Month: December 2022

Humidity in the Home: How to Manage Air Quality

Humidity in the home is the amount of water vapor in the air. The higher the humidity, the more moisture there is in the air.

Humidity can be a big problem for your home and your health. It can cause mould, mildew, silver fish and dust mites to grow in your home, which can lead to all sorts of health problems like allergies and asthma. Especially older cheaper houses come with this problem, therefore it is important to know how to battle it.

Household Humidity and its Health Hazards

Air quality is a significant issue in many parts of the world. Air pollution can be caused by a variety of factors, including dust, smoke, and chemicals. One of the most common air pollutants is particulate matter – tiny particles that are released into the air and can cause respiratory problems.

Household humidity is also an important factor to consider when it comes to air quality. The level of humidity in your home can affect how comfortable you feel, as well as how much time you spend indoors or outdoors. Too much humidity can lead to mould growth and other health hazards that are not ideal for your family’s health or comfort.

What Causes High Humidity in Homes?

Moisture in the home can come from a number of sources. One of the most common sources is improper heating. When you do not run your heat enough, or if you have a drafty area in your home, the moisture will be drawn into the house and condense on cooler surfaces like windows or walls. This is one of the reasons why you might notice high humidity levels in your home during winter months.

Cause Humidity Problems – Condensation

Condensation is the process of water vapor in the air becoming liquid water droplets. This process happens when a humid region of air comes into contact with a surface that is colder than the dew point temperature.

It can cause problems to your home such as mould, mildew, and rot. It also causes other humidity problems as it can lead to condensation on windows and walls.

Cause Humidity Problems – Capillarity

How does capillarity happen? It happens because of atmospheric pressure. Air pressure is greater near the ground than it is higher up in the atmosphere. When this difference occurs, it causes water to rise up from the ground and appear on surfaces such as walls.

Cause Humidity Problems – Water Infiltration

Water infiltration is a common and serious problem for homeowners. In order to prevent this issue, it is important to take precautions like installing weather-stripping or caulking around windows and doors. Also, maintenance, such as regularly cleaning rain pipes or checking the roof for possible leaks is advised. If you notice that your home has water infiltration problems, contact a professional immediately.

Solutions for Fighting the High Humidity Battle at Home

Humidity is a natural part of the environment that we can’t do anything about. But when it becomes too much, it can be a serious problem.

The air in your home is often more humid than the air outside, which means that humidity levels are usually higher inside than outside.

There are many solutions for fighting the high humidity battle at home. First it is important to identify the cause, only then you will be able to find the right solution.

Fight Condensation

The right heating habits and to air your home regularly are key to solve this issue. Usually, it is recommended to ventilate your home for at least 20 minutes per day. This can be for example 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the evening. The best would be to open all windows at the same time, like this the air in the house is replaced quickly by drier air from the outside. You can also install a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.

Additionally, installing an air purifier to remove any allergens from the air in your home might prove beneficial.

Fight Capillarity

There are various ways to stop capillarity in your home. One way is by applying a sealant to your drywall. Another way is by adding moisture barriers to the exterior of your home and installing insulation in your basement. But if you don’t want to do any of these, the best way to stop your capillarity problem is by professional installation of a moisture barrier.

Fight Water Infiltration

The first step is to make sure your roof is in good condition and not leaking. If you notice any leaks from the roof, have them repaired as soon as possible. You should also make sure your gutters are clear and not clogged with debris or leaves that could block the water flow from your roof and lead to leaks in your home.

You should also inspect the exterior of your home for any cracks or openings where water could enter. For example, if there’s an opening around a pipe on the outside of your home, this could allow water to seep in through these cracks or openings and into your house.

Conclusion

Humidity is a major concern in the home. It can cause mould and mildew to grow on surfaces.

– Make sure that your house is properly ventilated for at least 20 minutes per day. This will help prevent moisture from building up indoors.

– Use a dehumidifier when needed to control humidity levels in your home, especially during humid seasons or if you live in a humid environment.

How can you noise-proof your home?

If you’re selling or renting out your home, you’ll want to make sure that any prospective residents see the property in the most positive light. Especially if you live in a busy area, you’ll want to ensure that your property remains a quiet haven that someone will want to make their home.

One of the best ways to do that is to make sure your home is noise-proofed. Noise-proofing your space can sound like an intimidating task; however, there are simple steps that you can take to reduce the noise levels in your property that can also make it more attractive to buyers. Let’s explore some options that can be easily put into place.

Insulating walls and ceilings 

One of the most effective ways to reduce noise in a property is to insulate walls and ceilings with acoustic insulation material or regular insulation. Thick insulation helps absorb sound, preventing it from transferring from one room to another or from outside noises entering into the unit. While acoustic insulation material can be expensive, it will ensure that your home is quiet for any viewings, and can be a selling point, since it also improves the energy efficiency of the property. 

Installing soundproof windows 

Another great way to reduce noise levels in your unit is by installing soundproof windows. These types of windows are specifically designed to absorb sound while still allowing natural light into the space. They come in various sizes and styles, so you can find something that works with any type of window frame or opening size. 

Whilst this might not be a feature you want to install just before you put your abode on the market, due to their cost, it can be worth thinking about if you’re renovating a fixer-upper property to then sell on.     

Installing door seals  

The third way to reduce noise levels in the home is by installing door seals around entryways and other openings where sound may travel through easily. Door seals are made out of materials such as rubber or foam which help to create an airtight seal between two surfaces, preventing sound from travelling through small gaps or cracks around doors and windows frames. This type of installation doesn’t require any special tools or skills –  just measure accurately before purchasing seals so they fit snugly inside door frames.   

Dressing your home for sale

If you just want some quick tips for making your home quieter that don’t involve any building work, then look at the furniture that you’re including in your property during viewings. Placing heavy furniture such as bookcases against adjoining walls in attached properties can help absorb sound, whilst heavier rugs or carpets can also make a difference – in fact, research shows that carpets typically absorb sound by up to 35%.

A quieter home

Noise-proofing a home isn’t always easy, but there are plenty of options available for sellers who don’t want to do major renovations and spend a lot of money. Start by insulating walls and ceilings, then move on to installing soundproof windows and door seals around any openings where noise could enter or escape from the space. 

With these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way towards creating a peaceful oasis that will be an attractive option for buyers.

Author: Hubert Day