Episode 18 :: Dampness in your home
Before looking at ventilation systems and dehumidifiers, which can just mask the problem, try tackling the dampness at the source - you may be surprised at what a difference it makes.
Extract the moisture from your kitchen, bathroom and laundry
Cooking, showering and clothes-drying create a lot of moisture in a home - deal to the dampness by:
Installing an externally-vented range hood or extractor fan over your cooker Putting an externally-vented extractor fan in your shower or bathroom Exhausting laundry dryers to the outside.
Look for leaks
Check for leaks in pipes, drains and fittings in ceilings, under the floor and walls.
Deal to rising damp
Rising damp can be a real problem for some homes. If the soil under your floor is damp:
Check for drainage problems and fix them if necessary Consider an under floor vapour barrier for the ground beneath your floor (i.e. polythene sheeting).
Let the fresh air circulate
It's important to replace stale indoor air regularly with fresh oudoor air - the easiest and cheapest way to do it is to simply open your windows and doors.
In summer, opening your doors and windows will also help keep the house cool In winter, opening your doors and windows for a few minutes a day will create a cross draught and quickly replace stale air with fresh air.
Heat and insulate
Proper heating and insulation will help keep your home drier - and it'll also make it more warm and comfortable to live in.
Find out more about heating and insulation.
Did you know?
The average New Zealand home produces around 8 litres of moisture a day!
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