Are you tired of dealing with mould, mildew, warping, discolouration, and dampness in your home?
You're not alone. Moisture is one of the biggest causes of damage to building materials and interiors, making moisture intrusion a massive problem for homeowners. It's awfully frustrating because there are so many sources–sometimes it's a leaky pipe or water seeping in from a broken window seal; other times, it's just the climate you live in.
However, there are measures you can take to prevent moisture from entering your home in the first place and identify it in case it has already happened. In this article, we will capture the hows and whys of moisture intrusion and tips to control them.
Identifying Moisture Intrusion in Your House Interior
Moisture is a common problem in most homes. Why? Excess moisture enters your home through air, and some materials hold this moisture inside of them, slowly releasing it over time, resulting in the formation of mould, rusting of metal, and damage to wooden structures. This means that not only do you have materials that are harder to work with but also those that are prone to permanent damage.
The first step to preventing moisture intrusion is identifying the source of the moisture. If you notice a musty smell in your house, any visible mould on the walls and ceilings, or water dripping or seeping into your home, it’s a sign of moisture intrusion.
These are the primary culprits:
Water vapour - Water vapour comes from inside and accounts for 30-60% of moisture in houses. Condensation occurs when warm air containing water vapour strikes a cold surface and cannot hold the moisture, transforming into liquid state.
Rainwater - Rainwater can enter through your windows or increase the humidity in your home.
Groundwater - Groundwater will affect your house interior depending on whether or not you live on lower floors.
Tips to Prevent Moisture Intrusion in Your House Interior
Moisture intrusion in the interiors can completely ruin your furniture if not prevented beforehand. Furniture materials have the potential to absorb water if exposed to high levels of humidity. This is a common problem in rainy and humid areas, although it can happen anywhere.
Here are some tips on how you can prevent moisture intrusion in your home:
1. Install vapour barriers -
The best way to prevent moisture from entering your home is by installing vapour barriers in your walls and ceilings. A vapour barrier is a sheet of material (typically plastic or foil) that prevents moisture from getting into your home. They're inexpensive, easy to install, and they'll keep out water vapour that enters through cracks and other openings in your home's exterior walls.
2. Keep humidity levels low inside the house -
Another way to prevent moisture intrusion is by keeping humidity levels low inside your home. This can be done through ventilation systems or dehumidifiers (which work best if you have a basement).
It may also help if you run a ceiling fan or two during hot summer months (which shouldn’t be a problem in Mumbai homes) so that there's more air movement inside your home than outside it. This will cause any excess moisture to evaporate into the outside air instead of being trapped in the house interior.
3. Install an exhaust fan in the kitchen and bathroom -
The bathroom and kitchen are prone to moisture buildup, particularly if you have poor ventilation. An exhaust fan will help remove excess moisture from these rooms, which produce a lot of steam during cooking and showering.
Install a fan and run it after every shower or bath to help dry out the room. Also, make sure that you have a tight seal on any windows in the bathroom and keep them closed during the rains or on days of high humidity. The same goes for the kitchen.
4. Check for leaks around windows and doors -
Doors and windows are two of the prominent places where excess moisture enters your home but are often overlooked. If not sealed properly, they give way to air leakage around window frames and door frames, causing dampness in the interior space. This could lead to condensation on glass surfaces, resulting in mould growth and potential respiratory health issues.
Remember, when you fix minor problems early on, they stay minor!
5. Maintain your appliances -
Any appliance that dissipates steam or heat will release moisture into the air. That includes dryers, dishwashers, ovens, etc. Conversely, moisture can affect electronic devices too. Therefore, make sure to inspect these appliances regularly and hire a professional if they need repairing.
Health Issues Related to Moisture Intrusion
Did you know that moisture intrusion in your home can lead to a myriad of health problems? For example, the moisture can cause mould spores to grow, which are then released into the air by the air conditioning system. These spores can cause allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory disorders when inhaled.
When to Make Repairs
By making repairs quickly and monitoring your home's interior for signs of moisture, you can protect your home from water damage and keep your family safe. Here’s when you should start:
Any time you find a leak or spot signs of water intrusion, you need to make necessary repairs as soon as possible. This includes everything from dripping faucets to leaking roofs, broken windows, and more.
Any water left standing for over 24 hours can contribute to the growth of mould. If left unchecked, mould can weaken the structure of your home and cause long-term health problems for you and your family.
If you have experienced flooding in your basement or home due to storm damage or other issues, it is important to dry out the space as quickly as possible to prevent permanent structural damage and mould growth.
Moisture can lead to health problems, structural damage, and even electrical fires, which can put a damper on you, your finances, and your convenience.
Get ahead of the curve, prevent moisture intrusion in your house interior today. For more guidance, you can book a design consultation with us, and Hipcouch will help you achieve a safe and problem-free home.