How to Check Humidity in New Construction
New homes are known to be energy efficient and give off a fresh outlook, but they all suffer from one common issue—humidity.
High humidity in a new home can lead to a host of problems, including one of the biggest issues in homes: molds. Where there is humidity and dirt, mold becomes a suitable environment to grow.
In this article, we will explore the different ways to check for humidity in new buildings.
Key Takeaways
- New homes can retain moisture, which can cause structural damage, mold growth, and insulation issues.
- You can monitor humidity using a hygrometer, pay attention to physical signs, check HVAC systems, and inspect your surroundings.
- You can control humidity using exhaust fans, dehumidifiers, routine inspections, and regular duct cleaning.
- If problems persist, consult HVAC professionals at Ties360 for a thorough inspection and recommended solutions.
Why is Humidity a Major Concern in New Buildings?
As stated earlier, humidity is a serious concern in new buildings, and here are the reasons why.
Damage to building structures
A newly constructed building can retain a high amount of moisture. This is because concrete foundations, wood framing, insulation, paint, and adhesives all release moisture as they cure or dry. It can take several months for all that moisture to fully escape. Aside from concrete, materials like wood, metal, and drywall can all be damaged due to prolonged exposure to high humidity. Homes that are built with wood are at a greater disadvantage as excess moisture can cause wood to warp, swell, and rot. Metal components like support beams and reinforcements can also rust, leading to structural weakening. Other metal parts, like doorknobs, can become harder to use.
Leads to mold and mildew growth
High humidity is a major instigator of mold and mildew growth. Both pose serious health risks to occupants and can cause serious damage to buildings. Places like the basement, the attic, and bathrooms are the most likely to suffer from high humidity as they are poorly ventilated. If mold or mildew is left unchecked, it can grow and spread, compromise the building’s structure, and become a source of air contamination. It is easy to know when a home occupant has been exposed to mold. The inhabitants typically develop respiratory issues characterized by wheezing, shortness of breath, and nasal congestion. Other allergic reactions include skin and eye irritation, fatigue and headache.
Compromises insulation
High humidity can compromise the insulation of a new building and make it less energy efficient. The high moisture causes the insulation to become more saturated and, as such, cannot trap heat effectively. This leads to higher energy consumption as the HVAC system has to work harder to maintain optimal temperature and good indoor air quality. Damp insulation also puts the building at risk of mold growth and affects indoor quality.
Foundation degradation
Prolonged high humidity can damage a building’s foundation. One major cause is excessive moisture in the soil surrounding the building, which makes the soil expand and exert pressure on the foundation walls. After a while, the pressure can cause cracks and a decrease in structural integrity, which can be expensive to repair. High moisture content can also cause concrete to weaken, making it susceptible to erosion and degradation.
Ways to Check Humidity in New Construction
Having understood the risks associated with high humidity, the next step is to know how to monitor humidity in your home.
Hire an HVAC Expert
One of the most effective ways to check and control humidity in a newly constructed home is by hiring an HVAC expert. While some moisture issues are easy to spot, such as condensation on windows or musty odors, others, like excess humidity trapped within walls or improper ventilation, require a trained professional to diagnose and address.
An HVAC expert can assess your home’s ventilation system, check for air leaks, and evaluate whether your heating and cooling systems are effectively managing moisture levels. They use advanced tools to measure indoor humidity and identify problem areas before they lead to mold growth, structural damage, or reduced air quality.
Use a hygrometer
A hygrometer is an instrument that measures relative humidity in a place. The ideal humidity level over a place is between 30% and 60%. Anything higher than that is a red flag and cause for concern. To use a hygrometer, place one in different parts of your home, especially in basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, bedrooms, living spaces, and kitchens. These specific areas are prone to high moisture content, and they can give insight into your next steps.
Check for physical signs
Without a hygrometer, your home can show signs of high humidity, such as water spots on walls or ceilings, musty or damp odors, warped wooden floors, bubbling dry walls, and condensation on windows and mirrors. The simple concept of evaporation and condensation is at play here, as when the air is saturated with moisture, it begins to fall as water droplets. These water droplets can cause wood to begin to swell and create spaces or bubbles in the drywall or paint.
Monitor HVAC performance
Heating and cooling systems should be pivotal in regulating indoor humidity. A standard HVAC system that fits your home size can help to dehumidify your home with the right features. Make sure that all your vents and ducts are clean and free of debris. If your home starts to feel damp, even with your AC running, your house might have high humidity levels.
Check grading and drainage outside
If the land around your home is not graded properly, rainwater may stagnate around your foundations, leading to higher indoor humidity. Make sure that gutters direct water away from your new building. If your yard and surrounding land are prone to water retention, consider using a French drainage system.
Steps to control humidity
After you have identified the problem, here are some steps to take to control humidity in your new home:
Use exhaust fans regularly.
Install and use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen. They should be used during and after cooking, showering, or laundry. These fans can help remove excess moisture directly from the source.
Use a dehumidifier
A portable or home-sized dehumidifier can be the difference between a damp atmosphere in your home and clean indoor air quality. In regions where humidity is consistently at high levels, installing a dehumidifier in a basement or crawl space is absolutely essential.
Clean often
Humidity and dust are catalysts for mold problems. To reduce the serious effects mold can have on respiratory health, carry out cleaning sessions often. Make sure to hire a professional to clean out your ducts to reduce the possibility of mold growth.
Improve airflow
Open interior windows and use fans to enhance airflow around the house. In tight spaces like closets, consider leaving doors slightly open to let out dampness, odor, and moisture content in the home.
Inspect regularly
Form the habit of carrying out regular checks around the house using different tools and procedures to check for humidity. Check areas that are likely to suffer moisture buildup regularly. Spotting a problem early can save you thousands in repairs down the road.
FAQ
How do you measure humidity in a building?
You can measure humidity in a building using a hygrometer, a device that detects moisture levels in the air. Digital hygrometers provide quick and accurate readings, while some smart thermostats also have built-in humidity sensors.
What is the ideal humidity level for a new house?
The ideal indoor humidity level for a new house is between 30% and 50%. This range helps prevent mold growth, protects wood surfaces from warping, and ensures comfortable indoor air quality.
How to find the source of humidity in a house?
To find the source of humidity in a house, check for common moisture sources such as leaky pipes, poor ventilation, condensation on windows, damp basements, or inadequate insulation. Using a hygrometer in different rooms can help identify problem areas, and an HVAC expert can conduct a professional assessment if needed.
Wrapping Up
Humidity is a silent threat that can easily be ignored until there is visible damage. In new homes, moisture can be trapped from the very first day, so it is extremely important to stay alert. Regular monitoring of humidity levels, cleaning ducts and vents, and improving airflow can reduce the possibility of developing serious issues like mold or structural issues.
Ties360 offers advanced humidity control services tailored to your specific needs. From residential duct cleaning to commercial air purification, they utilize the latest technologies to ensure your home maintains optimal air quality and humidity levels. By investing in a professional inspection, you can prevent costly repairs down the line and create a healthier living environment in your new home.
