When you hear the term “dew point” you likely think of the weather outside.
You may not know this, but there is also a dew point in your home and if it isn’t controlled you could be left with condensation and mold problems.
We here at RetroFoam of Michigan understand building science and all the things that go along with that. This includes things in the home like dew point.
It’s important for homeowners to understand things like dew point, especially if they are noticing things like condensation or mold in their home. That’s why we have gathered the information that will help homeowners understand what dew point is and how they can control it.
What is Dew Point in a Home?
Dew point is the point at which moisture in the air will condense.
That sounds complicated, so let’s break it down even more.
Typically, when hot and cold meet, a dew point is formed, and you will see condensation form on the warm side.
Think about a pop can when you’re sitting outside during a barbecue. You will start to see that condensation and moisture form on the outside of the can. This is because the inside of the can is ice cold and the air outside is warm. The two meet at the can and the condensation is created.
So why is this a problem for homes?
This is a problem in a home because if you don’t have insulation in your walls or other areas, then the outside cold air is coming into the home. This cold air and the air you pay to heat meet at the drywall, much like the metal of the can. This leads to similar condensation, but in this instance, it ultimately leads to mold in your home.
We have seen instances where the dew point is created on the drywall, so the interior walls have condensation on them.
If you notice your home feels almost humid at times, this is an indicator of moisture issues. Those issues can be created by the hot and cold air meeting somewhere in the home. If your home has traditional insulation like fiberglass or cellulose, those materials will retain that moisture and promote the growth of mold.
There is a way to control dew point in your home to avoid moisture and mold problems.
How to Control Dew Point in Your Home
Creating an air seal in your home can prevent a dew point from forming in your drywall.
Foam insulation throughout the home, sealing the building envelope will help stop the creation of that dew point in the drywall or in the old insulation. This is because the air seal blocks the cold air from coming into your home that you are paying to keep warm and cozy.
Stopping the cold air from getting inside your home will not only help prevent that dew point from forming but will also make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.
If you’d like to learn more about foam insulation, check out the Learning Center on our website. You can also check out Foam University on our YouTube channel.
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