Moisture and mould go hand in hand, especially in areas of your home like the basement, crawl space, and bathrooms. While mould is a natural part of the environment, you don’t want it thriving inside your living space. Understanding how moisture contributes to mould growth is the first step to preventing it.
How Moisture Fuels Mould Growth
Mould spores are always present in the air, but they need the right conditions to grow. The biggest culprit? Excess moisture.
When relative humidity in your home climbs above 60%, you’re creating the perfect environment for microbial growth on surfaces such as:
· Framing and drywall
· Carpets and ceilings
· Furniture and personal belongings (shoes, clothes, stored boxes)
Basements are especially vulnerable because they tend to trap moisture. Without proper control, elevated humidity can quickly lead to visible mould and musty odors.
Signs of High Humidity in Your Home
Wondering if your house has a moisture problem? Some common red flags include:
· A damp or “heavy” feeling in the air
· White surface mould on shoes, clothes, or basement contents
· Musty smells
· Health symptoms like congestion, coughing, or persistent respiratory issues (that don’t feel like a simple cold)
· Mould on bathroom ceilings or around vents
Even if you don’t see mould yet, consistently high humidity levels should be addressed immediately to prevent long-term damage.
Moisture Hotspots in the Home
While basements are the most common trouble zone, they’re not the only area at risk:
· Crawl spaces – Exposed dirt floors release moisture into the air, spiking humidity throughout the home. Encapsulation with heavy poly sheeting can help trap ground moisture and protect your property.
· Bathrooms – Poor ventilation and underpowered exhaust fans lead to mould growth on ceilings and around vents. Running your fan for 5–10 minutes after showers is a simple but effective step.
How to Control Moisture and Prevent Mould
The key to mould prevention is keeping relative humidity between 40–50% year-round. Here are some proven steps:
· Install a dehumidifier – For an average 1,500 sq. ft. home, a 60–70 pint self-draining dehumidifier is ideal. It should be set between 45–50% and connected to a floor drain for worry-free operation.
· Encapsulate crawl spaces – Heavy poly liners prevent ground moisture from entering your home.
· Maintain bathroom ventilation – Ensure exhaust fans vent properly to the outside and run them after showers.
With these measures, you can improve your home’s air quality, protect your belongings, and stop mould before it starts.
When to Call a Professional
If you notice visible mould, persistent musty odors, or ongoing health concerns linked to humidity, it’s time to bring in the experts. Sometimes the issue isn’t just humidity—it could be water intrusion, drainage issues, or hidden leaks that need to be addressed.
At Supreme Services, we provide moisture assessments, mould inspections, and tailored solutions to keep your home safe, healthy, and dry.
Call us today to schedule an assessment and take control of your home’s air quality before mould takes control of you.