Dangers Of A Damp Home

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Here is a new blog post from a guest author contributing to
Lang’s Kitchen & Bath’s website. All views expressed are those of the author.

When you take a long, hot shower, you probably notice the steam floating in the air. Water vapor clouds your bathroom mirror and leaves moisture clinging to the sides of the shower. Cooking a big meal on the stove can yield a similar result, and you may be surprised by the effects. All that moisture must go somewhere; if you can’t get it out of your home, it will settle into the walls.

Dampness can lead to water damage and other dangers for your home, which may affect your health and comfort in your living spaces. With these tips, you’ll know how to tell if you have moisture issues and how to address them.

Risks of Living in a Damp Home

You have probably heard horror stories about mold developing in homes after a flood or burst pipe, but you should know that it can develop even with minor moisture problems. Homes with long-term water damage are prone to warping, cracking, or uneven settling. Of course, the home is not the only thing at risk. When you allow moisture accumulation, you risk mold growth. You may not see the mold, but you’ll feel it. Common health effects from mold exposure include headaches, respiratory issues, and skin irritation. Very young children, older adults, and people with immune deficiencies are most likely to feel the effects. By the time you notice mold showing through the walls, you may have a serious problem.

How to Tell if Your Home Needs Moisture Protection

Anyone who lives in a humid environment could probably benefit from increased moisture protection in the home. Otherwise, you can identify signs of water damage and mold growth if you notice any of the following:

  • Mildew accumulating in the bathroom

  • Blue, black, or green patches on the walls or flooring

  • Paint on the walls starting to bubble or peel

  • Condensation taking forever to evaporate in the kitchen, bathroom, or basement

  • Water pooling around your foundation during storms

Determining the extent of water damage or mold takes professional evaluation. If you notice any of these, you should ask for a consultation.

Damp-Proofing Home Renovations

The best way to control moisture in your home depends on your region and the extent of existing problems. Whether you have water damage or you are simply hoping to get ahead of potential concerns, you should consider these improvements to help.

Proper Grading/Drainage

You need to be able to prevent water from entering the home in the first place, which it commonly does through outdoor precipitation. Ideally, your property is graded so that water flows away from the structure. If recent landscaping changes or property damage have created pooling spots in your yard, you should talk to a landscaping professional about fixing the grade. While you are at it, confirm that your gutters and downspouts are in good condition and pointing away from the house.

Increased Ventilation

Homes without proper ventilation struggle to remove moisture, which can cause condensation to soak into the walls and flooring. Even homes with ideal ventilation often have difficulties with moisture accumulation because homeowners fail to use it effectively. Consider upgrading your range hood in the kitchen to draw moisture out from cooking. Replace old, loud bathroom fans with more effective, quieter models. Finally, if your basement is not connected to your home’s HVAC, you should consider expanding the system to accommodate it.

Exterior Sealing

Most homes have a series of tiny air gaps through which water can pass, leaking into the walls and causing water damage over time. These gaps often occur around siding, the roofing structure, or in the casing around windows and doors. Some gaps you can easily see, while others might require a professional inspection. Sealing these gaps can take time, but the project is fairly affordable and yields multiple benefits. You can keep existing water damage from getting worse, and you may save some money on your utility bills.

Moisture Barriers

Because moisture can enter the home through the roof, walls, and foundation, you should formulate a plan to prevent it. Moisture barriers can be as simple as a thin sheet of plastic that deflects moisture back to the home exterior instead of allowing it to soak into the walls. Before your next roofing, basement, or room improvement project, look into adding moisture barriers. Vapor barriers are relatively simple to install and can go in the walls, flooring, or roof. These barriers often add a nominal cost to the project while increasing resistance to water damage.

Dehumidification

If you live in a region with high humidity or have parts of your home that simply will not dry out, installing a dehumidifier can help you address the problem. A whole-house dehumidifier is the most convenient option as it can run at the same time as your HVAC system and drain excess water through the HVAC condensate drain line. Just be sure to get the right sizing for the dehumidifier and HVAC system so you can extract moisture more effectively. You can also find standalone options with reservoirs that you can empty whenever they fill up.

Foundation Repair

Although you might think that your roof bears the brunt of your home’s moisture concerns, you should know that your foundation can also take a beating. A residential concrete foundation is designed to support the structure and prevent damage from exterior threats, such as flooding. Once your foundation starts to crack or crumble, however, you are at risk of water damage and other negative effects. If you notice foundation damage, schedule repairs as soon as possible. It is much easier to prevent water damage than to mitigate it after the fact.

Living in a damp home does not have to ruin your life, especially if you invest the effort to address it. Once you understand the importance of dealing with excessive moisture in your home, you can consider these improvements to minimize the effects.

Author bio: Andy Bartley is the Vice President for Bartley Corp, a leading provider of concrete construction services in Maryland. As a second-generation owner of Bartley Corp, Andy oversees the business operations, including financial, accounting, IT, HR, marketing, sales, and administrative functions. He is passionate about optimizing systems to make them easier and more efficient.