Photo: Cole Keister / Unsplash
When the local forecast calls for humidity, rain or snow isn’t your only concern. No matter the season, humidity is created in your home in the form of shower steam, the clothes dryer and boiling water on the stove, to name a few. Even household plants and breathing generate a certain amount of humidity in your home’s indoor atmosphere. Combined, these things can throw moisture levels out of whack. Signs include mold or mildew on tile, condensation, fog or frost on windows, warped wood and peeling paint. Avoid moisture mayhem with these tips:
- Correct any drainage issues before construction starts and divert rainwater away from your home.
- Select water- and mold-resistant building products, as well as climate-appropriate insulation and vapor barriers, especially around pipes, ducts, attics and crawl spaces.
- Make sure your HVAC system is appropriately sized for your home.
- Use the exhaust fans installed in your kitchen and bathrooms to ventilate moist air out of these areas.
- Keep an eye on caulking around doors and windows. A tight seal will help keep your home’s humidity in check.
- Incorporate well-designed rooflines, overhangs and other elements that will reduce your home’s exposure to inclement weather.
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