Controlling Moisture In Your Houston Home

“It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity” Houston excels in so many areas: high job creation, a diverse food scene, world-class medical care, even NASA and the best rodeo ever! However, on an average morning, the relative humidity in the Houston area is almost 90%–the highest in the nation. Houston has the proper mix of sunny hours over the Gulf to bring that moisture ashore. Not only does is humidity uncomfortable (and hard on your hairstyle), it can cause several issues inside your home. When moisture consistently accumulates on walls over an extended period of time, it encourages mold or mildew growth and can lead to water damage.

It’s All Relative

Relative humidity is the amount of water vapor present in the air. When it rises above 60%, the ambient air feels uncomfortable to humans. We are happiest with a humidity between 50-60%.

Water Damage Caused by Indoor Humidity

High humidity is more likely in the summer because warm air holds in moisture better than cold air. In the evenings when the temperature cools down, the air can no longer hold in the moisture and it gathers on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. Condensation can cause damage to the absorbent surfaces such as drywall and wood. The consistent presence of moisture can also lead to mold growth. Excess humidity in the air can even lead to smelly mold in your carpeting. Moisture can also cause mechanical problems. When humidity settles on toilet tanks, water pipes, HVAC systems, and other mechanical objects, it can slowly cause rust that leads to failed parts and costly fixes.

Effective Humidity Control You Can Do

You can manage excess humidity during the summer with a few ideas:

Install (and USE!) exhaust fans in the high moisture areas like the bathroom, laundry room, and kitchen. Just imagine how much water is released when you boil a pot of pasta.
Shorten time in the shower to reduce condensation then leave the door open to allow airflow.
Limit your tropical style houseplants, they release moisture (transpire) directly into the air. Try succulents in the sunny spots.
Run a residential dehumidifier in high moisture areas.

Skilled Services To Help Your Home Environment

However, if your windows have condensation or you smell mold, have a professional take a look at your home. Total Restoration is full-service property restoration company. Commercial dehumidifiers must be monitored for the best result; thermal hygrometers accurately track the dehumidification progress in a room. Total Restoration combines skilled service with industrial air movers to direct the clean, dry air to the areas that need it most. Whether your home was impacted by a sudden flood or a gradual high humidity problem, they provide 24-hour emergency services in Southeast Texas. The locally owned and operated company has more than two decades of experience and 5,000 satisfied customers. Total Restoration has grown from a small contractor into a premier insurance restoration specialist and emergency remediation service provider serving the greater Houston area. Phone 936-209-5081 or visit totalrestoration-magnolia-tx.siteunderdev.com .