Moisture problems within your home may not seem like something that needs immediate attention, but it can cause a bigger problem in your house than you might think.
Moisture accumulation can cause several problems, which include the following.
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Musty Smell
If you notice a musty smell in your house, it is a sign of moisture damage. A musty smell is described as dank, stale, earthy, and even moldy. To get rid of this smell, you should identify the source.
Start looking into dark, warm, and damp areas in your home such as the basement, attics, crawlspaces, and even your bathroom. You may also use a dehumidifier to dry out the air and eliminate this moldy smell.
Mold
Visible mold growth is another sign of moisture problems. Mold can build up just about anywhere there’s water, but it commonly grows in moist areas in your home such as sinks, bathrooms, windows, and water fountains.
Mold can often be difficult to remove. Generally, it’s recommended to ask the help of a professional mold remediation company. This will ensure that all traces have been taken care of and sources have been removed. However, as long as you have detected the mold in its early stage, you can easily remove it with vinegar or bleach.
Excessive Condensation
Moisture on select cold surfaces such as a cold glass of water is normal. However, if you start to notice condensation in other areas of your home, it’s an indicator that there is too much humidity in the air.
Too much humidity can cause big problems and even put your health at risk. Microorganisms that grow in humid conditions are of special concern, as they can cause allergies and asthma.
There are several ways to reduce condensation in your home. These include controlling humidity, providing ventilation, and adding insulation, especially in the attic and basement. You should check your home’s HVAC system and humidity controls to see if an adjustment can help solve the problem.
Pests
Termites, carpenter ants, rodents, cockroaches, and other pests are known to thrive in moisture-damaged buildings. If you see any pests or traces of their presence such as droppings or rotted wood, it’s a sign of a bigger problem.
Increased Health Symptoms
Moisture problems can trigger or worsen allergy and asthma symptoms in both adults and children. Symptoms can include headaches, wheezing, coughing, and eye irritation. If there are molds, you can suffer severe allergic reactions or asthma attacks.
Children are at an increased risk for both short- and long-term health effects from moisture problems, as their bodies are still developing. Studies have shown that moisture can cause respiratory problems in children. If you or your family always complain about these symptoms, a moisture problem could be the culprit.
Moisture problems not only cause structural issues and infection control risks but also serious health problems. Be proactive and check for signs of moisture problems. Also, look for areas in your home that might be more at risk for moisture problems and check these areas regularly for anything suspicious.
Detecting the problem early not only makes for a much more comfortable home environment but also prevents costly damage in the long run.
