What to Do If You Find Moisture in Your Home
Homeowners in Southeast Florida must deal with high humidity levels. Whether from excess humidity in the air, frequent storms, or water leaks, moisture damage creates expenses for repairs and poses health risks.
To avoid a more extensive problem, know the signs of excess moisture and how to remedy issues quickly and effectively. At Kenco Home Inspections, we often find moisture damage in homes. We want to help homeowners stay on top of home maintenance.
What Are the Signs of Excess Home Moisture?
Moisture is one of the most common problems that affect homes. The presence of water damage may not be evident at first glance. However, it’s essential to act fast if you suspect an issue. Here are some signs of excessive moisture:
Water Stains - If you see water stains in your ceiling, walls, carpeting, or other areas of your home, you likely have a leak somewhere in your house.
Mold Growth - Mold growth can develop in moist environments. Mold is often not visible until it has grown significantly.
Mildew - Mildew is a fungal infection that appears on surfaces like wallpaper, carpets, and bathrooms. Mildew grows indoors in warm, humid conditions.
Condensation - Condensation can form on windows and walls. Condensation is a sign that the inside of the home is too humid.
Wet Crawl Space - A wet crawl space signifies that water is seeping in through or around the foundation. Poor drainage, faulty plumbing, or a broken pipe can cause moisture in crawl spaces.
What Is the Risk of Unresolved Moisture Damage?
The longer you wait to address moisture-related issues, the worse they become. Once moisture enters a structure, it can spread throughout the building, making it challenging to identify the source of the problem.
In addition to causing structural damage, moisture can also damage personal belongings. Mold growth is hazardous because it can cause severe health issues. Even mildew can make your home smell bad and irritate your skin.
Homeowners should not ignore the signs of excess moisture. Resolving the source of the damage and making repairs will save you time, money, and health issues in the future.
Steps to Mitigate Excess Moisture
Repair Leaks
If the water damage is due to a leak, the first step is to find the leak. Leaks can occur from pipes, the roof, the HVAC, appliances, or other areas in the home. Once you find the leak, make the necessary repairs and create a proper seal to avoid future leaks. Then, clean up any moisture damage.
Use a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers remove humidity from the air. In humid climates like Florida, a dehumidifier regulates the amount of moisture in the air to avoid condensation and mold or mildew growth. Dehumidifiers require regular maintenance, like changing the filter to prevent pollutants in the dehumidifier.
Turn on Fans
Exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens remove the moist air. After showers or when cooking, the moisture can become trapped. Over time, the daily moisture build-up can slowly lead to damage. Regular use of fans manages excess humidity.
Remediate Mold
When there is excessive moisture in a home, mold can multiply. Removing the excess water is essential to preventing mold growth. Cleaning up mold typically requires professional help. Contact a restoration company for assistance to ensure proper cleanup.
Keep Moisture Under Control
Living in a humid climate means you must pay attention to excess moisture in your home. However, you can avoid costly damage and keep your family healthy with a few routine maintenance steps.
At Kenco Home Inspections, we want our clients to have safe and functioning homes. Contact us today for home inspections in Southeast Florida.