10 Causes Why Your Home Suffers From Excess Moisture

Dealing with excess moisture at home can be frustrating. It creates an unpleasant atmosphere and more significant problems like mold growth, structural deterioration, and health problems. Houseowners must determine what causes their home’s moisture levels to rise before the issue worsens. In this blog, we’ll give 10 common causes of excess moisture in the house and provide tips on how to address them.

1- Poor Ventilation

The primary reason behind high house moisture levels is improper ventilation systems. When you lack sufficient ventilation, your home becomes excessively humid because humid air stays trapped inside, leading to moisture accumulation. Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are typical locations that experience extensive moisture accumulation.

Solution

Ensure your house has a proper ventilation system. Install exhaust fans where water condenses, and keep the house ventilated by regularly opening windows.

2- Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes, whether inside your walls, under the sink, or in the basement, can cause significant excess moisture. Smaller hidden water leaks pass unnoticed and eventually form pools of standing water in concealed areas, contributing to moisture levels.

Solution

Homes need regular examination for pipe leaks and immediate maintenance of any discovered problems. Spotting watermarks together with higher humidity levels suggests hidden leaks that need a professional inspection.

3- Humid Weather

If you live in a region with high humidity, your home may struggle with excess moisture. When your house lacks properly sealed entry points, damp air enters, raising household moisture content.

Solution

During the summer season, homeowners should acquire a dehumidifier to control indoor moisture. A weather strip applied to doors and windows will also help make your home more airtight.

4- Damp Basements

Due to their location, basements naturally have a high moisture level. Inadequate outdoor drainage, leaking windows, and rising groundwater levels contribute to dampness in the basements, which ultimately results in excess moisture in the house. For these reasons, basements must be regularly checked for leakage issues. 

Solution

Proper basement drainage solutions, in addition to waterproofing, should be implemented. A sump pump with a dehumidifier is essential for regulating water moisture content.

5- Clogged Gutters

Debris in gutters creates overflowing water, contributing to foundation damage in homes. This water intrusion can also result in excessive moisture in the house.

Solution

Regular gutter cleaning in particular during autumn months, is essential to allow proper water drainage. The water drainage system must be fully functional to minimize water accumulation.

6- Faulty HVAC Systems

An inefficient HVAC system can generate excess moisture in the air. If your air conditioners or heating systems are not working properly, increased moisture levels will occur.

Solution

Maintain your HVAC system at a high functional level. Perform regular filter maintenance and leak detection. If available, your system might benefit from humidity control features.

7- Cooking And Showering

Cooking, boiling water, and hot showers can all increase the humidity levels, contributing to excess moisture in the house. The heat produced from these activities generates air steam that accumulates when there is no appropriate ventilation system.

Solution

Exhaust fans should always be activated during cooking and taking showers to evacuate steamy air. If you do not have exhaust fans, install them in the kitchen and bathroom.

8- Foundation Issues

Foundation problems can lead to water seeping into your home, causing excess moisture. Cracks in the foundation, drainage problems, and blocked weep holes enable water penetration into your home through the basement and crawl spaces.

Solution

Check foundation walls for cracks or crevices and verify that drainage works correctly. Contact a professional for correction to prevent potential flooding.

9- Watering Plants Indoors

While indoor plants add beauty to your home, overwatering them can introduce excess moisture to the environment. Evaporation of water creates higher humidity inside your dwelling.

Solution

You must use the precise amount of water required to keep indoor plants healthy. Don't overwater the plants, especially in humid regions. This will prevent stuffiness in the home environment. 

10- Poor Insulation

Home insulation issues allow external warm moisture to penetrate the interior, where it becomes condensed due to lower temperatures. It can result in excess moisture in the house, especially during colder months.

Solution

Prioritize proper insulation of your home, especially around windows, doors, and attic spaces. Insulation blocks warm and moist air from the outside while preventing condensation formation inside the home.

Conclusion

Excess moisture in a home can stem from a variety of sources, but identifying the cause is the first step toward fixing the problem. Early attention to problems with ventilation, leaks, and HVAC systems will stop mold growth and structural harm. Correct moisture management through regular maintenance and proper ventilation, combined with moisture control practices, will maintain a healthy living environment.

Call Safe House Property Inspections for help with excessive moisture issues or finding their source in your home. Our specialists will help determine what triggers humidity in your home and provide solutions to protect your house from excess moisture. Book an appointment right now for your inspection and keep your home environment clean and healthy.