Collaborative post:
Humidity increases dramatically during the winter months. The latest weather events have done nothing to improve the situation. Indeed, Storms Dudley, Eunice and Franklin have not only brought violent winds to the UK. Many regions have recorded high water levels, leading to flooded roads and stagnant puddles of rainwater in residential areas.
But even if the storms didn’t affect your home, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be concerned about high humidity levels. Many British homes struggle with mould growth, often in the bathroom or underneath the windows. But mould spores are only one of the many issues your household could face with excess humidity levels. Indeed, high moisture in the air can make it tough to heat your property, leading to high energy bills. Besides, moisture can affect your appliances, considerably reducing their lifespan and, therefore, driving your costs high. Yet, if you are going to win the battle about humidity inside your home, you need to figure out where it comes from.
Make roof maintenance a priority
Your roof is the ultimate protective shield against the elements. When it rains outside, the last thing you want is for the rain to find a way to infiltrate your property. That’s where roof maintenance can make a huge difference. Indeed, it’s a good idea to plan an annual check appointment to review the state of your roof and roof tiles. It’s much easier to damage a broken tile than to dry your under-roof area once the water found a passage through!
As part of roof checks, you need to schedule winter gutter maintenance to clear your gutter from debris and other obstacles that could clog it. A clogged gutter can’t evacuate rainwater safely, leading to wet patches on the external walls in the places where the gutter overflooded. These patches weaken the wall structure and create a porous path for water in the long term.
Stove cooking
Britons prefer to cook in winter, favouring comfort recipes such as stew, homemade soups, and other one-pot wonders. Cooking on the stove in winter presents many advantages: Firstly, it helps increase the temperature inside your home, saving on heating costs. Secondly, homemade recipes bring warmth and comfort, keeping you warm too!
However, if you enjoy cooking, you want a reliable stove installed in your kitchen. Stovepipes and vents are essential to control temperature and prevent high humidity levels. Indeed, your stove vent must be able to capture steam as you cook. Failure to direct the steam outside your home will increase humidity levels.
Hot baths
Can anything beat the comfort of a soothing hot bath after a long and tiring day? Taking a hot bath is more than an indulgence. It has many health and beauty advantages you can’t afford to neglect! Accordingly to psychologists, baths can reduce feelings of depression. After a hectic day, it’s the best thing to relax before sleep. Besides, a warm bath also boosts melatonin production, the sleeping hormones, which means you can enjoy a good night’s sleep!
However, a hot bath increases moisture in the air. So, if you enjoy lounging in the water, you may want to ventilate your bathroom when you’re done. Bathroom ventilation systems tend to be used with showers, but most people forget to ventilate after a bath. Remember to ventilate thoroughly to ensure your home doesn’t take a bath at the same time!
Lack of natural ventilation
We’ve just mentioned ventilation at home. Bathrooms and kitchen should have their own ventilation systems as these areas are more likely to increase moisture levels. However, the human body creates moisture through breathing all the time. Can you dramatically change the air composition inside your home? Chances are your family can create enough humidity during the winter months.
Why does it happen? People tend to keep their windows shut in winter to prevent cold air from coming in. Unfortunately, you need to frequently renew the air inside your home to bring moisture levels down. Additionally, fresh air is easier to heat and circulate faster through your home.
Decorative and soothing candles
Who doesn’t love cute candles in winter? Winter candles are a decoration must! They set the mood inside the lounge and the bedroom, creating a soothing source of light. For many people, the presence of candles gives the perception that the temperature is higher than it is, which is why they’re a favourite winter accessory. However, candles can also increase the humidity levels inside your home. Not all candles are made the same. Candles containing paraffin produce water vapour, which automatically increases the presence of moisture. Ideally, you want to use organic candles as they have a lower impact on humidity.
Winter is a humid season in the UK, combining rain and snow. It makes no doubt the presence of puddles or snow around your property will affect humidity levels. However, maintenance and smart decisions can also help control moisture inside your home this winter.
Sarah x
