Moisture is Detrimental to a Home
Excess moisture is dangerous in homes. It causes costly damage and poses risks to your family’s health. During a home inspection, our professional inspectors look for and report any evidence of excess moisture or damage from moisture.
What Causes Moisture in Florida Homes?
Florida homeowners experience excess moisture for several reasons. In our humid climate, we experience more moisture. Plus, it’s more difficult and takes longer for water to dry in humid climates.
Also, water damage can occur from rain or storms that enter through damage in the roof, floor or other compromised parts of the home.
Water leaks from pipes, the HVAC, water heaters, irrigation systems or other sources also lead to water damage. Often these leaks go unnoticed until you experience a major problem.
Look for common signs of moisture damage. Condensation on windows, mildew or mold growth, peeling or cracking paint, insects and warped wood are a few signs of water damage. If you find water damage, it’s best to act quickly to resolve and repair the issue.
The Negative Impact of Excess Moisture
Mold and Mildew
Mold is likely the biggest issue with extra moisture in a home. Mold damage can cost thousands of dollars for remediation. Mold growth ties to negative health issues. Issues range from slight problems like itchy eyes to major issues like asthma and other breathing problems.
Structural Issues
Over time, excess moisture seeps into the wooden structures in your home leading to rot and deterioration. Water damage in a roof, basement or siding all include high costs to repair. Plus, if left unresolved, the home may eventually collapse.
Mechanical Problems
Excess moisture issues left unresolved can cause the mechanical systems in your home to fail. For example, the HVAC unit may rust, grow mold or stop working. Other systems, like plumbing or the hot water heater, also risk damage from excess moisture.
How to Deal with Excess Moisture
If you discover a moisture issue in your home, work with a professional to fix the problem. First, resolve the cause of the excess moisture. Then, repair any damage.
Too Much Humidity
If the problem is too much humidity, a dehumidifier can regulate the humidity in your home. A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air to achieve the ideal humidity level.
Plumbing Leaks
Regularly check for leaky pipes and faucets. Not only do water leaks cause unwanted damage, they also waste money on your utility bills.
Roof Leaks
Old or damaged roofs allow water to seep into the home. This causes damage to the roof, attic and ceiling. The longer the roof leak goes unrepaired, the greater the damage.
Don’t Let Moisture Go Undetected in Your Home
Address excess moisture quickly! It’s not a problem that will go away on its own. If you notice any of the signs of moisture damage, seek help.
At Kenco Home Inspections, our team of inspectors have the experience and training to look for water damage and signs of excess moisture. Contact us today to schedule a home inspection or schedule a mold inspection.