Condensation can occur in many areas of the home. It is particularly likely to occur in older homes that do not have a vapor barrier, or sealers in the concrete. This can then force moisture up from the ground through the foundation. Condensation can become something more than a simple annoyance. For example, continuous dripping water can cause anything from mold to form, deteriorating flooring and even fire if the water is dripping on electrics.
Ways you can deal with condensation
- A way of decreasing condensation is by lowering humidity levels. So, if you have a lot of plants in the house, you might want to think about removing them as this will help to reduce water vapor.
- A dehumidifier is a very good method of reducing humidity levels because it forces water vapor to condense into a water tank instead of on other things. You may also find that an air conditioner also works for helping to lower humidity levels.
- Insulation is another effective method for decreasing condensation because it stops surfaces from becoming too cold which then causes condensation. Try using a plastic foam wrap for water pipes etc. You may want to keep in mind however, that when you insulate water pipes with a thermal insulation, you will lose the radiant heat they supply.
- Basements are areas that often experience a lot of condensation. Airing a basement can work to help prevent it but keep in mind that if the outside air is also very humid, it will not effectively reduce condensation.
A word of warning when trying to prevent condensation, it is not always condensation that causes water to appear on surfaces. Make sure you check if there are any leaks that could also be producing the water. A sign you have a water leak is If you feel you have treated the condensation problem but are still seeing water appear. In such a case, you might want to call a professional plumber to make an assessment for you. As we have mentioned earlier, this is important because constant dripping water can lead to all kinds of problems.
Recent Comments