Real Estate: Defending your home against moisture, dampness and humidity

 By Nicole Foster, Broker/ REALTOR

Moisture can be one of the most damaging problems for a home and when left untreated can result in costly repairs and unhealthy living conditions. It is important for homeowners to objectively evaluate their property during the summer months to check for repairs that should be completed and upgrades that can be budgeted for such as storm doors or rain gutters to direct water away from surfaces.

Outside

Walk across the street or find a place where you can view your roof and bring binoculars if helpful. Inspect for missing shingles which may have blown off in a storm, and look for any that are curling or lifting. Even one missing shingle can be a source for eventual water intrusion and damage. A roof with dark streaks from algae, moss, mold or mildew growth can appear unsightly and compromise the life span of your shingles. It is easy to remove the growth using equal parts bleach and water (pressure washers can damage shingles so are not recommended) but you will need to pre and post rinse any plants around your foundation to prevent damage. There are products which you can purchase designed for this purpose that you can purchase locally or online. Branches from nearby trees close enough to drop leaves or pine needles onto your roof should be cut back and removing select trees can help to allow a greater passage of sunlight on and in your home. Make sure to clean out rain gutters which may fill with leaves so they can properly function, as well.

Exterior paint is what protects wooden surfaces from rotting. Areas with flaking or peeling paint should be sanded and fresh paint applied to prevent further damage.

Power washing can be a highly effective way to remove damaging staining and discoloration from mildew and mold, bird droppings, pollen and other grime which accumulates over time on outdoor surfaces like exterior siding, decking, driveway and walkways. Help to keep your home looking fresh by purchasing a pressure washer for several hundred dollars or hiring a professional company to help with this. If you are a new homeowner doing this yourself be cautioned that you should begin at the lowest setting and use the least force possible to avoid permanent damage to wood surfaces, windows and screens, brick mortar or even personal injury.

Incorporate a perimeter of crushed stone or brick surrounding the foundation of your home instead of using wood mulch which holds in moisture.

Indoors

 “It’s not the heat…. it’s the humidity.” Once the temperature reaches above 60 degrees it is time to turn on the dehumidifier for optimal indoor air quality. “When humidity levels are high, molds can be a problem in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Make sure these areas have good air circulation and are cleaned often. The basement, in particular, may need a dehumidifier.” according to the American Lung Association. Dehumidifiers work by removing the excess moisture from the air and collecting it in a bin or dumping it down a drain depending on your model. Keep the humidity in your home below 50% to reduce the growth of dust mites, molds, bacteria and other organisms as well as combat musty odors and feel more comfortable.

Turning your air conditioning unit to “Auto” instead of the “On” setting can help to reduce condensation and remember to clean drip pans and filters.

Many of the tasks that we do each day create moisture and disburse it into the air including cooking, drying clothes by using a gas or electric dryer as well as indoor line drying of clothes, showering and more. Make sure you are using the necessary ventilation by running the bathroom fan for 20 minutes after showering, using range hood fans when cooking and opening windows when possible. Clean out your dryer vent by removing the cover and vacuuming out as much as possible or purchasing a cleaning kit with brushes and check to make sure there are no loose fittings or blockage causing moisture to build inside your home when using.

Check for indoor plumbing leaks which may have developed under bathroom and kitchen sinks or laundry area that could be contributing to overall indoor moisture, as well. <

Nicole Foster is a Broker and Windham resident specializing in new construction since 2006.