There are a number of items that cause moisture inside the home. Some of those depend on the geographical area the home is located and others depend on the time of year. Preventing excessive indoor moisture will prevent mold from growing in your home. Today we look at 5 common sources of excessive indoor moisture.
5 Common Sources of Excessive Indoor Moisture
1. Humidity levels can be a big problem when it comes to mold. This is one of the best ways for mold to grow, so it’s important to do what you can to control the levels in your home. When humidity levels are over 60%, mold begins to grow. This common source can be caused by the temperature and the area you live in. Dehumidifiers and moving air can help bring those humidity levels down.
2. The summer can cause problems when it comes to mold. The main reason summertime becomes a common source for indoor moisture is due to air conditioners, windows closed with air conditioning running, changing temperatures in the home, and humidity levels.
3. Inadequate ventilation in your attic can be another source of moisture in your home. When you don’t have the proper ventilation in your attic, the moisture that seeps in will migrate through your home’s ceiling causing mold to grow. Properly working ridge and soffit vents will help prevent attic mold.
4. There are certain appliances in your home that can produce moisture with or without your knowledge. Refrigerators and freezers have water in them and if they leak or are not working properly, moisture can seep out and cause problems in the area they reside. The drinking water feature of some refrigerators has a supply line that can be a potential for a leak. It’s important to keep an eye on them and make sure they’re working properly at all times.
5. Cracks and holes in your home can cause moisture to seep into your walls. This can be caused by a number of things but mainly are caused by cracks in the foundation caused by settling, incorrectly installed windows and doors, or when insulation is added to your home after it’s built. Always keep an eye on your home to find any of these issues and fix accordingly.
These five items are some of the common sources that cause excessive moisture in your home. There are many others such as improperly installed toilets, faulty pipes or cracks under the siding of your home. While it’s nearly impossible to prevent moisture from coming into your home, when you do the proper repairs and monitor your home, you’ll have a better chance of preventing the moisture from causing mold. A healthy home is important to the health of you and your family.
If you see or smell mold in your home, call us at 920.435.2288 for a FREE mold assessment. One of our qualified technicians can identify any possible mold and explain your options for correcting the situation. For more information on mold, visit our mold faq page.