Home Moisture Problems

Moisture in your home might not seem like something that needs immediate attention, however, it can have a bigger impact on your home than you might think. In most cases, home moisture problems arise when you experience a leaky roof or window condensation. In this article, we take a look at some of the most common sources of home moisture problems and ways to avoid them.

Home Moisture Problems

Window Condensation

Windows are among the most common spots within a house where condensation occurs. This is due to window panes being one of the coldest surfaces within your house’s interior. Because window panes have direct contact with the outside environment, the inside surfaces of glass panes become cold outside.

If you begin to see condensation forming on the inside of your windows, you should pay close attention. Although interior condensation can occur due to steam from your shower, it can also indicate that your home has above-average humidity levels in your home. Oftentimes, this can be directly attributed to ventilation issues. Excess moisture and water that collects around your house can damage your home and impact your family’s health. If your house does not have proper ventilation, over time moisture from your water system, your body, and from cooking can collect inside your house. Furthermore, if water vapor does not have an escape way, it can condense on the windows, inside walls, and on furniture. This can present two major problems.

Mold and Mildew

In the first case, excess amounts of moisture accumulating on the windows can make a perfect breeding ground for mildew and mold. Most people might not know that they have mildew or mold allergies until they experience allergic reactions. Since the allergic symptoms are similar to those of fever and asthma, most patients end up being misdiagnosed.

Home Deterioration

Because it is hard for moisture inside windows to escape, windows are at a higher risk of deteriorating. If your windows have wood frames, they can absorb water and start to soften. On the contrary, if your windows are made of metal frames, moisture can dry up on the surface, making them rust. In short, the effect of condensation on your windows can compromise the structural integrity of your house and open gaps. In the end, the gaps can weaken the insulation of your house.

Moisture on the inside of your windows can also indicate a more precarious issue if condensation occurs due to other causes apart from indoor humidity. If you use barriers, doors, and fans while cooking or showing, but the glass interiors still become fogover, there might be undetected sources of moisture in your house. In this case, house plants can be one of the sources of condensation. Plants release moisture into the air that gets dispersed to cold surfaces, especially during winter and fall months. Another possible source of the condensation is fire logs. Fire logs tend to be moisture-ridden especially if you store them in your garage or outside before placing them next to your fireplace.

Leaky Roof

A leaking roof can leave you worried for many reasons. Taking care of a leaky roof can help to prevent further deterioration that leads to interior damage, mildew, and mold. If you have a leaky roof, it might be caused by the following issues.

Cracked or Broken Shingles

In some cases, leaks can be caused by missing, broken, or cracked shingles on your roof. Your shingles can crack as a result of hailstones as well as general wear and tear. As long as other shingles are in good condition, you can replace the broken shingles without having to replace your entire roof.

Lack of Sealant in Valleys

A valley refers to a section of the roof where two slopes meet. Since water tends to pool in the valleys, it is important to ensure this part of the roof is properly sealed. If roofers failed to properly seal that area, or the sealant has become too loose, it is not uncommon for your roof to leak

Clogged Gutters

Gutters are a critical component of every roof. However, if gutters become clogged, they can cause rainwater to accumulate beneath the shingles. If you experience leaks near gutters, consider cleaning your gutters as this could be a source of water leaking.

Ice Dam Build-up

If you live in a cold climate region, you may experience ice dam build-up on your roof. This happens when the attic is warmer than the roof. The warmer air partially melts the snow and water then runs down the roof and refreezes at the edges. Ice dams hinder water from running off the roof and eventually lead to roof corrosion. In order to avoid such issues, it is important that you regularly remove ice from the edges of your roof.

Condensation in The Attic

Sometimes you might experience what appears to be a roof leak, but in reality, it is not a roof problem. If your attic has not been vented properly, warm moist air from the floor can gather in the attic. When the temperature begins to change, and the interior of the house is cooler than the outside, condensation will occur. It is unlikely the condensation is enough to drip into your living space, however, it can contribute to mildew and mold growth in the attic. Blocked vents can also prevent moisture from escaping. Removing any debris that could be blocking the vents should resolve any issues of moisture retention in the attic.

Home moisture problems have several causes and can lead to major damage. Therefore, you should inspect your house regularly for any damage caused by moisture. If you spot any signs of potential problems it is vital that you act on them before they become a bigger issue.

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