Home Humidity
While water damage and flooding are the most obvious types of moisture related problems homeowners face, high indoor humidity levels can also damage all parts of your house. Window sashes, doors, trim, and wood frames can all fall prey to this less recognized threat, and too much humidity can destroy the entire house. Every homeowner should be familiar with the following list to assess their entire home for the symptoms of high humidity.
Obvious Signs
Dampness is the first and most obvious. People are often concerned with the visual signs of water damage or flooding that can result from clogged gutters or downspouts, but a pervasive feeling of dampness is an indicator of a problem as well, especially in closets, stored clothing, or furniture. You may find condensation on windows as well. Another indicator is odor. Quite often a smell is the result of a buildup of mold or mildew. Adjusting the indoor ventilation quality can remedy this problem.
Also, take a look at any wood in your house. It can crack or warp when it’s been exposed to moisture and dries out. Dark brown, black, or green stains also indicate the buildup of mildew. Rotten wood, or wood that’s been ruined by moisture, can be easily penetrated by a sharp tool, while wood that is sound will resist penetration.
Evaporation
High home humidity isn’t always the fault of a leaky roof, old gutters, or bad downspouts either. While humidity can be responsible for water damage but not flooding, there are certain areas homeowners should keep their eyes on inside. Evaporation can be a concern. This moisture is added to the home by standing water from house plants, aquariums, sewer drains, sump pumps, and toilets that are left uncovered. Humidity is also raised by cooking, bathroom activities, heating equipment, and laundry room machines. Gas-fired appliances produce water vapor during the combustion process and add to evaporation as well. This type of moisture is often increased when the appliances are not properly cleaned and adjusted. A new house has its own moisture issues that need to be looked at. Hundreds of gallons of water may be used in the construction of a new home, water that’s present in the concrete, drywall, and paint among other things. A huge amount of water is also contained in the framing lumber.
The Usual Culprits
But it’s the wet basement we’re the most familiar with. This is the problem area that may or may not be the result of interior moisture. It’s also the place most likely to have big water damaged areas and floods, and the place where outside problems like clogged gutters and downspouts are often the culprits that need to be cleaned or repaired.
