moisture issues: General preventative measures
- Address drainage issues around your home by repairing and maintaining gutter systems to carefully divert water away from your foundation.
- Install French drain systems around the perimeter of your home that lead away from your home if applicable.
- Consider installing a sump pump in your basement or crawl space to help divert standing or accumulating water from underneath your home.
- Check your freezer, refrigerator, ice makers and air conditioning unit to make sure condensation levels are with normal operating limits for the appliance and that the condensation is properly diverted away from your new hardwood floor.
- Fix leaky pipes, faucets or dripping toilets as soon as you spot them.
- Purposely let some of your faucets drip slightly during weeks where outside temperatures dip below freezing and wrap your pipes in the winter months to help prevent them from freezing and then breaking under pressure. Preventing cracked or broken pipes in the winter not only prevents potentially expensive repairs but can prevent moisture damage to your hardwood floor as well.
- Make sure that dryer vents and hoses are properly hooked up to avoid pumping moisture back into your home or directly underneath your home into your crawl space.
- Periodically inspect your crawl space for signs of moisture that include dampness, mud, standing water and or a musty smell. Inspect and repair your moisture barriers under your home if you are able. If you can’t, hire someone who can.
- Ensure proper ventilation during large family gatherings or entertainment events held at your home.
- Do not wet-mop your hardwood floor.
- Fix any leaks in your roof or overhead sprinkler systems.
- Consider upgrading your windows or installing insulation into your home where none may currently exist.
- Store the majority of your firewood outside of your home while it cures.
- Place proper ventilation systems or covers over any aquatic tanks may have in the home.
- Avoid hanging wet clothes indoor to dry if at all possible.
- If you do a lot of ironing, attempt to reduce the amount of clothing you iron.
- Use a humidifier or dehumidifier in your home year round to control moisture content in the air.
- Use the exhaust fan above your stove when you let food simmer on the stove.
- Do not excessively water or mist your house plants.