What Humidity Level is Too High for a House?

No one can say they are comfortable in a humid house. It tends to be sticky, warm, and just leaves you feeling unwell. The detriment of a humid property is not only to a person but also to the property itself.

In this article, we will be demystifying all the details about humidity in houses. The experienced team from Income Realty Watch will break down the benefits of maintaining good humidity levels and measures you can implement to maintain low levels.

Signs That You Have High Humidity Levels

While it might be the most direct method to detecting high humid levels, we know that not every homeowner can afford a humidity measuring device nor do you have the time to walk with the device in your hand all day.

Therefore, here are some signs that will inform you of high humidity levels in the house:

• Visible water droplets on surfaces. This often occurs on windows, mirrors, and pipe fittings in the crawl spaces.
• Discoloration on the ceiling as a result of saturation. This might be tough for the typical homeowners to identify due to the location and lighting conditions.
• Peeling paint is another common indicator. Water pools between the wall and the paint/ wallpaper causing it to peel off.
• Respiratory ailments or issues. Has anyone of late complained of coughs, shortness of breath, or a cough? High humidity levels also result in headaches for some.
• Where there are high humid levels, expect to find mold. While they grow in hidden spaces, mildew and mold have a certain smell to them; often it is a smoky smell.
• Shelves and other wooden fittings absorb the water over time, leading to them feeling moist.
• Cockroaches. Since cockroaches are drawn to humid spaces, high humidity levels can cause infestations.

You shouldn’t expect your house to be humid all day long throughout the year. Even your bathroom shouldn’t always be humid. There could be internal reasons as to why this is the case.

Reasons for the High Humidity Levels

There are several reasons that influence the level of humidity in your house. Some of the more common elements include the design, insulation, construction materials, and the quality of the appliances on the property.

The design of the property could mean that air is not flowing in and out as it should. Stagnancy of the air promotes high humidity leading to some of the problems detailed in this article. The same interpretation can be applied to the construction materials.

Striking a Balance

So, are we advocating for dry air in the house?

Not in any way! Just like the way too humid air is dangerous to your health and damages the property, the same applies to dry air. In dry air, it is almost impossible to draw in the air. The heat in the air can cause damage to your nostrils and lead to a nosebleed.

It is important for any household owner to consider striking a balance with regard to humidity. The how is the question.

Decreasing Humidity

From our experience offering house watch services in the Florida area, we have identified several measures and strategies over the years. They are tried and proven to decrease the amount of humidity in a house.

• The use of dehumidifiers. A humidifier is a recommended appliance for households in Florida. It works by drawing in the humid air. The device works best in a sealed-off area.
• Humidity monitors. While they might not reduce the amount of moisture in a room, humidity monitors will help you check the levels throughout the day.
• While it might seem like a basic tip/ measure, proper ventilation of a property can work wonders. Proper flow ensures the exchange of the humid air within with drier air from outside. If the design of the property deters a good flow of air, consider the purchase of a fan or two.
• Air conditioners. The appropriate AC system varies from one property to another. The ideal one considers the number of rooms, built-up square footage, and the frequency of use.
• Renovations and upgrades. To meet the humidity needs of your property, it might call for you to make some changes to the property. This might be in the form of bringing down a wall or two, upgrading the AC system, or widening the size of the windows.
• Weather-stripping. This method has worked wonders for our clients in the Florida area. It typically involves creating an airtight sealed room. Reinforcements are made around the windows and doors to keep humid air out and keep the cooled air from escaping. This measure is ideal due to Florida’s high humidity conditions during certain months of the year.

The Outdoor Space

While we are talking about the humidity levels in the house, there are some renovations you can do to the exterior of the property.

• Clear your downspouts and gutters of water
• Regularly check your ceiling and roof for cracks and loose shingles. These could be entry points for rainwater and humid air.
• Consider the installation of sloped ledges or awnings to your windows to keep running water away from the doors or openings
• Hire a foundation expert to seal the basements.

Bottom Line: Rely on Income Realty Home Watch

Are you worried about the humidity level of your Florida home? From the information availed above, you can attest to the possible damage to your vacation home. To protect your investment, rely on the experts at Income Realty Home Watch.

We are the #1 service company in the region known for our comprehensive and reliable solutions. To date, Income Realty Watch is the only National Home Watch Association company in the region. With us as your property partner, you are guaranteed value for every dollar spent. And you also have the assurance that your property is well looked after.

Get peace of mind with Miami Dade’s premier service provider. For more information on our services, get in touch with us today.