Damp. We all know it; we all loathe it. Unless you’re lucky enough to live in an environment that suffers little humidity, managing condensation buildup, especially during the colder months, is an important element of household maintenance. Even then, closed windows can trap in moisture, and the general use of a household itself can allow moisture to evaporate into the air, especially if you dry your laundry inside, take steamy showers, or cook often. If this doesn’t have a place to escape, it will latch onto your walls, pool, and even drip.
Sometimes, this can lead to condensation rotting wood, walls, and leading to toxic spores emanating from mold. This can be especially dangerous for the respiratory system, especially for young infants and elderly individuals who may be living in your house.
You might wonder - is there a method of fighting that annoying household condensation and dampness for good without drastic measures like moving to an entirely new country? We believe there is. In this post, we’ll discuss all of that and more:
Learning To Identify Damp
Of course, learning to identify signs of dampness is the first step. You can run your hand over the walls and windowsills to see if the surface is wet in the morning after the windows have been closed - if they are, that’s a sign damp could build without careful management. Luckily, damp also smells, making identifying its presence much easier. If you’re unsure, it smells like a thick musty odor, often combined with a slight smell of mold. Damp can also cause staining on the walls, so check behind large, stationary furniture.
Identify & Repair Leaks Promptly
There are two easy mistakes to make when it comes to managing dampness - one, that all dampness is caused by internal condensation, and two, that all leaks must be severe and show as dripping water to interfere with your house. But a very small leak that allows water in to soak into your wood, perhaps over months or years, can cause more damage than any condensation. That’s why it’s always important to inspect the outer walls alongside your internal checks because it may be a misapplied gutter, improper water runoff, or a small hole in the roof that is causing this dampness, too. In some cases, improper or old window fittings can cause dampness, which is why replacement windows for home renewal are recommended.
Use Dehumidifiers To Control Moisture
A dehumidifier can be vital for a room where condensation builds up. It will help collect the moisture in the air for you to empty each morning and is usually about as expensive to run as a fan or air purifier. Some even have air purifying capabilities on top of that, which means purchasing a decent enough model now could save you from having to buy two disparate units later on down the line.
You may be surprised just how much water the unit collects over time, but at least this won’t be moisture rotting your walls or causing mold in any capacity. For some, this and opening their windows for a little while each day can be enough to handle moisture over time.
Consider Your Insulation
It might not seem as though insulation can prevent dampness - after all, aren’t you trying to vent moisture instead of keeping it in with warm air? But the truth is that good ventilation is always predicated on appropriate insulation. It’s why bathrooms are often insulated, so the extraction fan or window can allow the warm air to dispel correctly through the right channels.
Moreover, insulation can prevent damage that leads to leaks, as discussed above. Re-implementing your insulations helps to protect against weather effects. In addition, in warmer seasons, closing your windows can help keep the very hot and humid air outside for the time being, limiting the temperature of the internal environment and also protecting against condensation at night.
Invest in Mold-Resistant Paints
Mold-resistant paints can prevent moisture from accruing and leading to fungal growth. While you might not have this applied throughout your interiors, it can be more effective in some areas. For example, if you have a small en suite shower without a window and only an extraction fan, anti-mold paint can prevent the damp from settling while the water in the roof evaporates and enters the air. Investing in mold-resistant paints can also be beneficial for back walls, such as behind a wardrobe you can’t move all the time.
With this advice, you’ll fight off that annoying household condensation and dampness for good this time.
Post a Comment