Humidity at home? Smart grannies’ tip to solve this problem for good
During the winter season, frequent rain showers tend to increase the humidity of walls and exterior surfaces. Inside the home, the air is filled with moisture that has nowhere to go, leading to condensation, mold, and mildew. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your home from high humidity levels. Here we explain how.
Moisture damages your home
Besides decreasing its visual appeal, increased humidity allows mold spores to spread. It can cause significant damage to the building structure, including the possibility of water leaks and saltpeter buildup. This mineral salt deposit can cause additional damage over time and is a direct result of high humidity.
Just as your home is affected by humidity, so is your body. Professional medical staff at the Mayo Clinic said that when the tiny mold spores are inhaled, your body recognizes them as a foreign substance and produces antibodies to fight the invasion. This may lead to signs such as blocked nose, irritation and itching of the eyes, nose or throat.
How to prevent humidity?
It is better to take precautions than to have to deal with the effects afterwards! To escape the dangerous effects of humidity, one must heed the suggestions given to solve the problem.
1- Waterproof the house to combat humidity
Humidity can have an impact on your home. Problems such as leaks, sealing problems, or breaks in the roof or walls can cause water to seep into the home. Fortunately, these nuisances are not unbeatable. Waterproofing your home is a great way to protect yourself from moisture. You can do it yourself, or hire a professional, by applying a water-resistant compound to the walls and roof of the house.
2- Restore cracked walls to prevent humidity
Over time, rain and regular use can cause cracks to form on the exterior of walls. It is very important to repair them in order to avoid the accumulation of humidity inside the house. To solve the problem, it is essential to recognize the type of cracks and treat them quickly.
3- Heat to prevent humidity
The temperature setting in your home has a significant influence on the humidity level in the air. A sharp drop in temperature can lead to an increase in humidity and the appearance of condensation. It is therefore essential to maintain the indoor temperature at a minimum of 18°C. Additionally, it is important to facilitate heat circulation between rooms by leaving doors to divided rooms open.
4- Ventilate to let humidity out
Low cost option, ventilating your home is essential! Consider opening your windows to allow humid air to escape the house. Open all the windows in different rooms of the house to help air circulation. However, keep your windows closed on rainy days, simply because humid air increases the humidity within your home.
5- Dehumidifiers and air conditioners to reduce humidity
Dehumidifiers and air conditioners can be useful in hot and humid environments to reduce the amount of moisture in the air. However, care must be taken to ensure that these devices do not subsequently turn into biological contaminants.