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Excess
moisture in a home can weaken a
home's structure, damage personal belongings, cause unpleasant odors and
reduce air quality. A high level of moisture can cause mold growth
which can lead to bacteria, cockroaches and dust mites. This
excess moisture can also cause the rotting of a home's foundation and be
the origin of asthma and allergies in the home's inhabitants.
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Moisture can originate from a number
of outdoor sources as well as from the activities of those living in the
home. |
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Some outdoor sources include:
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Indoor sources include:
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Domestic activities
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Appliances
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House plants
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Air conditioners
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Damp basements
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Excess moisture within a home
is not a hard problem to diagnose. There are numerous symptoms
that can indicate that there is a high level of moisture within your
home. Included:
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Odors: higher humidity
leads to the increase in indoor smells. Musty odors can be
caused by mold, mildew and rot
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Frost and air on cold
surfaces
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Damp feeling within the
home
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Surface discoloration,
staining and texture changing
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Deformed wood surfaces
and wood decay
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Sweating pipes
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Peeling paint
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Chipping concrete
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Increased indoor humidity
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Rust
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What causes
condensation on windows?
Whenever there is excess humidity in a
home, it manifests itself in the form of condensation on the coldest
area of a wall, which is normally the windows. The warmer the air,
the more moisture it will retain, so when air in your home comes in
contact with the colder glass surface, it is subsequently cooled and
moisture is released in the form of condensation on the glass.
Do windows cause
condensation?
No, condensation on windows is not the
fault of the window. However, by replacing drafty windows and
doors or installing a new roof or siding, you are reducing air flow in
your home and making it tighter. Tighter homes actually retain
more humidity.
Can I reduce the
condensation on my windows?
Yea. In order to reduce
condensation, humidity must be controlled and air movement must be
generated. As the exterior temperature drops, the humidity level
needs to decrease if condensation is to be controlled.
What steps can I take
to reduce the humidity in my home?
The two main things you can do are to
increase ventilation and control sources of moisture.
It is important to diagnose excess
moisture problems early to prevent further damage.
The E-Z Breathe ventilation system
can help reduce the level of indoor moisture by removing damp,
contaminated air. The result is drier, cleaner and
healthier air that will reduce the risk of home damage and health
issues.
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