controlling excess humidity and moisture

Excess humidity management depends on climate and weather conditions. Ventilation, air conditioning and evaporative cooling have different impacts and aren't valid for all climate conditions. Fixing the sources of moisture related with leaks, bad drainage and indoor causes are also relevant, in many cases.

Controlling Moisture in cold climates

In cold climates, moisture should be managed through insulation and mechanical ventilation. The sources of moisture should be identified and fixed: air and water leaks, bad drainage, indoor sources of condensation...

Controlling high RH (Relative Humidity) in Dry-Hot Climates

In dry hot climates, evaporative coolers are often the best solution. Air conditioning can be used, but it is far more expensive and less energy-efficient than evaporative cooling.

See: Evaporative cooling basics

Controlling high RH in hot humid climates

In wet-hot climates, evaporative cooling and ventilation aren't a solution. Air conditioning, landscaping and a proper construction approach are the only responses to high HR levels associated with wet-climates and persistent wet-weather conditions.

Wet building materials

When building your home, be aware with wet timber and other wet construction materials. Some moisture problems may have their inner source in them.

Building materials should be kept dry during construction and materials that are damp or wet for 48 hours or more should be discarded.

Controlling Air and water leaks

Air and water leakage cause moisture in many climates. See: Leaks and sealing.

Controlling Outdoor Moisture

Outdoor moisture should be controlled by adequate drainage, covering the ground in basements and crawl spaces with ground-moisture barriers, by waterproofing the basement, etc.

Controlling Drainage

Bad drainage around the building is a major structural cause of moisture in many climates. To solve drainage problems use...

- Sloped roofs;
- Sloped intake plenum: in order to eliminate the eventual intake of rain or snow; - Adequate ground slope: the ground next to walls should slope away from the foundation to prevent water pooling;
- Proper overhang dimensions in exterior entries: covered entries and air intakes should have sufficient overhang to avoid moisture, rain or snow from being blown into it;
- Well cleared and opened gutters and downspouts.

Controlling Indoor Moisture Sources

There are many means of controlling indoor moisture sources. Some are simple, others complex. Here are some:

- Whenever possible (in dry climates and dry weather conditions), increase ventilation and air movement by opening windows and doors;
- If you use a clothes dryer, make sure that it is properly vented to the outdoors. If you do not use a clothes dryer, dry your clothes outdoors (do not hang them inside for drying);
- Stoves and kerosene heaters should also be vented to the outside, whenever possible;
- Use exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathrooms;
- Cover cold water pipes and other cold surfaces with insulation.
- If practical, whenever cooking or running the dishwasher, use exhaust fans or open windows…
- Keep air conditioning drip pans clean; and keep drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.
- Repair eventual leaking outdoor faucets and clean roof gutters regularly.