Condensation
How Condensation Got into Your Home, and How You Can Get it Out
Moisture buildup in your home can cause any number of things, from peeling wallpaper, discoloration of walls, and carpet lifting to the growth of mould and mildew. Left unchecked, a simple water leak from a pipe could lead to a mould infestation, causing respiratory and other health problems, forcing you to leave the home and have a professional come in and sanitize it.
There are a few ways in which condensation will find its way into your home, though the most common are:
* Sinks and Faucets – Your bathroom and kitchen both come equipped with a sink and a faucet. Running water can splash off, causing moisture to collect and creating the perfect environment for mould to begin to grow.
Always remember to clean around any sinks and faucets after you’ve used them, quickly drying any excess water so that mould does not have an opportunity to begin to grow.
* Bathing – Using your bathroom for either a bath or a shower can promote the development of mould if there is a lot of splashing or dripping. Anytime that water begins to pool or dampen an area there is the potential for mould. Most bathrooms are linoleum or ceramic tile, so it is unlikely that mould would grow on those surfaces. However, if you have any type of organic material in your bathroom, such as a floor mats or even exposed drywall, moisture can enter and saturate these areas, creating a prime environment for mould and mildew.
* Floors/Ceiling – If your roof isn’t sealed, water may begin to leak into the attic. Over time, as the amount of water that is collecting builds, the water may begin to travel to other parts of your home, such as the inner walls or ceiling. Left unchecked, this may result in the growth of mould or mildew, rotten floorboards, ceiling tiles, drywall, or a combination of each.
This can be costly to repair if the problem becomes large enough, so check your roof for any signs of damage or leakage a few times each year to ensure that no moisture is entering your home without your knowledge.
* Walls – Cracks or damage in the outside walls of the home may permit moisture to work its way through the wall, eventually soaking the drywall and joists. The amount of damage that this can cause, including the possibility of mould growth, is immense, so check your exterior often to ensure that there is no damage to the outside walls.
Luckily, besides obvious maintenance and repairs, there are a few things you can do to help prevent moisture from building up in your home:
* Keep all surfaces dry – Remove any puddles of moisture, dry any areas that are damp, and ensure that all of the surfaces in your home do not have excess moisture built up.
* Ventilate – Ventilation acts as a way to remove moisture from your home by means of evaporation. Having a fresh inlet of air and an exhaust will allow air that is traveling in and out of the room to carry excess moisture with it.
* Seal around all windows and doors – An extra layer of sealant will only cost a few dollars, and it will help ensure that you moisture enters your home.
Remember that continual build up of moisture is a breeding ground for fungi, moulds, mildew, and bacteria, so do your best to keep your home clean.