How to Find, Identify, and Eliminate Moisture Conditions
Termite inspection reports often list “moisture conditions” as problem items. What exactly are moisture conditions and why are they a problem?
First, why you should care. Moisture in and around your home allows the growth of fungus and mold. It is an essential element for dampwood termites, springtails, and other damp-loving pests. It is a breeding ground for gnats and mosquitoes. Moisture problems can cause blistering of paint, stains on stucco walls, rust and corrosion on metals, and may cause bonding materials holding floor and wall coverings in place to fail causing separation.
Situations ranging from standing water to wood siding dampened once a week by a sprinkler are “moisture conditions.”
If your home has any of the moisture conditions listed below, it is critical for the health of your home, and often your personal health, to get the problem corrected as soon as possible. Seek the assistance of a licensed plumber, licensed general contractor, or termite company licensed by the Structural Pest Control Board. (If licensed, termite companies may perform repairs to pest damaged areas and correct conditions that may allow for pest damage, such as moisture. They can pull permits, repair structurally weakened members (joists, beams, framing, posts, etc.), install fixtures, perform finish work, and employ sub-contractors as necessary. Their license encompasses just about everything that a general contractor license covers as long as the work is related to pest damage or conditions conducive to pests.)
Sources of Household Moisture
Water vapors from the combustion of natural gas which vents improperly into the attic or another enclosed area
Condensation on windows flowing down onto and into sills
Dripping air conditioners
Sweating water pipes
Absent or improperly placed drain pipes and spouts
Plugged or leaking down spouts
Leaking roofs
Improperly sealed foundations and basement walls
Direct contact of wood with soil or concrete, allowing a wicking action that pulls water up into wood
Sprinkler heads that over-spray the structure
Improperly fitted flashings at the roof lines or shingles with improper overhang
Improper exterior grade that allows water to drain toward the structure and remain in contact with the structure, or in the subarea or crawlspace
Leaking plumbing, toilets, stall shower pans, dishwashers, washing machines
Improper seals or caulk around bathtubs and showers
No vents or windows in bathrooms allowing moisture from baths and showers to accumulate