As children, whenever windows fogged over, we couldn’t resist the urge to draw a smiley face on the foggy pane. Like most things, the simple things have lost their charm as we’ve aged. Now, windows filled with condensation can cause homeowners distress. Condensation is one of the telltale signs that your home might be suffering from hidden water damage. Here are some ways that you could determine whether there’s too much moisture within your home:
Telltale signs of moisture damage
In addition to window condensation, excessive mildew or mold is a common sign of too much moisture. Mildew and mold only grow in humid conditions. This usually means there is too much moisture present due to properly ventilated spaced. Similarly, peeling, cracking or blistering of paint is a sign that moisture damage is occurring. A less common side effect of moisture damage is excessive dust mite populations. Excess dust triggers dust allergies and can be an indicator that your home is absorbing excess moisture.
“Innocuous” habits that produce moisture
We’re all aware that hot showers steam up the bathroom. If you do not properly ventilate your bathroom, the build of steam and humidity can cause water damage to your bathroom. Yet, there are numerous seemingly harmless activities that cause moisture buildup including, plants, humidifiers, firewood, plumbing leaks, improperly vented appliances, improperly insulated homes and damp soil in basements or subfloors.
How can you fix a moisture problem?
If your home is suffering from the telltale signs of moisture damage, you should get a moisture reading ASAP. A moisture reading comes from a small device that measures the amount of moisture present in your home. Moisture readings between 5 to 12 percent are considered ideal. Any moisture reading over 17 percent is a red flag that there is an underlying problem that needs to be addressed.
Water damage is a serious issue in homes, which is why you should consult a renovation professional immediately. Our team of highly-trained individuals can properly deal with your house’s moisture issues and ensure that your home is safe for you and your family.