From growing plants to soothing dry skin, moisture is an integral part of our daily lives. However, we can have too much of a good thing in our house. Most homes do a good job of keeping moisture away. Despite that, you can still experience moisture issues despite the ventilation that you have inside your house. In most cases, home moisture problems occur when you experience leaky roofs and window condensation. If you wish to learn more about window condensation and leaky roofs, you can look at the guide below.
Home Moisture Problems
Window Condensation
Windows are among the most common spots within a house where condensation happens because window panes are one of the coldest surfaces within your house’s interior. Due to their direct contact with the outside environment, the inside surfaces of glass panes become cold outside.
If condensation forms on the inside of your windows, you should pay close attention. Although interior condensation can occur due to steam from your shower, it can indicate that you have above-average indoor humidity levels, meaning that you have ventilation issues. Excess moisture and water that will collect around your house can damage your home and ruin your family’s health. In most cases, if your house does not have proper ventilation, your water system, moisture from your body, and moisture from cooking can collect inside over time. Further, if water vapor does not have an escape way, it can condense on the windows, inside walls, and furniture. Such a case can present two major problems.
Mildew & Mold
In the first case, moisture accumulation on the windows can make a perfect breeding ground for mildew and mold. Most people might not know that they have mildew or mold allergies until they experience allergic reactions. Since the allergic symptoms are similar to those of fever and asthma, most patients end up being misdiagnosed.
Window Deterioration
In the second case, since moisture inside your windows does not escape, it can contribute to your home’s deterioration. If your windows have wood frames, they can absorb water and start to soften. With time they will develop mold and start to rot. On the contrary, if your windows are made of metal frames, moisture can dry up on the surface, making them rust. In short, the effect of condensation on your windows can compromise the structural integrity of your house and open gaps. In the end, the gaps can weaken the insulation of your interior house.
Moisture on the inside of your windows can also indicate a more precarious issue if condensation occurs due to other causes apart from high humidity levels in your home. For instance, if you are careful about steam inside your house and you use barriers, doors, fans while cooking or showering, but the glass interiors still become fogged, there might be undetected sources of moisture problems in your house. In this case, house plants can be one of the sources of condensation because the moisture they release into the air gets dispersed to cold surfaces, especially during winter and fall months. Also, fire logs tend to be moisture ridden especially if you store them in your garage or outside before placing them next to your fireplace.
Leaky Roof
A leaking roof can leave you worried. Taking care of a leaky roof is critical to prevent further deterioration that leads to interior damage, mildew, and mold as a result of the production of moisture. If you have a leaky roof, it might be caused by the following issues.
Cracked or Broken Shingles
In some cases, leaks can be caused by missing, broken, or cracked shingles on your roof. Your shingles can crack due to the impacts of hailstones and general wear and tear. As long other shingles are in good condition, you can replace the broken ones.
Lack of Sealant
A valley refers to a section of the roof where two slopes meet. Since water tends to pool in the valleys, you need to seal this area to prevent future water from leaking. Also, if roofers did not seal that area properly, or the sealant has become loose, your roof can start to leak.
Clogged Gutter
A gutter ensures that rainwater is directed away from the roof. However, if they become clogged, they can cause water to accumulate beneath the shingles. If you experience leaks near gutters and you have not cleaned them, that could be the cause.
Ice Dam Build-Up
If you live in an area with a cold climate, you may experience the formation of ice on the roof. Such a case happens when the attic is warmer than the outside. The warmer air partially melts the snow ice that runs down the roof and refreezes at the edges. The ice dams hinder water from running off the roof and eventually lead to roof corrosion. However, to avoid such issues, it is good to regularly remove ice from the roof.
Condensation in Attic
Sometimes you might experience what appears to be a roof leak, but in reality, it is not a roof problem. If your attic has not been vented properly, warm moist air from the floor might gather up on the attic. With time when temperature changes and the interior of the house become cooler than the outside, condensation will occur. Such water moisture is not enough to drip into your living space, but it can contribute to mildew and mold growth in the attic. Also, blocked vents can prevent moisture from escaping. In this case, the vents might have clogged with leaf debris, become damaged, or collapsed. However, removing the debris should resolve the issue of moisture retention in the attic.
Moisture problems in your home have several causes and can lead to major damages. Therefore, you should inspect your house regularly for any damage caused by moisture while you check any early signs of potential problems. If you notice any of the above signs of moisture problems in your home, you should immediately take action and fix them before it becomes complicated.
America’s Best Choice Omaha, NE | Best Omaha Residential Window Replacement Company
We pride ourselves on hiring only the most knowledgeable and experienced installers in the industry. We know how important this investment is to a homeowner and we want to educate you on every aspect you should consider before making your final decision.
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We offer FREE, No-Obligation Estimates. Call us or fill out our form today if you have any questions on whether you need a minor repair or to replace your old roof with a new roof. We will be more than happy to offer our best recommendation that will offer more quality for your dollar.
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