Arkansas is renowned for its lush landscapes and vibrant culture, but our state’s high humidity, with an average relative humidity of 70.9% and an average dew point of 50.7°F, can wreak havoc on your home. Excess moisture not only leads to discomfort but can also cause serious structural damage, mold growth, and even health issues. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the unique challenges Arkansas homeowners face and arm you with the knowledge and strategies to keep your home dry, safe, and healthy.
The Dangers of High Humidity
Living in Arkansas means contending with high humidity levels year-round. This humidity isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s a threat to your home’s integrity and your family’s health. Some of the biggest dangers of high humidity are:
- Structural Damage: Moisture is the enemy of your home’s structure. It can warp wood, corrode metal, and compromise the integrity of your home’s foundation, leading to costly repairs.
- Mold and Mildew: With Arkansas’ humidity levels, mold and mildew can quickly become unwelcome guests in your home. These fungi not only cause unsightly stains and unpleasant odors but can also pose serious health risks, especially for those with allergies or respiratory issues.
- Pests: High humidity attracts more than just mold; it’s also a beacon for pests like termites and cockroaches. These invaders can further damage your home and pose health risks to your family.
- Health Concerns: Excess moisture in your home can exacerbate allergies and asthma symptoms and create an environment ripe for dust mites, impacting your indoor air quality and overall well-being.
How Does Temperature Affect Indoor Humidity Levels?
Temperature and humidity are closely intertwined, especially in a state like Arkansas with significant temperature fluctuations. When warm, humid air encounters cooler surfaces such as walls, windows, or pipes, condensation occurs, creating ideal conditions for mildew and mold growth.
Insulation: Your First Line of Defense
Proper insulation is crucial for managing moisture in your Arkansas home. Insulation acts as a barrier, helping to prevent warm, humid air from infiltrating your home in the summer and keeping warm, dry air inside during the winter. Remember: it’s important to combine insulation and air sealing for the ultimate moisture fighting team to maintain a comfortable living environment. Insulation and air sealing work together to help with thermal transfer and block humid air from entering your home.
Consider these types of insulation first:
- Attic insulation: Heat rises, making proper attic insulation essential for moisture control. Installing insulation with a high R-value and a vapor barrier can prevent moisture buildup.
- Wall insulation: Properly insulating your exterior walls will help maintain a comfortable indoor environment and prevent condensation.
- Crawl space insulation: Insulating your crawl space walls and floors (if you have one) is vital for reducing moisture intrusion and preventing structural damage.
Additional Moisture Prevention Tips
Utilize Ventilation
Proper ventilation is an important piece to reducing your indoor humidity levels. Natural ventilation, like opening windows, and mechanical ventilation, such as exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, can help improve airflow and reduce moisture buildup. Take advantage of:
- Natural ventilation: Open your windows strategically (early morning or late evening) to help air circulate and reduce moisture buildup. Utilize cross-ventilation and open your windows on opposite sides of the house for the best results.
- Mechanical ventilation: Use mechanical ventilation throughout your home including your bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room. In your bathroom, install exhaust fans that are vented directly outside, not into the attic, and be sure to run them during your showers and 20+ minutes afterward. For the kitchen, it’s essential to have a range hood with external venting over your stove, especially for gas cooking. And don’t forget to use a laundry room exhaust fan if your dryer isn’t vented outside. If you live in a newer, airtight home, you might also consider installing a whole-house ventilation system such as an Energy Recovery Ventilator to better circulate your air.
Use a Dehumidifier
Whole-house dehumidifiers or portable dehumidifiers are effective tools for controlling your indoor humidity levels, especially in damp areas like basements and crawl spaces. Choose the right size unit for your space and ensure regular maintenance for optimal performance. Consider purchasing a dehumidifier with a humidistat that automatically turns on and off to maintain your desired humidity levels.
Air Seal Gaps and Cracks
Sealing the gaps and cracks in your home or building’s envelope will prevent humid outdoor air from entering and conditioned indoor air from escaping. This will help you maintain consistent indoor humidity levels and improve energy efficiency. Be sure to check common areas for small leaks such as around windows, doors, electrical outlets, plumbing penetrations, and your attic and crawl space. Use caulk for small cracks and gaps, and weatherstripping around your doors and windows. For larger air leaks, call on a professional such as G&S Insulating, to help you pinpoint your problem areas and recommend the right solution for your project. One popular choice is spray foam insulation, a two-in-one insulating and air sealing product.
Conduct Regular Inspections
Don’t forget to perform regular inspections of your home (at least twice a year, before and after the humid season). Be on the lookout for signs of moisture damage, mold growth, or indoor humidity issues such as water stains, peeling paint, musty odors, or condensation on your windows. Consider using a simple moisture meter to help you detect any moisture in your walls, floors, or ceiling. Be sure to address any problems promptly to prevent further damage and maintain your peace of mind.
Keep Moisture Out and Comfort In
Living with our Arkansas humidity doesn’t have to be a constant battle. By understanding the risks and implementing proactive moisture control strategies like insulation and air sealing, ventilation, and regular maintenance, you can protect your home, your health, and your comfort. Invest in your home’s moisture prevention now for long-term peace of mind. At G&S Insulating we offer a variety of insulating and air sealing options for every part of your Little Rock, Springdale, or Jonesboro area home, business, or multifamily housing development. Our expert team is here to make sure your building is ready for every kind of weather, including our humid summers. Contact us today to learn more about keeping moisture out and comfort in with our quality insulation and air sealing services and receive your free estimate.