You may be one of the victims of this problem that plagues many: damp floors.
There's no doubt that feeling cold or damp under your feet is uncomfortable, and the seriousness of the problem lies not only in the discomfort, but it may also warn of greater structural and health problems.
In this article, we'll delve deeper into the causes of this problem, explore how to effectively eliminate moisture from floors , and learn what moisture-absorbing materials are and how to use them.
So be prepared to learn all the details about the problem of floor moisture and its possible solutions.
How dangerous are damp floors? A silent threat to your health and home.
Some people may dismiss the problem of wet floors as a minor inconvenience.
But the truth is much more complex. Moist floors create an ideal environment for mold and fungi to grow, which can cause numerous health problems, especially for children, the elderly, and those with allergies and respiratory conditions.
These problems include skin irritation, difficulty breathing, worsening asthma, and sinus infections.
In addition, humidity negatively impacts the safety of your home. It damages building materials such as wood, causing them to erode and weaken over time.
You may notice bulging parquet floors, peeling paint, and dark spots on walls and floors.
Neglecting to treat floor moisture can cost you a lot in the long run in repairs and renovations.
Causes of floor moisture problems: The roots of the problem require an accurate diagnosis.
To understand how to effectively get rid of moisture in floors , you must first identify the root causes of the problem.
There are several factors that can lead to moisture on floors, the most prominent of which are:
- Water leaks: whether from water and sewage pipes inside walls or under floors, or even leaks from roofs, windows, and exterior walls during winter and heavy rains.
- Groundwater: High groundwater levels near a building's foundation can cause moisture to seep into the home through floors and walls.
- Condensation: Condensation occurs when warm, humid air comes into contact with a cold surface, such as poorly insulated floors, causing water vapor to turn into water droplets.
- Inadequate ventilation: Poor ventilation in the home allows moisture to build up from everyday activities such as cooking, bathing, and breathing.
- Construction and insulation defects: The lack of adequate moisture insulation layers during the construction process, especially under floors, makes them vulnerable to moisture absorption from the soil.
Monitor these causes early, as if one or more of them recur over the long term, they will cause the problems we mentioned earlier. Prevention is better than cure, as you know.
How to get rid of moisture in floors? Practical and effective solutions.
After identifying the cause of the problem, we can begin implementing effective solutions to eliminate moisture from floors . These solutions vary depending on the severity and source of the problem:
- Leak repair:
The first and most important step is to identify and repair any water leaks, whether visible or hidden. A professional plumber should be hired to detect and repair hidden leaks.
- Improve ventilation:
Increasing airflow in the home helps reduce humidity generated by daily activities. This can be achieved by regularly opening windows, using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, or installing a mechanical ventilation system if the problem is chronic.
- Use of dehumidifiers:
Dehumidifiers are an effective solution for absorbing excess moisture from the air and reducing it in your home. These devices are available in a variety of sizes and capacities to suit different spaces.
- Floor insulation:
If the moisture problem is caused by groundwater or lack of proper insulation, it may be necessary to insulate the floors from below with moisture-proofing materials before installing any type of flooring.
- Use of moisture-absorbing materials:
Certain materials can be used to help absorb excess moisture in certain areas.
In the next paragraph, we will learn more about what is the material that absorbs moisture ?
What material absorbs moisture? Various options for combating moisture.
There are many materials that have the ability to absorb moisture from the air and surfaces.
Understanding what a moisture-absorbing material is can help you choose the most appropriate solution for your problem:
- Silica gel: One of the most popular desiccant materials, it's widely used to protect food, clothing, and electronic devices from moisture damage. It comes in small sachets and has a high moisture absorption capacity.
- Calcium chloride: Another chemical that is effective at absorbing moisture, it is used in household dehumidifiers. It is available in granular or flaky form and absorbs moisture from the air and turns it into a liquid.
- Activated charcoal: Its large pores help absorb moisture and unpleasant odors from the air. It can be used in closets and other enclosed spaces.
- Baking soda: It has moisture and odor absorption properties and can be placed in open containers in humid areas.
- Coarse salt: It can absorb moisture from the air well, but may need to be changed periodically.
- Plants: Some houseplants, such as spider plants and English ivy, can help absorb excess moisture from the air.
These materials can be placed in areas most prone to moisture to help reduce it, but they are considered temporary and supportive solutions and not a permanent solution to the underlying problem.
Is there a moisture-resistant paint? Extra protection for your walls.
The answer to the question, "Is there a moisture-resistant paint?" is yes.
There are paints available on the market specifically designed to resist moisture and prevent it from penetrating walls. These paints are usually made from materials with water-repellent properties and inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.
It is preferable to use a moisture-resistant paint in areas that are highly exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
Ensure the surface is thoroughly prepared before applying the paint and follow the manufacturer's instructions for best results.
Although this paint provides additional protection for walls, it does not directly address the moisture problem in floors.
Ways to prevent moisture in parquet floors: special care to protect their beauty
Parquet flooring is an elegant and warm option, but it is particularly sensitive to moisture. Therefore, prevention is key to maintaining its beauty and durability.
Here are some ways to prevent moisture in parquet floors :
- Ensure good insulation: Before installing parquet, ensure there is a suitable moisture insulation layer underneath to protect the wood from absorbing moisture from below.
- Avoid water accumulation: Any water spills should be dried immediately and not left on the parquet surface for long periods.
- Use mats at entrances: Placing mats at the entrances of the house helps reduce the amount of water and dirt that may enter and affect the floors.
- Maintain good ventilation: Ensure that rooms containing parquet are well ventilated to help evaporate any moisture in the air.
- Use humidifiers with caution: If you use a humidifier, make sure it is set to an appropriate humidity level and do not overuse it.
- Regular maintenance: Clean the parquet regularly using special cleaners and avoid using large amounts of water.
The importance of choosing high-quality parquet types: a long-term investment
When choosing parquet flooring, it's essential to focus on quality. The importance of choosing high-quality parquet flooring lies in its durability and resistance to various factors, including humidity.
A good example of this is the glossy parquet flooring , which is treated with the highest technology so that the final product is resistant to moisture, heat and other pests.
Explore our stunning, modern designs and colors of laminate parquet flooring and choose beauty and durability for yourself!
Moist flooring is not just a minor annoyance, but a challenge that requires a thorough understanding of the causes and effective solutions.
Don't hesitate to seek immediate treatment for this problem if you start noticing symptoms in your home, and save yourself a lot of money and damage later on.