Solutions against humidity that actually don't work

The problem of humidity is one of the most common in our homes. Especially in places with old constructions or in areas where the climates are less dry. Without a doubt, water condensation is a problem and one to eliminate, as it can cause damage to our health, as well as to buildings. However, many of the solutions against humidity offered by friends and even professionals are often incorrect.

Being a very old conflict, there are many urban legends that are said to be infallible to combat this problem in our homes and offices. Nothing could be further from the truth. For example, the most common mistake is to repaint where the humidity problem appeared. And yes, undoubtedly for a while it will seem that the conflict has been resolved. But the water condensation will return, perhaps with more force. It can even happen when painting with anti-humidity materials.

The humidity problems usually occur in homes that have not been constructed under the requirements of the Technical Building Code. In that technical text, there are many indications to avoid what is known as condensation humidity.

Before understanding why we suffer from humidity, we first need to know where it usually occurs and what the acceptable level of humidity is in homes. This harmful phenomenon for people and also for buildings usually occurs when, within the rooms, the water vapor in the air is in contact with cold surfaces. The dew point is reached, and the room becomes damp. This happens much more frequently in areas where the humidity in the environment is high.

Humidity produces stains on walls and ceilings, but the biggest problem is that it tends to generate fungi that can be harmful to health. And that type of problem is not resolved with some of the common solutions against humidity that many think are effective.

False solutions against humidity

In a room where the air is not continuously renewed, these humidity problems can arise. If when it comes to airing a room, it is done with very cold air, the problem can also persist or even worsen the humidity issue.

It also negatively affects that very humid areas, such as the shower or kitchen, have insufficient ventilation or do not receive clean air. What does all this mean? That the first solution against humidity, as well as the best way to protect against it, is to maintain a good ventilation of our homes.

The most common false solutions against humidity are:

1. Painting the area affected by humidity. As mentioned above, painting is a very short-term solution. The humidity in a wall or ceiling is eliminated, but the real problem is not solved. There are anti-humidity paints, it is true. But this type of paint does not solve the problem, on the contrary. They are usually materials that can offer a bit of protection, but if in that area of the house condensation occurs due to water vapor, the anti-humidity coating.
2. The coatings with anti-humidity mortar are usually ineffective as well. The same happens with paints, which do not solve the problem at its root.
3. The boards for interior insulation are often another of the solutions against humidity that are offered. The problem they can present is that, in too many cases, they can hide humidity but not eliminate it. Therefore, the humidity will come out in another place, and the harmful fungi will appear as well.
4. Anti-mold primers do not solve the humidity problem either.

In the same way, it is important to control humidity in areas of greatest impact, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Many times, when water condensation has appeared in living rooms or bedrooms, we think that is the place of origin. In reality, it is often because it cannot occur in humid places. Real solutions against humidity can be those related to dehumidifying humid rooms, such as bathrooms. Air extractors can also help ventilate humid rooms to solve this harmful problem of water condensation.