Best Ways to Get Rid of Moisture Problems in the Home
While you may think that some moisture in your home is not a big deal, it’s actually something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Humidity or moisture problems in the home lead to the build-up of mold and mildew which can cause damage to your home and your health.
When humidity accumulates, it can deteriorate the structure of your home. Wooden floors that bend, paint that peels and wet stains on the wall are all red flags that the moisture level in your home is too high.
As already mentioned, a warm and damp environment is a breeding ground for mold and mildew.  Both can be highly toxic if they get into your system which can lead to various health problems.
Getting rid of moisture problems in the home doesn’t have to be hard. Humidity control is actually easier and cheaper than repairing any damage caused by excess moisture. There are a few very simple things you can do that’ll make a world of difference in your house.
Where is the Moisture Coming From?
The first step is to identify where the moisture is coming from. If you know where its origins are, it’s easier to get a handle on the problem.
Moisture problems in the home can occur in areas with poor ventilation such as the bathroom, kitchen or even closets. Even bad or improperly working plumbing can be a culprit. Moisture levels in these particular areas can be balanced out.
On the other hand, in some places of the home, moisture is unavoidable. The basement and attic are two spots where it’s difficult to get rid of moisture completely. You’ll just have to learn to manage those areas of the home the best you can.
Fix Up Your Home
The best way to avoid moisture problems in the home is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Bad plumbing is something to look out for.
Leaky pipes, faucets and toilets not only waste water (which is a whole other problem), but they also add to the humidity in your home. This sitting water eventually evaporates, ending up as moisture in the air. Repair or replace any malfunctioning pipes as soon as possible.
You can even wrap sweating pipes with foam pipe insulation tubes. This will prevent them from releasing moisture into your home’s air.
Don’t ignore leaks in the roof and walls. They also bring excess moisture into your home that can cause serious damage to your home’s foundation. Repairing the leaks now will bring down your humidity level and prevent rotting from happening.
Dehumidifiers Work For a Reason
The use of a dehumidifier will immediately reduce the risk of developing moisture problems in the home. Simply put, the only job of a dehumidifier is to remove excess moisture in the air. Which, as a result, will bring down the home’s level of humidity.
When it comes to dehumidifiers, there are a lot of different size and shape options available. There are small models for a smaller area of the home like the attic. Larger models are best suited for a bigger space such as the basement. There are even whole-house models available to help humidity levels through the entire home.
The best part is that most dehumidifiers are not disruptive to daily life as they operate quietly. You can just turn one on and go about your day as it runs in the background.
Ventilation is Your Friend
Good ventilation will automatically reduce the humidity levels in your home. This is a quick solution that will fix a majority of your home’s humidity problems.
Moisture can result from pretty much any of your daily activities. A lot of it gets released into the air during your daily shower, when you’re cooking dinner or making yourself a cup of tea. Even your breath releases moisture into the environment!
That’s why it’s important to have fans that vent to the outside. They help circulate warm, moist air out of your home and bring fresh, healthy air into your home.
Even opening up windows will get air moving and lower the chance of developing moisture problems in the home. If your windows are no longer operable or they’re painted shut, consider replacing them with a more energy-efficient option.
Most windows these days come standard with small openings, called weep holes, built into the bottom of the frame to allow for water drainage.
Natural Dehumidifiers
While there are no natural ways to get rid of humidity permanently, there are ways to naturally reduce the level of moisture your home. One of these ways is to introduce plants into your home that absorb moisture from the air.
Unlike most plants, epiphytes are plants that get their water from the air instead of through their roots. That’s why they work well in reducing the moisture levels in your home compared to other plants.
However, keep in mind that all plants, no matter the kind, still release water into the atmosphere. So if you really can’t stand not having any greenery in your home (which is the recommended option), these plants are the ones for you. They won’t get rid of your moisture problems completely, but they’ll help.
Humidity Levels Can Be Too Low
It’s important to remember not to go too overboard when controlling the moisture levels in your home. A low amount of humidity is also not good for the home or the health of anyone who lives there.
Low humidity can cause dry skin and hair, make you more susceptible to colds and illnesses and creates an overall uncomfortable environment. Wooden floors and furniture can also split and crack when the air is too dry.
That’s why it’s important to keep your home’s humidity levels between 30-50%. Anything higher or lower than that can have damaging effects.
Manage Humidity Levels For a Healthy Home
Managing ideal indoor humidity should be a priority for every homeowner. If moisture levels aren’t well maintained, your home will not only feel uncomfortable, but many other problems can arise from it.
Humidity that’s too high or too low has the ability to cause health problems for whoever’s living in the home. Not only that but damage to both the inside and outside structures of your home can occur.
Taking the necessary steps to control your home’s humidity levels will keep your home and your family safe and healthy.
