When the humidity in your home rises it can cause all types of issues that can become quite costly. Humidity can rise as a result of the environment, but a properly ventilated building will prevent any ill effects from impacting your home. High humidity is generally a result of either poor air flow or water damage, and in either case, taking action quickly by calling your local professional to access the situation is the best way to prevent any serious or extra damage from occurring.
What is high humidity in your home
High humidity in your home is considered anything over 60% relative humidity. At this level the porous materials within your home will become favorable environments for mold growth. Because mold is circulating all around us, when the humidity levels in your home become advantageous for mold growth, mold can begin to thrive and under the right circumstances can spread throughout your entire home in a matter of days. For this reason, a quick response is required to halt the damage and remediate the issue that caused the humidity in the first place, be it water damage or poor air flow.
how to know if you have high humidity
Even if you do not have a humidity meter in your home, there are some easy ways to tell if you have high humidity. Some of the most clear signs of high humidity include:
- Mold growth
- Foggy windows
- Humid, clammy, or moist feeling
- Mildew smell
- Increased allergies
- Rotting wood
- Wet spots
how to prevent high humidity
High humidity, as we discussed earlier, is generally caused by a water related disaster or poor ventilation. So the best way to prevent high humidity is going to be to ensure that your property is dry and well ventilated. This can mean adding exhaust fans to areas of concern, or simply purchasing a dehumidifier to ensure your home stays nice and dry. Other culprits that may cause high humidity would be drying your laundry inside, talking hot showers, or even having a few extra house plants. Additionally, you should be addressing any leaking pipes or existing water damage. If you can’t seem to get your humidity under control, do not hesitate to call your local experts, like Seaside Restoration, to get a professional opinion.
when you should call a professional if you see signs of water damage
Water damage can be difficult to diagnose if you don’t know what to look for, and if you do see water damage, chances are that the damage is worse than what you can see on the surface. Water seeps into porous materials and can begin to warp, discolor and deteriorate those materials immediately. So, the best way to prevent further water damage is to call a professional water damage restoration company at the first sign of water damage to have them come and inspect the damages and ensure that the underlying cause of the damage is mitigated while also setting up a plan to address the damages themselves.
