How to Keep Moisture Out of Your House
Keep moisture out of your house to prevent the formation of harmful mold or mildew. Here are some steps you can take to protect your property.
Written by Elan Mcafee
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
Table of Contents
High humidity or moisture in your house is not just uncomfortable; it can be dangerous. Moisture indoors promotes the growth of toxic mold and even the reproduction of dust mites. This can endanger people's health and degrade the integrity of the structure itself, especially the wooden portions. Fortunately, there are several simple ways to keep moisture out of your house.
Use a Dehumidifier
Step 1: Assess your dehumidifier needs.
Portable dehumidifiers
can usually handle spaces ranging in size from 1,500 to 3,000 square feet, while whole-house dehumidifiers can do just what the name suggests — handle a whole house. Look up or measure your home’s square footage, check out some prices, and then decide if one or more portable units or a whole-house unit is best for your needs.Step 2: Install the dehumidifier. When it comes to portable dehumidifier units to keep moisture out of your house, you simply plug the unit in and turn it on. You should place the units in the highest-moisture areas of the home, such as the laundry room or kitchen. Installing a whole-house unit is a task best left to professionals with the tools and knowledge to access and upgrade your heating and air system.
Ventilate Your Home
Step 1: Use exhaust fans. For two to three minutes after cooking on the stovetop or taking a shower, turn on the exhaust fan. Be sure to turn it off because exhaust fans actually invite greater humidity when left on for longer periods of time.
Step 2: Check your attic. Determine what kind of ventilation system you have in your attic. If you only have plain soffit vents or one gable vent, you likely need more ventilation. Consult with a professional about the addition of multiple gable vents or a ridge-and-soffit system.
Winterize Windows
Step 1: Seal the outside edges of the windows with caulk.
Winterizing windows
prevents frost buildup that will melt with warmer weather and potentially cause problems. Squeeze a thin line of exterior-grade caulk around the edges of your windows on the outside.Step 2: Caulk the sliding portions of the windows. Squeeze a generous line of rope caulk along the moving portions of your windows to further keep moisture out of your house.
By taking a few steps to prevent moisture buildup in your home, you can achieve a healthier environment, save money, and add years to the lifespan of your property.
4.7
