredibly relieved. I had a sump pump, drainage around my entire basement and wall barrier on walls with a drain in front of my basement door installed. The cost was competitive and a little less than others. I would highly recommend Foundation Recovery Systems and Colten was very professional and the most accommodating person I’ve ever dealt with. This basement has caused me a lot of anxiety especially since I’ve only owned the house for 3 years and it was a lemon by all accounts covered in a pretty rehab, thanks to Colten there’s no more tears and only peace of mind! I would highly recommend if you want a company that takes great care of their clients. Thank you Colten!
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Very professional and knowledgeable about product. Presentation was good. Very friendly & personable.
Very professional and knowledgeable about product. Presentation was good. Very friendly & personable.
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I’m extremely pleased with the quickness, responsiveness, and transparency from my Sales rep. But a big shoutout to Lucas and Hunter who…
I’m extremely pleased with the quickness, responsiveness, and transparency from my Sales rep. But a big shoutout to Lucas and Hunter who came in and waterproofed our basement that has been leaking for the last 5 years in less than a day. We fixed multiple issues we had thanks to great, creative, ideas and consulting from the whole team.
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Corey B. was very professional, personable and did a great job of explaining the work that needed to be done.
Corey B. was very professional, personable and did a great job of explaining the work that needed to be done.
Leah Leitow
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