According to climate data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Kittitas County experiences significant amounts of precipitation each year. This region has rainfall on an average of 6 to 12 days per month from January through April and October through December. While this rain results in green lawns and strong plants and trees, it is also often a contributing factor to moisture-related damage in the homes of local residents.
Are you struggling with interior or exterior moisture control problems? Homeowners in the Kittitas County region often underestimate how somewhat minor water damage may quickly worsen and create severe damage to the integrity of the structure, which may result in a need for expensive repairs. Further, water-related damage in your home may damage electrical systems, and plumbing systems, and facilitate harmful mold growth.
Why Moisture Can Be So Destructive For Homes
Excessive moisture may damage the structural support of the home and cause cosmetic problems such as staining and peeling paint. Keep in mind that mold might also pose health risks, particularly among the very young, the elderly, or those with existing respiratory problems. Some of those with exposure to mold will begin sneezing, develop skin rashes, or experience asthma attacks.
Making matters worse, many homeowner’s insurance policies contain clauses that specifically exclude damage resulting from mold and similar moisture-related from the scope of coverage.
Kittitas County property owners who are facing excessive interior or exterior moisture-related problems should consult with trained professionals regarding the best possible solutions. Today, moisture control companies maintain a qualified staff and use many of the latest moisture control products in the industry.
How Excess Moisture Builds Up Within Homes
Why do some homes in Kittitas County have problems involving excessive moisture?
In many instances, crawl spaces will retain moisture stemming from insufficient drainage or leaky parts of the foundation. Crawl space areas often hold damp air, which creates condensation on the materials in your home such as wood, insulation, or paper. Condensation will often result in mold growth and cause critical structural components to rot or warp.
Water problems are also common in homes with leaky roofs. Your gutters and downspouts also must remain clear and well-maintained to ensure that water is properly routed away from the base of the home. Faulty plumbing system components such as hoses and seals also may create water damage.
In response to the widespread problems with water, moisture, and humidity in Washington homes, all newly constructed residential structures must have mechanical “whole home” ventilation systems.
Tips To Minimize Moisture Buildup In Your Home
What are some of the best ways of preventing excessive moisture buildup inside my home? Local homeowners should consider the following prevention strategies:
- Always use an exhaust fan when taking baths or showers.
- Ensure that clothes dryer exhaust components are free of debris and are properly connected.
- Use dehumidifiers when necessary to minimize moisture and humidity in basements or crawl spaces.
While these preventative measures are viable options for proactively reducing the likelihood of experiencing these concerns, they are not foolproof. Therefore, homeowners in Kittitas County with existing problems should promptly speak with qualified professionals regarding crawl space moisture control, basement moisture control, and similar concerns.
How Spray Foam Insulation Deters Moisture
Spray foam insulation typically performs much better than fiberglass and similar insulation materials, which often must be replaced after exposure to water. Spray foam insulation acts as a moisture deterrent that swells to limit gaps and keep water from penetrating. Other key advantages that spray foam insulation offers include resistance to extreme temperatures and the ability to fill hard-to-reach areas.
As an experienced provider of residential moisture control in Kittitas County, Prosite understands the importance of creating customized solutions for our customers. For comprehensive residential services including attic insulation, crawl space encapsulation, and more, contact our office today.