Moisture Control and Dehumidifiers
This article has been kindly provided by Muharrem Sev.
If moisture levels are over 60-80% humidity for more than a few days, mould will grow and spread on walls and other cold surfaces in the house. To start with, a simple digital humidity meter should be used to measure the levels of humidity. If the readings are over the suggested levels, then corrective action must be taken. Reducing the humidity and moisture levels below 60% humidity will maintain a dry and mould free environment.
Where to look for dampness and mould
- Poorly ventilated areas
- Cold areas of walls and ceilings
- Bathrooms, kitchens and other areas with high moisture generation
- Cupboards and wardrobes
- Floors and ceilings
- Check masonry for defective mortar joints or cracks in stone or rendered walls.
- Check roof tiles for damage. Water can get in and run down the roofing felt collect in the bottom of the felt where it meets the external walls and rot through
- Check brickwork for efflorescence - salty, white deposits. They are a sure sign of excess moisture as these spots stem from water evaporating and leaving behind its salts.
- Make sure all seals around windows and doors are good. Bad seals can allow water to get in and trickle through the joints.
- Check all gutters and overflow pipes for leakage, blockages and overflow.
Problems caused by dampness
- Cosmetic damage to walls, window sills, carpets, furnishings and clothes
- Structural damage to beams, walls, ceilings, roofs, floors and insulation.
- Growth of mould and musty smells.
Solutions
- Remove mould and reduce moisture:
- Cover pans when cooking
- Dry clothes outdoors
- Vent your clothes dryer to the outside
- Ventilate to remove moisture:
- Ventilate at all the times
- Increase ventilation of the kitchen and bathroom when in use and shut the door
- Ventilate cupboards, wardrobes and blocked chimneys
- Use a dehumidifier (note that most air-conditioners have a "dehumidify" option - look for a raindrop symbol).
- Insulate and weatherproof:
- Weatherproof windows and external doors
- Consider installing extra insulation
- Heat your home (in winter):
- If possible, keep low heat on all day, with background ventilation
To Remove mould:
To kill and remove mould, wipe down walls and window frames with water and dish detergent. There's no need to use bleach.
A personal note on dehumidifiers and bathroom fans:
What I hear from my friends is that most older generation homes in the Bodrum peninsula seem to be without bathroom fans. Dehumidifier use at homes is also very rare.
To maintain air quality at acceptable levels, the use of kitchen and bathroom fans as well as a dehumidifier is essential. Whereas fans suitable for use in the bathrooms are inexpensive and their installation is relatively easy, the dehumidifier issue is a bit more complex.
The home that we purchased in Turgutreis two years ago was in need of a bathroom fan and a dehumidifier. Although Koctas and other hardware stores carry humidifiers, they do not carry dehumidifiers. A mystery, perhaps! After searching on the Internet for dehumidifiers, I purchased an 18-liter capacity Olefini model from Altug Engineering in Bodrum along with two fans for the bathroom.
Editor: Most air-conditioners have a "dehumidify" option - look for a raindrop symbol.
There are smaller and cheaper dehumidifiers. Using even a small dehumidifier in a big home will contribute significantly towards controlling moisture control and avoidance of mould.