It’s not uncommon to see condensation in a home, although we tend to see more condensation problems in older homes. This is often due to a lack of sealers in the concrete, which allows more moisture to enter through the foundation. A lack of vapor barriers is another reason.
Most of the time condensation is no more than an aggravation, but it can become more than that. It can cause a variety of issues such as mold, rotten flooring and even fire if water is dripping onto electrics. So, what are some things you can do?
You can start by trying to lower humidity levels. Use a dehumidifier which forces water vapor into a water tank and stops it from collecting on other surfaces. An air conditioner might help also. Plants contribute to a humid environment so try reducing the number in the home.
Insulate pipes. This stops them from becoming too cold and forming condensation. This might not be a great idea, though, if you rely on hot water piping to radiate heat into your home as insulation will prevent this.
If the outside air is not as humid as inside, its good to keep the home well aired out, this is especially beneficial for a basement which is most likely to experience condensation problems.
These are some simple, yet effective, ways of helping to reduce condensation in your home. However, if you are seeing water accumulation in certain areas, it would be wise to rule out a water leak as this could lead to much greater issues. Contact a plumber who will be able to advise you on what to do next.
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