Moisture Control at Home

It is important for home owners to control moisture, here’s why.

 The unchecked buildup of moisture in the home is a recipe for mold, and mold will not pass up an opportunity to thrive in a moist and humid environment.

It’s worth the extra attention to find and banish home moisture sources.
Water is used daily in the home for drinking and staying hydrated, cooling and for cleaning and washing up purposes. But are these the only times water is found in the home?

Water an be found entering the home where it is least expected and most unwanted, in the form of leaks, drips, dampness, condensation, seeping, wetness or saturation of building materials and home structures. It is important to control water that has entered the home form a leak or seepage, because this can turn into unpleasant smells and hazardous mold.

The moisture in the air of a home will be varied as the temperature of the air in the home fluctuates. For example, in cold weather, moisture is more likely to condense on cold surfaces (such as a window pane holding drops of water during steam cooking). This moisture may start off seeming harmless, but it will potentially turn into a biological microorganism that is hazardous to human health, such as black mold.

What can be done to reduce household moisture in these cases?

First, homeowners should work to identify leaks and water seepages and have those fixed by professionals (plumbers, roofers, etc.). A landscaper may need to come in and slope the ground away from the house, if water routinely collects by a back door. A professional who installs gutters may suggest the replacement of any leaking seams, gutters or attachments to prevent water seepage into the home any time that it rains.

Next, a plastic cover can be placed on crawlspaces to prevent water seepage. Crawlspaces that are accessible from the outside under living areas need to be well ventilated too, and should prevent rodents from gaining entry or access to living areas of the home.
Use exhaust fans and even ceiling fans in the winter to move air in the home.

Exhaust fans should be utilized and in good working order in the bathrooms and kitchen area. In some homes, some exhaust fans are keyed to a wall space, but are only vented directly into a wall, not actually to the outside! Homeowners should check that fans are properly vented to prevent mold buildup in between wall structures areas of the home. In many cases, ceiling fans can be used to help move humid air in the home to help prevent the buildup of molds.

Homeowners should carefully monitor the use of humidifiers or heaters (especially kerosene heaters) in the home in winter. This is to prevent moisture buildup on windows in rooms where these appliances are running. Even air conditioner units in the summer months can be used to make moisture in the air, and should be set to reduce moisture in the home when it is hot outdoors.

It will be important to increase the temperature of cold surfaces when moisture condensation is found in an area of the home. Storm windows installed inside of the home (as opposed to outside), will help reduce moisture condensation building up in the home as well. Increasing air circulation by using fans in the winter months can help move hot air evenly in the room, to warm cooler surfaces, and prevent the build up of condensation in those areas.

Finally, all areas of the country can experience a moisture problem in the home at some time of the year. Removing excess moisture from the home will help to prevent moisture buildups, and will stave off mold growth in the home living environments.

Give us a call when you require cleanup of sewage, flooded basements, or have water damage. Our certified technicians are able to provide fast, safe and efficient service for water damage restoration and flood restoration. Our teams are on call all day and every night, to service you at all times. Call now!