High humidity levels in a building can cause a host of underlying problems such as building materials deteriorating prematurely and mould that poses a health risk for occupants. Owners with abnormally humid homes should try to rectify the situation as quickly as possible.
Our building insulation and sealing experts will share 5 ways to reduce humidity in your house
1 – Seal any cracks in the foundation
In Quebec, the vast majority of houses have concrete foundations. Concrete is proven to be strong and durable, but it is unfortunately prone to cracking. While most foundation cracks are superficial and do not threaten the integrity of the building structure, they may increase the level of humidity in a house.
If the land the house is built on is not properly drained, water and moisture can get through these small cracks. Water stains, paint bubbles or powdery deposits on concrete walls are all signs that moisture is seeping through cracks in the foundation.
If the cracks are in fact superficial, they can be filled with polyurethane insulating foam to seal the foundation and prevent moisture and water from seeping into the house. Because this foam expands, it hugs the irregular shapes of cracks and remains firmly in place. Furthermore, it is 100% waterproof and will not degrade when exposed to moisture.
2 – Make a building envelope watertight
When a building envelope is not sufficiently watertight, water can seep behind the exterior cladding and reach the frame and partitions. Of course, this will cause humidity to increase in the house. Fortunately, there are several ways to make a building envelope more watertight.
For example, sealing the perimeter of windows and doors makes them truly waterproof and airtight. For maximum joint efficiency, we recommend using a sealant designed for doors and windows.
Using an airtight/watertight membrane can also help make a house more waterproof. This type of product comes in liquid form and hardens to a semi-rigid film that is airtight and waterproof.
3 – Improve the building’s insulation
Many people think that insulation just keeps a building warm or cool, but it actually helps control humidity levels as well.
When an exterior wall doesn’t have enough insulation, a thermal bridge can form. This is an area of higher thermal conductivity that promotes condensation. If significant condensation occurs inside the wall, the building materials will become saturated with water and deteriorate quickly.
Once again, insulating foam can be very useful in preventing thermal bridges and the resulting increase in humidity. Simply drill a small hole in the wall and spray a generous quantity of insulating foam into the hole. The foam will expand and fill the gap where the thermal bridge is located.
4 – Re-seal the joints in the kitchen and bathroom
Kitchens and bathrooms are the rooms that generate the most humidity in houses, due to the presence of sinks, baths, showers, washing machines, and dishwashers.
These fixtures and appliances are usually installed with effective seals that prevent water and moisture from seeping into adjacent materials.
Re-sealing all the joints in the kitchen and bathroom with mildew-resistant sealant is an excellent way to prevent humidity problems in these rooms.
5 – Install a better HVAC system
Humidity in the house can also be the result of an inadequate HVAC system that is struggling to vent the humid air outside. In such a situation, the most effective, albeit expensive, solution is to install a new HVAC system.
It’s crucial that your new HVAC system be watertight, therefore use a sealant made for expansion joints when installing it.
Reduce humidity in your home with professional-quality products
There are several different solutions for reducing humidity in your house. It’s important to start by determining the origin of the humidity problem so that you can choose the right strategy to resolve it.
Adfast sealants and waterproofing products can help you resolve a variety of problems that cause high humidity levels in buildings. We invite you to use our product finder or contact our experts to help choose the right product for you.
