With one of the rainiest summers on record, and the approaching hurricane season in early fall, we hear from both our home seller and buyer clients that a waterproof home is top of mind. Whether you're looking to sell and are concerned about inspection issues, or have recently purchased and are still getting to know your home, the health and safety concerns that moisture in the home can cause are top of mind.
There can be many areas where moisture can enter the home, but two areas of main concern are the attic and the basement - sealing both of these areas of the home is crucial to maintaining a dry atmosphere.
Sealing the Attic
Check your attic for holes or air leaks where moisture may be able to penetrate. Make sure there is enough insulation to prevent interior heat from escaping. Check insulation levels at home -as a simple rule of thumb, if you can see the ceiling joists inside the roof cavity you need to add more insulation.
Sealing the Basement
To have a properly-sealed home, you have to have a properly-sealed basement. This often means taking steps to seal the foundation itself, and it can include tarring the outside of the foundation (which requires exposing the walls) as well as sealing cracks on the inside. You’ll also want to make sure all the windows and doors are properly sealed, and that you have a properly functioning sump pump.
Re-roof Your Home
If your roof is approaching or at the end of its useful life, it can be the most common source for water damage and leaks. Remember, roofing might be costly now, but the costs of repairing water damage all throughout the home can be much more. While water seepage is an obvious sign that a new roof is needed, you may also see signs from the outside. Curling shingle edges, for example, are a sign of outdated material. Cracks, bald spots, and damage to the shingles are all signs that the roof may need to be replaced.
Install Flashing
Flashing is one of the most simple and effective steps you can take to reduce the overall chances of moisture leaking into your home. These thin metal strips can be placed around doors, windows, thresholds, and chimneys, preventing water from leaking through these vulnerable areas.
Install Vents
Ventilation helps move moisture through the home. Vents can be installed anywhere, but they will likely be needed in the attic. If you experience high humidity, sometimes just opening a window can help.
Some appliances will also need proper ventilation. For example, you will likely need proper ventilation for the clothes dryer, which will move moisture from the clothing into the outside.
Measure and Maintain the Humidity
Proper humidity is an important part of having a healthy home with good air quality - strive for a 30%-40% humidity level. You can tell if you have high humidity through a few specific signs, including condensation on the window, stains from wetness, and musty smells in the home
To reduce moisture, you can use a dehumidifier, which will actively remove water from the air and trap it in a container. Just be sure to empty the container or it could overflow. Unattended dehumidifiers can also have mold growth, so empty the water often.
Many people turn off their heating or air conditioning when they leave for a trip. While this may seem like a smart practice, if you have moisture issues it can be a mistake. HVAC systems help keep air moving through the home, which will help to reduce moisture issues.
The Lesser-Thought-of Tip: Proper Landscaping
Your home needs proper landscaping to ensure that water does not leak into the foundation. Landscaping should ease downward from the home so water rolls away from the foundation; if you have water pooling near the foundation, it can eventually seep into the home.
Here are C2C Homes, we have the right contacts in the construction and home maintenance industries to help you get your home to its ideal dry state. And we're always happy to visit your home and give a confidential assessment. Just give us a call or send us a message.