Indoor moisture can cause a variety of problems in homes, from mold growth to structural damage. On the coast of Maryland, Delaware, and the surrounding area, moisture is a frequent problem for homeowners, especially during the humid spring months.
Recognizing the sources of this moisture is crucial for maintaining a healthy, comfortable living environment. Today we’re going to explain some of the most common origins of indoor moisture as well as the basement and crawl space services that can help prevent moisture issues in the future.
Where is Your Indoor Moisture Coming From?
Indoor moisture can stem from several everyday activities and structural issues. Here are some that might sound familiar:
- Daily Living Activities: Everyday activities like cooking, bathing, and laundry can contribute to indoor humidity levels. Simple changes in habits, such as using properly-vented exhaust fans and strategically opening windows, can help control moisture.
- Inadequate Ventilation: Homes that lack proper ventilation, particularly in high-moisture areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, can trap moisture inside. Improving airflow can help manage and reduce moisture levels.
- Condensation: Condensation on windows, pipes, and walls is a common problem, especially during colder months. This occurs when warm indoor air comes into contact with cold surfaces. Increasing circulation and maintaining a consistent indoor temperature can help reduce condensation.
But some of the most significant sources of water, mold, and moisture accumulation problems start in the lowest parts of your home:
Unencapsulated Crawl Spaces
An unencapsulated or poorly-maintained crawl space is vulnerable to moisture from the earth and the environment. This moisture can lead to a host of problems, including:
- Mold and mildew growth
- Wood rot
- Increased energy costs
Water Intrusion and Drainage Problems
Improper drainage around your home’s foundation can lead to significant moisture problems in basements and crawl spaces. Key issues include:
- Water Pooling: If water collects near the foundation during rainstorms, it can seep into the basement or crawl space.
- Improperly Graded Landscaping: Land that slopes toward the home can direct water to the foundation.
- Inadequate Gutter Systems: Gutters and downspouts that are clogged or poorly directed can spill water close to the foundation, exacerbating moisture issues.
How to Address Existing Moisture Issues in Your Home
If you know you have moisture or standing water in your home currently, there are two equally important actions you should take:
- Clean up the existing water or moisture, removing any mold that may have grown as a result, and address any damage that may have been done to the structure of your home.
- Take steps to keep moisture and water out of your home in the future so the problem doesn’t return.
As your local crawl space and basement experts, Total Home Performance offers a wide variety of services that address both!
To remedy current water or moisture problems, we offer mold remediation as well as crawl space repair services including structural and foundation repair.
To prevent future issues, we have a number of solutions including:
- Crawl space encapsulation: Encapsulating your crawl space includes air sealing and a vapor barrier, both of which help keep moisture and water out of your crawl space.
- Sump pump and French drain installation: Sump pumps and French drains can help waterproof your basement or crawl space and remove standing water.
- Dehumidifier installation: Finally, mechanical dehumidifiers help control the humidity levels in your basement or crawl space, which can prevent mold growth. Total Home Performance even installs whole home dehumidifiers from AprilAire to maintain good humidity everywhere in your house.
Reach Out to Total Home Performance for Moisture Solutions!
Understanding the sources of indoor moisture is essential for creating a healthy home environment. Everything else is just a band-aid fix and will not stop the problem from returning in the future.
The team at Total Home Performance prides themselves on creating a healthier, more comfortable, and more energy efficient home for our customers living on the Chesapeake Bay, Easton, Annapolis, and the surrounding communities. Some of our crawl space and basement services even qualify for local and federal incentives, including up to $7,500 in Home Performance with ENERGY STAR rebates and up to $1,200 in insulation and air sealing tax credits!