13 Moisture Prevention Tips Every Homeowners Should Know

Did you know most 15 million of American homes are at an increased risk to flood? Certain states experience more flooding than others.

It’s essential to understand how to prevent water damage. If you need some prevention tips, keep reading.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to take the proper steps in the event of a flood. Whether you call a company or remove the humidity yourself, you’ll know the different options.

Check out the helpful homeowner tips below.

1. Keep Your Basement Dry

If you notice your basement seems to retain moisture, try to run dehumidifiers in the basement. You should get into the habit of emptying the dehumidifier on a regular basis.

Some homeowners will look into waterproofing their basement. You could call in a professional to inspect your basement. You should also inspect your basement after a major rainstorm.

Learn more about how to deal with basement moisture.

2. Try Using Lids on Pots

When you cook in the kitchen, get into the habit of placing lids on the pots.

You want to try and reduce the amount of moisture escaping into the atmosphere. If you don’t already have one, invest in an extractor hood above your stove. They will help get rid of water while you cook.

Some homeowners will turn off the fan as soon as they finish cooking. Yet, try leaving the fan for an extra 15 minutes because there will be lots of moisture still in the air.

Another way to deal with the moisture is by buying an extractor fan with smart humidity sensors. They will speed up as you begin boiling water or vegetables.

The fan will also adapt and slow down as the humidity levels resume to normal levels.

3. Get Into the Habit of Closing Bathroom and Kitchen Doors

While cooking food or bath, ensure the doors are closed. Kitchens and bathrooms will often be the rooms where condensation builds on windows. You don’t want the moisture in the air to move into other areas of the home.

4. Try Drying Clothes Outside

You should dry your clothes outside. This will help keep excess moisture from building up indoors. If you cant dry clothing outside, you could hang them on the shower rod and close the bathroom door.

Open the bathroom window and leave the clothes to dry.

5. Don’t Forget to Use the Fan While Showering

Showering or bathing will create steam and moisture in the bathroom. You should prop open the window and turn on your extractor fan. This will get rid of any excess condensation on the windows and walls.

6. Make Sure Your Washing Machines Have Vents

If you have a washing machine or dryer on your property, ensure the vents are in working order. Did you know one load of washing emits two liters of water into the air?

You should ensure you have appropriate venting systems set up.

7. Shift Furniture From External Walls

Keep furniture away from surrounding walls. This will improve the air circulation around your property.

Ensure the wardrobes will stay against the internal walls in the bedroom. They are often less cold than external walls and wont cause mold or dampness issues.

8. You Could Install an Extractor Fan

Appropriate ventilation is the best way a homeowner can remove moisture. You don’t want this moisture to turn into condensation. Install energy-efficient extractor fans throughout the home to improve humidity levels.

Another way to handle condensation is by installing a whole-house ventilation system.

9. Wipe Down Cold Surfaces

Another way to remove moisture from your home is to wipe down cold surfaces. You can get rid of extra water that sits on the surface. If you don’t have extractor fans, you should definitely get into the habit of doing this.

10. Do You Have Enough Heating Sources?

Heating in your property will boost the internal temperature of surfaces. This reduces the chances of condensation collecting. Improve energy efficiency by making sure you install double-glazed windows and insulated walls.

11. Try Not to Overfill Cupboards, Cabinets, and Wardrobes

Poor ventilation will actually trap moisture in cupboards and cabinets.

You might even notice over time mold growing in these areas. This is why old homes have that musty smell in the air, or clothing closets can smell this way.

12. Don’t Use Paraffin Heaters

Paraffin heaters will create tons of moisture and toxic fumes. This causes extra condensation in your home and becomes a safety hazard. Make sure you get rid of these right away.

13. Repair Any Roof Issues

Your homes roof will help protect your home and keep moisture from seeping inwards.

If you notice after a storm that some shingles are missing, call in your roofing professional. Your roof contractor will fix these problems and look for other potential issues.

Keep your roofing system in excellent shape to help prevent significant leaks in the attic. These kinds of incidents can cost tons of money to fix.

You could also hire a roofing inspector to look at the roof at least once or twice a year.

Make Moisture Prevention a Priority

Keep up moisture prevention in the fans in the bathrooms and kitchens. If your roof has a few missing shingles, make sure to call in a contractor immediately.

These prevention tips prevent moisture from building up in your home.

Do you need a specialist to inspect your house? Call us today. We will go over ways to reduce water damage and moisture in your home.