Solving High Humidity Problems in the Home

Solving High Humidity Problems in the Home

Water and excessive humidity in your home or basement can do a lot of damage and cause unpleasant mildew odors. What can you as a homeowner due to solve the issue of high levels of moisture? First and foremost in the vast majority of cases the problems lies outside not inside your household's walls. Often water in the basement itself is the result of water pooling outside - look at better landscaping and gutter and eaves roughing systems to lead to water away from outside walls of your home. However even with the best laid plans and planning water may seep through cracks - or even almost a deluge into your basement areas. So what work can be done to reduce humidity levels in your home to acceptable levels to work to control or at least hold off baying the situation?

If its simply a matter of dampness in your basement - that cold chill that then results in mildew then the steps required may not involve cracks in basement walls. Look to reduce and eliminate humidity levels in the basement areas and indeed in the whole home. Increase ventilation overall by vents and venting the biggest producers of humidity in your home to the outside air. The usual culprits to consider include appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and gas or electric clothes dryers.

The dryers should be vented to the outside air. If vents already exist make sure that the piping and venting is clear and unencumbered. Exterior outlets should not be blocked - they should be clear. The vents themselves may need to be cleared of lint. It is a good idea to have an exterior directed fan in the kitchen and bathroom areas to vent indoor humid air to the outside. If exhaust fans are installed in these areas make sure, like the driers that the passageways are clear, the exhaust ports open and clear as well. In some older homes you may find that the venting is not to the actual exterior of the home, but rather to the attic. In previous times before solid and complete insulation practices this was "good enough" as attics were rather drafty and not air tight. It was easiest and cheapest simply to vent to the attic. If this is the situation expand the venting from the attic to the outside. Some homeowners have dealt with humidity issues in their homes and a house by installing additional vents in the attic them to eliminate and control high humidity levels. It is your choice and heating budget so to speak.

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