The Moisture Monster (Home Maintenance/Construction)

Moist skin, moist cakes, and even moist plants are good; moist houses and moist floors—not good. Moisture and just the right temperatures (50% relative humidity and minimum 65 degrees Fahrenheit) are the welcome wagon for mold and mildew. Besides allergies and respiratory ailments, molds and mildews can destroy your home and possessions.

Poor air quality and visible physical damage to walls, ceilings, and floors can be expensive to repair. Some homes have been condemned when mold and mildew levels are too high—or unacceptable.

Prior to extensive damage, moisture may warn you. Warped wooden floors, lifting vinyl floors, condensation on walls, or slight musty odor, or black dust-like areas on walls and windows are signs of a moisture problem.

Today’s new homes are built tighter, or less drafty, than older homes; older homes that are highly insulated and vinyl sided are often “too tight”. Weather-tight homes are great for heating bills but don’t allow a house to breathe. Many homes boast air purifiers and kitchen and bath ventilation; though there are also systems to bring outside air into the home (necessary for air balance--more on that in another post), it is often a neglected area or system.

In some cases, concrete floors are allowing too much moisture to pass through; consequently, ruining the floor installed atop it. Buckling, warping, and staining of floors are indicators of excessive moisture. Concrete floors or slabs should be moisture tested before installing any type of flooring to avoid such problems. This is especially true of all new construction (residential or commercial). Dirt floors in basements can also contribute to moisture problems throughout the house.

If you are not positive that a moisture issue is present, a home inspector can help--many will perform partial or system-type inspections, reducing the fee accordingly.

When excessive moisture is determined, a reputable contractor will be able to offer estimates to help you dry out your space.