Humidity Hazards: The Importance of Moisture Protection in Any Building
When it comes to effective moisture protection, one crucial factor that is usually overlooked is dampness.
When it comes to effective moisture protection, one crucial factor that is usually overlooked is dampness. While concrete structures are commonly believed to be water-resistant, they’re still vulnerable to moisture-related damage as time passes. Despite winter typically bringing colder, drier conditions, rain and humidity can still pose a threat. As the weather shifts into the humid part of the summer, it is important to understand how excess moisture can impact concrete surfaces. Keep reading to discover why humidity control is vital and how proper moisture protection can preserve the integrity of your building.
How High Humidity Leads to Structural Problems and Dampness
Whether it’s a residential home or a commercial facility, many structures are built using durable materials like concrete, brick, and masonry. However, even these tough surfaces aren’t immune to moisture damage. Prolonged dampness can cause serious and costly issues, from weakened brickwork and efflorescence to crumbling plaster and peeling paint. In more severe cases, excessive moisture can even compromise electrical systems, posing safety risks and requiring extensive repairs.
The Real Reasons Dampness Poses a Risk to Property Integrity
Why is dampness such a big concern in the first place? While humidity may not seem like a major issue as the seasons shift, the reality is that moisture can easily accumulate in gaps, crawlspaces, and hidden voids within a structure. Even strong concrete can begin to deteriorate over time without proper moisture protection. Contributing factors like poor construction planning, subpar materials, and rushed timelines can all make buildings more vulnerable to long-term moisture damage, threatening your renovation, new build, or remodeling project.
How to Find Out How Dampness and Humidity Become Issues
Start off by evaluating your building’s foundation since it’s one of the most vulnerable areas when it comes to moisture intrusion. Foundation walls can be affected by capillary action and soil erosion, allowing dampness to gradually creep in. Rainwater runoff, especially when paired with damaged or clogged gutters, can further saturate exterior walls and worsen humidity issues. Key structural elements like parapets, retaining walls, and facades are also at risk of water damage over time. Excess moisture can impact air quality indoors and warp floors, walls, and windows. Even your roof plays a critical role, whether flat or sloped, improper drainage can threaten the durability of concrete and other materials used throughout the structure.
Revitalize Your Business with G&M Services
G&M Services is proud of our employees and the dedication they have for safety in the workplace. We reward our employees for displaying positive safety practices. We incorporate weekly and monthly discussions and meetings to ensure that all involved know how to handle equipment and potentially risky situations during a project. We offer services in the way of concrete core-drilling and sawing, concrete scanning, Air Barriers, Firestop, and BIM Project Management and Coordination. To get started with us, call today at 410-787-8828 or visit our contact page. Follow the official company page today on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
