Tips for Reducing Excess Moisture in the Home

6/13/2007

(NewsUSA) - The average rainfall can drop hundreds to thousands of gallons of water on your roof, according to the National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair Contractors.

Harvard University's School of Public Health found that because of outside water seeping in, 50 percent of homes in the U.S. have moisture damage and mold problems. Not only can these complications lead to extensive damage and leave a homeowner facing costly repairs, they also can aggravate allergies and compromise comfort.

The following tips will help you control moisture levels in your home.

* Clean and repair roof gutters regularly. Use gutter covers or guards to prevent leaves, sticks or other debris from accumulating.

* Appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers and stoves, should have vents that open to the outside of the house whenever possible.

* Make sure that the ground around your home's foundation slopes downward so water does not enter or collect around it.

* Seal air leaks, such as those that develop around the openings for plumbing and wiring. Humid outside air, which is full of moisture, can sneak into the home through these gaps.

* Use a whole-home dehumidifier to control the conditions that lead to moisture damage and mold growth.

Experts warn against setting the thermostat lower and using the air conditioner to remove excess humidity. This practice is ineffective and, more importantly, decreases the temperature of the materials in the walls, floors and ceilings, thereby significantly increasing the potential for moisture condensation, a precursor to mold growth.