Excess humidity in the home does much more than make the environment uncomfortable. It can significantly contribute to the structural damage of your home on many different levels. Failing to take the steps necessary to adjust for the excess moisture can eventually cause ongoing health problems as well. By exploring the following solutions for excess moisture and humidity in the home, you can protect your health and your most substantial investment.
The Initial Red Flags
With humidity, problems can begin to develop in the walls of the home. As humid air begins to accumulate in these spaces, wood can become saturated, leading to mold growth. The excess moisture can also cause paint to begin to bubble and peel. Fighting these problems involves increasing the amount of insulation that is present in addition to caulking and replacing weather stripping along vulnerable areas and cracks. Your windows might be one vulnerable area, which is why you should think about installing plantation window shutters and screens which will block bugs and debris, while still allowing in outside air to dry these areas.
Stagnant Storage
Proper storage of clothing, food, and other types of perishables can become a problem when excess moisture is in the air. When the humidity exceeds 60 percent, metal in canned goods begins to rust, while clothes are eaten away by mildew. Reducing the likelihood of this kind of damage can be done by taking advantage of certain chemical absorbents and ensuring proper ventilation. For instance, silica-gel packets can drastically lower the moisture content of the air in closets and food pantries.
Trouble From Below
The next area where moisture damage begins to make itself known right away is in flooring and carpeting. Excess moisture can move up through flooring from the basement of the home. Once mold is present in carpets and floor, it can be extremely difficult to remove, often requiring the expertise of professionals for a complete cleansing. Again, the movement of air is critical in fighting off this kind of damage. Proper air-conditioning units can be invaluable in spaces where this kind of damage is a risk. Make sure you have a good unit installed that will work to dry as well as move air.
The Systems of the Home
Condensation resulting from excess humidity can quickly lead to issues with pipes and the tanks for toilets. This resting water also creates a fertile breeding ground for mold, mildew, and other harmful growths when left unchecked. The warning signs for this type of damage include regular beading of water on the outside of the fixtures and pipes. However, the problem can easily be remedied by installing insulation that is waterproof on the interior of the tank. Water pipes can also be wrapped using traditional insulation and duct tape.
Fight moisture at every point it enters your home. In addition to the above precautions, homeowners can benefit from humidifiers that are designed to lower the moisture content in environments where these kinds of dangers are present.
