Stepping out of an air-conditioned building and into the humid outdoor air is a miserable experience that many people try to avoid. The humidity is like an oppressive blanket that makes even the simplest of tasks seem impossible to complete. And when it has seeped into your house, the feeling can stay with you, even in the place that’s supposed to be your escape. Here’s how to know your home is too humid and what threats this presents to you and your house.
Symptoms
There are many ways to tell if the humidity in your home is too high. One of these symptoms is difficulty breathing, which typically presents with tightness in the chest and wheezing. You might also be having difficulty sleeping, or you might experience excessive perspiration because your sweat cannot evaporate quickly enough.
Not all signs of surplus moisture are physically debilitating. One thing to look for is condensation forming on your house’s windows, pipes, and mirrors. Peeling paint is another symptom you shouldn’t ignore.
Dangers
Excess moisture can damage your home is many ways. It can start in the form of water damage, particularly on walls, on ceilings, and on floors near water pipes. This is usually because of condensation dripping from the pipes onto whatever surface is available. High humidity can also cause issues with structural integrity if mold or other fungi are allowed to take root.
Causes
Now that you know how to tell your home is too humid, let’s take a look at why it’s so humid in your house. Internal and external forces can be responsible for the elevated humidity in your home. Most causes can be categorized into one of three categories.
Climate
Where you live will have the biggest impact on the humidity level in your home. If you live in an area near water or with a lower elevation, be prepared for your home to be more humid.
Soil
Humidity can also come from the soil. Water in the ground can soak into your home through the foundation, raising humidity levels and the chances of flooding.
Occupants
The people who live in a home can also cause high humidity. Everyday activities such as cooking, showering, and running the air conditioner can release water particles into the air, which can result in higher in-home humidity.
If you’re looking for mold removal in Vernon Hills, IL, or the surrounding area, give the experts at Aloha Restoration a call today.
