Moisture problems: types, causes, and solutions

Apr 16, 2021 | Uncategorized

 

1 TYPES OF MOISTURE AFFECTING THE HOME

Moisture problems in your home can cause health problems and high repair costs. Fortunately, it can be simple and inexpensive to avoid and prevent the problems caused by moisture. However, you first need to identify the source of the problem and determine which type of moisture is affecting your home.


1.1 MOISTURE FROM CONDENSATION

Condensation occurs when the air inside your home contains excessive humidity. Warm air is able to absorb and hold more moisture. When air loaded with moisture comes into contact with cold surfaces, such as walls, window frames and glass, etc., the water vapor in that air condenses (changes from a gas to liquid) and becomes water. The symptoms of this problem are easy to detect, because the surfaces on which condensation occurs will become wet, covered with small drops of water. This tends to happen at night, when outdoor temperatures drop and windows and walls get colder.

The main cause of condensation is excessive humidity in the air, and it is easy for that humidity to be generated. It can be caused just by the breathing of the people living in a home, as well as by other activities that generate high amounts of indoor moisture, like showering, cooking, drying clothes, and having houseplants. Finally, the natural humidity generated by the climate in your area will also affect the humidity level of your indoor air.

Moisture caused by condensation can lead to the following problems in your home:

  • Appearance of mold on surfaces
  • Stains and peeling paint on walls
  • Musty odors
  • Allergies and respiratory problems
  • Damp clothing, bedding, and fabrics
  • Corrosion, rust, and oxidation of metals
  • Higher energy costs

1.2 MOISTURE FROM WATER PENETRATION

Water penetration occurs when water is able to enter into your home from outside. This can happen if your home’s insulation is defective or there is damage to walls or other structural elements. This penetration is most likely to occur in wetter areas and during rainy periods. Homes that have not been sufficiently waterproofed are the most vulnerable to water penetration.

This problem develops slowly: water first seeps in through bricks, tiles, and other construction materials until it reaches your home’s interior. By the time you detect the moisture inside your home, it is too late to prevent the problem. Signs of this problem include the appearance of drops of water on the ceiling, or black stains or mold in the corners of walls.

Water penetration can also occur when there is flooding outdoors, or when a water pipe breaks or is leaking.


1.3 MOISTURE FROM CAPILLARY RISE

Moisture created by capillary rise, also known as “rising damp”, may occur depending on the type of land a home has been built on, the construction materials used, and the time of year. During wet and rainy periods, the likelihood of indoor moisture being produced by capillary rise increases, although this phenomenon can occur at any time of the year, or even all year round.

Capillary rise occurs when water is able to enter from the soil beneath your home. That moisture rises little by little, until it finally reaches the walls. Homes built on wet land are especially susceptible to suffering from moisture problems caused by capillary rise, particularly those that that are older, poorly insulated, or built using permeable and porous materials.

The degree of capillary rise existing will depend on the moisture level in the subsoil and the porosity of the walls, and when this problem exists, those walls will always appear damp or wet. Another clear symptom of moisture from capillary rise is the appearance of mold on the floor.

 

  1. OTHER FACTORS

2.1 FLOODING

There are actually two types of flooding: the type caused by storms and the type caused simply by a break in a water pipe, whether in your own home or the home of a neighbor.

In both cases, you need to act as quickly as possible if you notice water entering into your home, whether directly or by seepage through the walls or ceiling. You should try to remove any water that has come in as soon as possible, then ventilate the area affected. This will help dry out the situation and prevent the appearance of mold, unpleasant odors, and other types of damage.


2.2 HUMIDITY IN THE AIR

The level of moisture in your home is also affected by the climate in the area where you live. If your home is near the coast or in a tropical zone, the air inside your home is likely to have more humidity. This will be the case both in winter, when humidity will cause the apparent temperature to be lower, and in summer, when it will make the apparent temperature higher. In these situations, it is hard to avoid problems caused by condensation. However, you can still minimize them by installing proper insulation, ventilating spaces on a daily basis, and using products that absorb excessive humidity from the air. Although the use of air conditioning and heating systems also helps decrease humidity in the air, it is more difficult to cool or heat a home with high humidity, so this can also result in higher energy costs.

 

  1. MAIN PROBLEMS CAUSED BY MOISTURE


3.1 APPEARANCE OF MOLD AND BLACK STAINS

Damp conditions are the primary requirement that will allow mold to appear, because it is a type of fungus that cannot exist without moisture. Mold can appear in any location, and on any surface: food, natural or synthetic fabrics, wood, plaster, metal, etc. It appears most commonly in spaces that are damp and dark. Mold is able to spread quickly, which occurs because its spores are distributed in the air. This can cause serious problems for people who suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues.


3.2 MITES AND MILDEW

In addition to encouraging mold, spaces that remain damp and poorly lit also promote the appearance of other types of fungi such as mildew, as well as the proliferation of mites. These are organisms that can sully indoor walls, damage belongings, and create an unhealthy atmosphere. In addition, as discussed further below, they can be the source of many types of allergies and respiratory problems.


3.3 MUSTY ODORS

There are some areas of a home that are more likely to develop musty odors. These are spaces that usually remain closed up or that are used only infrequently, such as basements, garages, storage areas, cabinets, wardrobes, drawers, etc. These tend to be the first places where problems with mold, corrosion, or moisture stains will appear.

In the case of wardrobes, cabinets, and drawers, the clothing and other fabrics you store in them can take on a musty odor. However, by eliminating the source of the moisture, which is often simply an excessive level of humidity in the air, many headaches can be avoided.


3.4 GENERALIZED DAMAGE TO THE HOME

The appearance of mold and moisture stains are two of the most common physical, visible problems caused by moisture. However, there is a long list of other problems that can also affect your home: peeling paint, damp sheets, rotting wooden furniture, rusted or oxidized metal, yellowed books and paper, damaged stamp collections or documents, etc.

In addition to encouraging development of mold and stains that can damage fabrics and walls, high humidity levels also lead to peeling or blistering of paint, damage to wooden furniture caused by mold, rusted metal, etc. If humidity is not controlled, it can result in high repair costs or irreparable damage to your furnishings or possessions.


3.5 HEALTH PROBLEMS

In addition to the physical damage moisture can cause to your home, it can also be very harmful to the health of the people living there, especially those who are the most vulnerable to respiratory problems: babies, the elderly, and those suffering from allergies. As we mentioned above, excessive humidity levels can cause the appearance of mold, mildew, and mites. These are organisms that can be very harmful to those suffering from respiratory ailments such as asthma, or those who suffer from allergies. People in these groups often say that their problems get worse during wet periods, compared to times when the air is drier.


3.6 HIGHER ENERGY COSTS

The more humidity levels rise, the harder it becomes to heat or cool a home. This means more use of air conditioning in the summer to reduce that feeling of mugginess caused by excessive humidity, and more heating in winter because it is harder to heat air that is loaded with water vapor. In short: higher costs and higher electricity bills. This is simply because humid air contains more particles that need to be heated or cooled.

However, this does not mean that excessively dry air is advisable either. There needs to be a certain amount of humidity in the air to make us feel comfortable, and to prevent, for example, dryness in our respiratory tract or eyes. The optimal level of humidity recommended for a home is between 40% and 50%.


  1. SOLUTIONS FOR PROBLEMS CAUSED BY MOISTURE

As explained above, the most common type of moisture problem that can affect a home is moisture caused by condensation. Moisture from water penetration or capillary rise is generated by problems that have a specific point of origin (seepage, broken pipes, flooding, etc.) or by structural problems affecting a home, where major construction works may be needed to address the root of the problem. But moisture derived from water penetration and capillary rise also generates humidity in the air, which in turn causes problems with moisture from condensation. Fortunately, the excessive moisture generated by condensation can be avoided by following some practical advice. Remember, if humidity levels are optimal and remain between 40% and 50%, it is very unlikely that you will experience problems with condensation. The goal must therefore be to remove excessive humidity from the air. Next, we will present some practical advice that will make this goal easy to achieve.

  • Ensure good ventilation: proper ventilation is essential, because air that is able to circulate will be renewed, so humidity will not be allowed to accumulate. It is a good idea to ventilate for 10 minutes every morning after the sun has come up, because this is when the outdoor air contains the lowest levels of humidity. If you are experiencing problems with moisture in wardrobes, cupboards, and drawers, it is recommended that you should open them while you ventilate, so the air inside those spaces will also be renewed.
  • Use air extractor fans: activities such as cooking and showering generate high amounts of humidity in the air. Use the extractor fan when you boil water, and if your bathroom does not have a fan, then open the window a bit when showering, so the steam can have a way to escape instead of making everything damp.
  • Dry your clothing outdoors: Even if space is tight or it takes some effort to carry your washing onto the terrace, it is always best to dry your clothes outdoors. Clothing that has just been removed from the washer is full of moisture that will go directly into the air. Another option is to use a tumble dryer, if you have one.
  • Use products that absorb excessive humidity: our homes are the places we live in, and they will always have some spaces that are difficult to ventilate. There will always be some humidity in the air that can generate problems with condensation. Therefore, in addition to the advice given above, it is highly recommended to use moisture absorbers that can continuously absorb excessive humidity to remove it from the air. It is essential to always rely upon professional products. In other words, forget about those home remedies like containers of rice or putting chalk in your cupboards. The effects of those remedies are in no way comparable to the benefits of using a professional moisture control product.

 

  1. WHICH MOISTURE CONTROL PRODUCT DO YOU NEED?

When choosing the best approach to addressing moisture problems, there are a series of factors to consider.

  • Remember: most moisture problems are caused by condensation.
  • The best approach is not always the most expensive one.
  • Moisture problems caused by condensation cannot be solved by major construction works or remodeling.
  • The solution must not be more costly than the problem.

 

Now, let’s take a look at three types of moisture problem solutions available on the market.

  • ATS (Air Treatment System): there are companies promising miraculous solutions by installing holes and grates all over your home, in exchange for thousands of euros. Do they work? Try an Internet search for reliable opinions about those companies.
  • Electric dehumidifiers: these are appliances that use a fan to collect excessive humidity from the air, then condense it using a condensation coil. In addition to being noisy, these dehumidifiers consume high amounts of electricity. They also require constant attention because of the need to empty the container of water inside.
  • Moisture control products using calcium chloride: these are moisture absorbers that work without any need for electricity. Calcium chloride is the active component that absorbs excessive humidity from the air and transforms it into a saline solution (a mixture of water and salt), which is then stored inside the product. They make no noise, require no electricity, work continuously, and are refillable.

 

  1. HUMYDRY® MOISTURE CONTROL PRODUCTS

For more than 30 years, HUMYDRY® has been manufacturing and selling products that help solve the problems caused by moisture. HUMYDRY® products are now available in more than 50 countries all over the world, in many cases as the leading solutions for addressing moisture problems.

 

6.1 HOW DO HUMYDRY® MOISTURE CONTROL PRODUCTS WORK?

These moisture absorbers, also known as non‑electric dehumidifiers, are based on the use of calcium chloride, and they begin to work as soon as they come into contact with the air. They absorb excessive humidity from the air, to keep humidity at an optimal level (between 40% and 50%). HUMYDRY® products work silently, and they do not require electricity or consume any other type of energy.

Calcium chloride is the main component used in these moisture absorbers. This is a type of compound known as a desiccant, which because of its chemical composition, attracts water molecules present in the air and transforms them into liquid water. This produces a continuous reduction in the level of humidity in the air.

The calcium chloride used in HUMYDRY® moisture absorbers comes in the form of a packet of calcium chloride granules, or else as a tablet. Both formats work equally well, and they are automatically activated when excessive humidity exists. They also stop working as soon the optimal humidity level is achieved, which prevents the air from becoming too dry. The calcium chloride refills (in packets or tablets) are inserted on top of the filter inside the device, and they begin to work immediately. After a few days you will notice how the internal container is filling with liquid, which is the result of absorbing humidity from the air. When the calcium chloride packet or tablet has been used up, you just need to put in a refill after emptying the liquid from the container. These refills are inexpensive, and they will allow ongoing removal of humidity from the air in your home. It is important to make sure that you use the correct refill product for your device. To make it easy to identify the right refill to buy, all HUMYDRY® products have the weight of the appropriate calcium chloride refill included as part of their name.

Although they work by using calcium chloride, HUMYDRY® moisture absorbers never emit any type of substance into the air. They are entirely safe to use, although we recommend putting them in a secure location where they will not be at risk of being bumped or knocked over, which could cause the liquid to spill. You can put them under a bed or other furniture, behind a door, on top of a cupboard, etc.

HUMYDRY® has products specifically designed to remove excessive humidity from every space in your home. Selecting the right product depends upon the size of the area you need to protect. We recommend the following products based on the size of the spaces requiring protection:

  • Large spaces up to 35 m2: 1 kg moisture control products (refillable with refills of 1 kg or less);
  • Medium-sized spaces up to 15 m2: 450 g moisture control products (refillable with 450 g refills or 500 g tablets);
  • Small spaces up to 8 m2: 250 g moisture control products (refillable only with 250 g refills);
  • Very small spaces: 75 g moisture control products (refillable only with 75 g refills).

Many HUMYDRY® moisture absorbers and refills have a double effect: moisture control and air freshener. Lavender, apple, lemon, and peach are examples of the fragrances available in some of our moisture control products.


6.2 SPECIFIC SOLUTIONS FOR EACH SPACE WITH MOISTURE PROBLEMS

  • Bathrooms: prevents the appearance of mold stains and moisture from condensation, and also prevents oxidation on mirrors. Highly recommended for bathrooms without windows or air extractor fans. See products recommended for these spaces.
  • Bedrooms: ensures that bedrooms have a healthy atmosphere, preventing the appearance of mold stains, musty odors, and proliferation of mites.
  • Closets, cupboards, and shoe racks: reduces and controls humidity in poorly ventilated spaces, preventing the appearance of mold and protecting clothes from odors caused by moisture.
  • Drawers and safes: prevents the appearance of mold and damage to clothing, books, documents, and other possessions stored in very small, poorly ventilated spaces.
  • Walls: prevents peeling or blistering of paint and the appearance of mold in the corners of walls or ceilings.
  • Kitchens: reduces humidity in the air, preventing problems with condensation while also protecting electrical appliances.
  • Living rooms: prevents damage to furniture, drapery, and fabrics. Gives your living room optimal humidity levels.
  • Basements and garages: prevents damage to walls and protects tools and other objects against corrosion, mold, rust and oxidation, etc.
  • Cars and caravans: prevents musty odors and protects the vehicle’s structure and components from problems caused by condensation: mold, rust, oxidation, corrosion, etc.
  • Boats: boats are constantly in contact with water. During the winter months, when a boat may remain closed up for weeks at a time, it is important to provide protection because of the constant presence of moisture and the likelihood of problems with condensation. As a small, damp, poorly ventilated space, a boat creates the perfect environment for the appearance of mold and mildew.