When dampness creeps into the house, it can lead to mold and wood damage. So, it’s important to know how to keep moisture out of your house in Colorado Springs. Since it’s an arid state, most people don’t think much about humidity. But, many homes we inspect have high moisture content, often originating in the basement or crawlspace and pulled through the building by hot air leaving the attic.
Humidity in Homes
According to the EPA, the ideal indoor humidity level is between 30 and 50 percent. Wood joists, drywall, and carpet wick moisture and mold spores out of the air. Then these continually damp environments foster mold and rot. In addition, certain areas of the home are more prone to moisture problems. For example, basements and crawlspaces stay damp due to their proximity to the earth. Negative grading exacerbates this problem. If the lot’s surface slopes toward the house, rain spouts drain into the foundation. In addition, hot showers build humidity and promote fungal growth in bathrooms. Always run the bathroom fan after bathing to air out. Similarly, closets with poor circulation can retain damp air and cause mold growth.
Identifying Moisture
Damp environments hide behind walls and in crawl spaces. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if moisture is there at all. Home inspectors use hygrometers to analyze indoor levels. If you’re worried about high humidity in your home, we recommend picking up a moisture reader from your local home improvement store. Signs of moisture problems include
- Puddles near gutter spouts
- Clammy indoor air
- Foggy windows
- Cracked siding paint
- Peeling wallpaper
- Musty odors
- Water stains
- Rusty attic nails
- Allergy symptoms
Preventing Moisture
Keeping moisture at bay protects against mold and rot. Start at the bottom. Make sure basements are well-ventilated, cover crawlspace dirt with plastic sheeting, and maintain a positive grade on the lot. Likewise, seal cracks and openings which allow warm, moist air to enter the attic and walls. Also, get annual HVAC tune-ups. Regularly running your air conditioner removes excess moisture from the air. Some homes may even need dehumidifiers. In addition, make sure the bathroom exhaust and clothes dryer vent to the home’s exterior.
What causes too much moisture in Colorado homes?
Even in dry states like Colorado, humidity can be a problem in homes due to the Stack Effect. Dampness seeps from the ground into basements, but it doesn’t stay there. Instead, hot air exiting the attic creates a vacuum that pulls damp air upward. This airflow spreads moisture and mold spores throughout the house.
Keep Moisture Out of Your House in Colorado Springs.
If you want to keep dampness at bay, the first step is knowing it’s there. It can take a trained eye to notice where humidity affects your house. A qualified home inspector knows what to look for. At First Priority Home Inspection, we can measure the grading around your home, help you identify damp areas, and advise you on how to keep moisture out of your house in Colorado Springs. Schedule an appointment today — call 719-491-1520.
