Identify moisture problems
Identifying moisture problems
The surplus moisture we produce can build up and cause a relatively high level of humidity in the air. This can bring with it all sorts of problems.
How do you identify a humid environment?
- Everybody has steamed up windows sometimes, e.g. when there's a lot of visitors in the house, or in the kitchen when cooking. If the windows remain steamed up over longer periods or even permanently, then there is too much humidity in the air.
- Mould and damp patches also indicate high levels of humidity. Damp patches remain visible even once they have dried out. Mould deposits black spots and makes the air smell damp and stale.
- Moisture attracts insects such as wood lice and silver fish.
- Wallpaper can become detached or bubble up because of an excess of moisture.
- Moisture is a feeding ground for bacteria that can cause allergies.
In order to prevent such problems occurring, it is important that the house maintains an optimal balance of humidity.
Prevent moisture
What can you do to prevent problems with moisture arising?
There can be too much moisture if your house suffers from problems such as leakages, rising ground water, rain penetration or poor design. These problems must be properly repaired. You can do it yourself if you're an experienced handyman, or you can have it done by specialist tradesman.
Better insulation of our houses has led to poorer levels of ventilation, which in turn upsets the humidity balance. When problems occur from the inside because of water vapour, you can easily do a combination of things to improve the humidity balance.
Use Air Max Moisture Absorber®
Air Max products contribute immediately towards a good humidity balance in the house by combating moisture in cellars, meter cupboards, garages, caravans, etc, but also in living areas such as bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, toilets and bathrooms.
Use Air Max Moisture Absorber if you want to place the device out of sight, and Air Max Moisture Absorber Ambiance when you want to keep the device in view.
Make sure there is plenty of ventilation
- Use ventilation grills and keep them properly cleaned
- While showering or cooking always keep a window (partially) open so that the moisture can be led outside
- Switch on the extraction fan if one is available
Limit the amount of moisture produced indoors
- Large amounts of moisture comes from drying the laundry. Allow the washing machine to complete the spin dry programme and preferentially hang the laundry outside to dry
- Dry off the shower walls and door after showering
- Always keep the bathroom door closed when showering and the kitchen door closed when cooking. This helps prevent the moisture from spreading
- Always use the extraction hood when cooking and check the filter on a regular basis
- Keep the door of the dishwasher closed for as long as possible after the programme has completed. The condensation (steam) will gradually cool off, converting into water droplets inside the machine. These droplets end up in the waste pipe
Other tips
- Do not place furniture directly against outside walls for the sake of air circulation
- Do not take wet umbrellas indoors, but leave them outside in at sheltered position
- Heat the house sensibly and try not to allow the temperature to drop below 15°C, even at night. Cool air holds less moisture than warm air and at temperatures below this level, moisture forms on the windows and doors. Apart from that, it takes more energy to heat up a damp house than it does to keep the temperature of the house at a more consistent level
- In general you should be aware when working with water. Do not spend too long under the shower, only put on the dishwasher when it's completely full, ask yourself if the water already in the kettle is still hot enough for another cup of tea, etc.
