What is relative humidity? In the simplest of terms it is the amount of moisture contained in the air…..Why is this important? Different climates require different techniques and strategies when addressing damage caused by water or excessive humidity. Have you ever been to Columbia SC or New Orleans in the spring or summer? Temperatures can be a comfortable 76 degrees but feel much much hotter. That is because of the humidity. In Arizona a temperature of 76 will feel much different and possibly even feel cold to some.
Relative Humidity influences the rate at which moisture evporates from wet surfaces. Higher RH slows down evaporation, while lower RH speeds evaporation up. Maintaining an optimal RH level can expedite the drying process if you have an unexpected water loss. Maintaining appropriate humidity levels within your home will minimize secondary damage to structures and materials when a water loss event occurs.
Danger signs to look for when considering relative humidity: relative humidity above 60 % is a red flag and must be addressed quickly. You need to act fast. Increasing humidity levels in your home is also a sign that you may have an undiscovered water leak or possible HVAC issues.
The interior of your home should be between 30 and 50%. When your HVAC system is not working efficiently humidty levels can exceed 60% making your home vulnerable to microbial activity.
When you turn off your HVAC system for long periods of time your home becomes a possible target for issues related to high humidity. This commonly occurred to unoccupied properties during COVID, such as churches.
Crawl spaces and attics are areas likely to see humidity levels above 60%. These high levels can go undetected because property owners may not regularly enter and inspect these spaces. Installing attic fans and dehumidifiers in those areas along with using appopriate insulation and encapsulation can help keep humidity levels in check and less vulnerable to the harmful effects of high humidity including microbial growth and wood rot.
If you see or feel high humidity or smell a woodsy, musky, earthy, meaty or other unusual smell it could be a sign of micorbial growth. Do not wait, call your Drip Ninja team today and request a free consultation!
