Moisture Protection Concerns: The Effects of High Humidity
One of the most pressing concerns when it comes to moisture protection is accounting for dampness.
One of the most pressing concerns when it comes to moisture protection is accounting for dampness. Although you might think that concrete buildings are more resilient to precipitation and other kinds of water exposure, this isn’t always the case. Fall and winter are known for being colder, drier months but even so, there are still going to be rainy days. It seems that even as November slides towards December, the weather remains unusually warm, and with that comes higher humidity levels.
Problems Caused by Dampness Due to High Humidity
Residential structures and commercial buildings alike are often built from concrete, brick, and other types of masonry. Even though it seems unlikely, dampness can affect all of these materials negatively, potentially causing irreparable damage that is expensive and time-consuming to repair. Efflorescence can lead to bricks, stones, and tiles losing their structural integrity; plaster can soften and crumble; paint can bleach, peel, and flake; and electrical connections could be put in jeopardy as well.
Why Dampness Presents a Problem in the First Place
So now the question becomes this: why is dampness a problem at all? Higher humidity levels shouldn’t be a concern as one calendar year draws to an end and the next one begins. Voids, gaps, and crawlspaces can absorb condensation – even the sturdiest concrete structures can begin to deteriorate without adequate moisture protection measures in place. Poorly-thought-out planning, shoddy materials, and rushed construction timeframes can all contribute to why dampness and humidity can end up ruining the building you are attempting to build, remodel, or renovate.
Identifying How Dampness and Higher Humidity Become Issues
Look at the foundations of the building in question – foundation walling is vulnerable to dampness damage due to soil erosion and capillary action. Rainwater hitting the exterior walls, whether due to gravity or badly-maintained gutter systems, can also add to the humidity woes. Walls, parapets, and retaining walls can also be damaged by rainwater – at least on the exterior of your property. Humidity also affects indoor air quality and can warp walls, windows, and floors when trapped inside a building envelope. The slope of the roof matters as well – both sloped roofs and flat roofs can be dangerous to concrete structures no matter how durable the materials used actually are.
Revitalize Your Business with G&M Services
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G&M Services offers services in the way of concrete drilling and sawing, concrete scanning, and Firestop. 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.
