Ways To Prevent Moisture Buildup In Your Home

Infographic provided by Feldco, home window services

Ways To Prevent Moisture Buildup In Your Home

Excess humidity in a house can be detrimental when unaddressed. It even has the potential to damage the very structure and foundation of a building if left too long. What’s more, it can be harmful to human health, especially to those with allergies or asthmatic conditions. That’s why every homeowner needs to stay on top of moisture control and prevent excessive humidity from accumulating in the house. Below is a brief look into how to accomplish this.

First, what leads to humidity buildup? There are many causes that are simply a part of our day-to-day lives. Condensation could come from washing the dishes, running the washer and dryer, poor drainage around the home, and even the vapors released when we cook. It’s when these elements create a cumulative effect — or there is something major such as leaky plumbing or a constantly damp basement — that the trouble begins.

For instance, showering creates humidity in the bathroom and, when there isn’t proper ventilation, that moisture becomes trapped. As it lingers in the room, it creates a warm, damp environment that is the typical breeding ground for mold, mildew, bacteria, and other noxious microorganisms. When these spores and other microbes are breathed into a person’s respiratory system, it may lead to a variety of health issues both in the short term and long term.

Some signs that the moisture level in your home is too high include peeling paint, warped wooden floors, droplets on the windows, and wet stains on the walls. When the concentration is this high it can impact the lifespan of your furniture, features, and house as a whole. Before that happens, it’s essential to take steps to enhance moisture control throughout the house.

Begin by identifying any problem areas. Are the gutters clogged and letting water seep inside? Is there enough ventilation in key parts of the house like the kitchen and bathrooms? Are the appliances working as they should without any leaks or clogs? Answering these questions and others like them can help pinpoint an area you need to address first and foremost.

If there are no clear culprits, improving air quality can be achieved through simpler forms of humidity control. You can use dehumidifiers as well as the air conditioning system to reduce moisture by lowering the temperature. On average, a relative humidity level from 30-50% is what most people find comfortable. Going forward, consider programming the thermostat and setting the dehumidifier to better meet this level. Upgrading the insulation in the basement and attic, weatherstripping around the exterior doors, and installing storm windows are other preventative measures worth investing in with the help of professionals.

For further information on the effects of moisture in the home as well as ways to mitigate it, please see the accompanying resource by Feldco.