How High Humidity Can Cause Water Damage

The weather here in Hattiesburg in April is generally mild and pleasant and can be a bit rainy, with an average of around 5 inches of precipitation spread throughout the month. While the summer months definitely have more intense humidity, it is still noticeable during the spring, especially on warmer days. 

Water Damage Cleanup Hattiesburg

Since we still have a few more months here before the humidity reaches high levels, we realized it would be a good idea to share how humidity can lead to water damage in your home – and what you can do to combat it.

When there is excessive moisture in the air, it can cause condensation to form on surfaces such as walls, windows, and floors. Over time, this can lead to water damage, including mold growth, rotting wood, and peeling paint or wallpaper. In addition, high indoor humidity can also promote the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause health problems for those living in the affected space. Mold spores can aggravate respiratory conditions, such as allergies and asthma, and cause symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. 

To prevent water damage caused by high indoor humidity, it is vital to maintain a comfortable and consistent humidity level in your home, the recommended levels being between 30% and 60% to prevent water damage and mold growth. This can be achieved by the following:

1. Ventilate Your Home. Proper ventilation is one of the best ways to control indoor humidity levels. You can open windows and doors to let in the fresh air, install ventilation fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and use a whole-house ventilation system to increase air circulation.
2. Use Dehumidifiers. Dehumidifiers are designed to remove excess moisture from the air, which can help prevent water damage and mold growth. Different types of dehumidifiers are available, including portable units and whole-house systems. Choose a dehumidifier with a capacity that matches the size of your space and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
3. Fix Leaks Or Existing Water Damage Quickly. Any leaks or water damage in your home can contribute to high indoor humidity levels. Make sure to fix any leaks or water damage as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home and to prevent mold from growing.
4. Use Air Conditioning. Air conditioning can help lower indoor humidity levels by removing moisture from the air. Set your air conditioner to a comfortable temperature and use the ‘auto’ setting to allow the system to cycle on and off as needed to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level.
5. Monitor Indoor Humidity Levels In Your Home. You can use a hygrometer to monitor indoor humidity levels and make sure they stay within a comfortable range. Remember to aim for 30% and 60% humidity to effectively prevent water damage and mold growth.

By following these steps, you can effectively lower and control the indoor humidity levels in your Hattiesburg home and help to prevent needing water damage cleanup. That being said, if you find yourself needing water damage cleanup, whether from excess humidity or any other cause, be sure to call Restoration 1 of Gulf Coast.