How Water Gets In The Home
There are obvious ways, like flooding and by tracking in rainwater on our coats and boots. But moisture can find its way into a home in many ways that are less apparent.
Moisture In The Air
Water vapor is all around us at all times, and it breezes into the home whenever a door or window is opened.
Condensation
Water vapor also clings to glass, metal and varnished wood surfaces, concentrating around these areas and causing mold and mildew.
Groundwater & Flooding
In Virginia, we get the occasional hurricane warnings and tropical summer storms off the Atlantic, but flooding can happen year-round. Groundwater seeping in through floorboards or pooling underneath the home can cause rot and the vapors can seep inside the home.
All of these problems and more are why it pays for property owners to implement moisture control measures.
What Is Moisture Control?
Any measures that prevent moisture from entering the home from outdoors is part of the solution here. There are a wide range of different areas of interest, including windows, vents, crawlspaces and floorboards. Here are few do-it-yourself tips that homeowners can use to implement some moisture control measures on their own:
- Make sure your bathrooms and kitchens have adequate fan ventilation. A common construction problem is installing fans that are too small for the size of the room, so moisture can cling to the walls and ceilings even with the fan running.
- Install moisture sensors. These can alert homeowners when humidity is high and moisture is building up.
- Clean up moisture buildup and spills immediately. Leaving wetness around window sills, in showers and under sinks will contribute to mold and mildew buildup.
- Use dehumidifiers in spaces that are typically damp such as basements.
Ideally, if you’re experiencing regular problems with dampness, have a professional install a dehumidifier system that regulates the moisture buildup in your home.
Why Home Moisture Control Is Needed
Moisture in the home causes mold, mildew, and wood rot, which can eat at the structural integrity of your home and cause health problems for residents. It also attracts pests of all shapes and sizes. Critters love the wet environments that basements, crawlspaces, and wall gaps provide. It’s no coincidence either that these are also the most common places for water to build up. Pests can spread disease and odors and cause allergic reactions in vulnerable populations, especially children and the elderly.
Benefits Of Albemarle’s Moisture Control Solutions
Moisture control can seem overwhelming, and if you’re worried about keeping your home dry, contact our experts at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control. Our experienced professionals will inspect your Chesapeake property for free to determine moisture problems and discuss the services available to control your specific needs. The following services will help keep your property dry and thus free of mold, mildew, and water sources for pests:
Free Inspection
We begin by coming to your property and conducting a thorough inspection where we measure moisture content, look for areas of condensation, test your ventilation system, and create a diagram of your home noting the problem areas.
Standing Water Solutions
If you have issues with standing water, you will likely have problems with bacteria and unwanted insects, and other pests. Depending on your problem, we will install a drainage and/or sump pump system to eliminate these issues.
Humidity-Based Moisture Solutions
This includes the installation of Santa Fe Model Dehumidifiers by licensed professionals along with a one-year warranty covering the product with the chance to renew.
Insulation Removal & Replacement
We will look for water or urine-damaged insulation, safely remove it from your home, and install new insulation.
Moisture control can be a constant battle, but you’re not in it alone. Turn to the professional help of Albemarle Termite & Pest Control for all your moisture control needs. Contact us today for a free inspection or to learn more about our home pest control offerings.