Controlling Condensation And Humidity in Your Home

All homes have moisture in them. Many daily activities add moisture to the air, from cooking to bathing to even breathing. Unfortunately, there are a number of problems associated with too much condensation or humidity in your home. Fortunately there are steps that can be taken to reduce the potential for damage.

Why is Condensation a Problem?

Condensation is caused when warm, humid air comes into contact with a cooler surface. This causes water in the air to return to a liquid form and collect there. Condensation is usually the most visible on window glass, but in severe cases may be seen on the window sills, frames, and even walls, ceilings, and floors.

During the summer months condensation is usually not a problem. The humidity level outside is often higher than it is indoors. But in the winter, we tend to run heaters and keep all the windows closed -- creating more moisture than usual and trapping it indoors. While a little bit of water may not seem like a big deal, if it isn’t dealt with quickly many problems can arise. It can encourage the growth of mold, damage your windows and walls, and even cause health problems.

Immediate Methods of Control

When you see signs of condensation on your windows, it’s time to take steps to reduce it before problems begin. There are plenty of easy steps you can take to help keep humidity levels lower in your home.

• Be aware of moisture production. Many things we do on a daily basis create a lot of moisture and will increase your humidity levels. When doing these activities, make sure the moisture has a place to go. When showering or cooking, use extractor fans to allow the humid air to escape outside. If you don’t have extractor fans, opening a window can also be effective. Make sure your clothes dryer is properly vented as well.

• Buy a moisture eliminator. There are many dehumidifiers on the market that will help lower humidity levels. These work by drawing air into them and drying it out before the water in it has the chance to condense.

• Raise the temperature. Keeping the temperature inside your home higher will keep the interior glass on your windows warmer, and warmer windows makes it harder for condensation to form. When doing this, you should also open any heavy drapes or blinds as well. These can trap the cold air against the window pane and increase condensation risk.

Long-Term Humidity Control

There are two long-term solutions to invest in when you want to reduce your overall home humidity levels: ventilation and insulation.

Proper ventilation in your home means the humid air will have a place to escape. Adding ventilation into your attic, roof, and soffit can greatly reduce condensation in your home. Insulation is also important. If your walls are uninsulated and thin, they are very likely to develop condensation. Adding insulation to your walls will keep them warmer in the winter months when humidity is most likely to be a problem. If you can keep your walls are above the dew point temperature, condensation won’t form on them.

When To Call a Professional

If condensation has been left untreated for too long, serious problems can occur. Irreparable damage to your windows, walls, and even your roof are all possibilities. If damage has become too severe in portions of your home, you can always call Stockmohr for new roof or window installation once the condensation problem has been corrected.