Hi everyone! It's Adrien here again, your licensed property manager, here to discuss something we see pretty often in our properties—especially in the summer, and mostly in older homes. Today, we are talking about moisture concerns, and what we can do as tenants, property managers, and owners to help limit moisture buildup in your home during the summertime.
Older homes have a ton of charm. I personally love older homes! But they weren't built with the same ventilation styles or moisture barriers that we see in newer homes today. They take a little bit of extra awareness—and maybe a little extra legwork on our end—to prevent bigger issues like mold, mildew, or damage to the walls and flooring.
Plaster vs. Drywall: How Moisture Behaves
When moisture starts to build up, one important thing to understand, especially in older homes, is the huge difference between plaster walls and drywall.
Plaster Walls (Older Homes): Older homes often have plaster walls, which are dense and durable. Plaster does not hold moisture the same way drywall does. Instead, it can absorb moisture and hold onto it much longer. This means it may take more time to dry out and can be more prone to cracking and staining if moisture builds up.
Drywall (Newer Homes): Drywall, on the other hand, is a bit more porous and much more common in newer homes. It tends to show signs of moisture damage more quickly, such as bubbling or soft spots.
Either way, both materials can be damaged by excess moisture; it just might show up a bit differently. The biggest thing to keep in mind is airflow and humidity levels.
Tips for Tenants to Reduce Moisture
One of the easiest ways for tenants to help is by using exhaust fans whenever cooking or showering, and then allowing them to continue running for another 15 to 20 minutes after you are done.
If your home doesn't have a fan, cracking a window can help. If you have a small bathroom without an exhaust fan, keeping the door open when you're showering is highly encouraged to allow airflow to come through.
Another tip is to avoid allowing moisture to sit. For example:
Wipe down the shower walls after use.
Make sure the shower curtain is fully closed so that it can dry properly.
Do not allow wet towels or clothes to pile up and sit on the floor.
If you notice condensation on the walls, musty smells, or any discoloration on walls or ceilings, that is
How Property Managers and Owners Prevent Issues
For homeowners, it's helpful to make sure properties are set up for success. When I do my routine inspections, I am actively checking and looking for several key things.
This includes making sure there's proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens, and checking crawl spaces and attics for adequate airflow. We won't always crawl all the way into an attic or crawl space, but I will peek in if it's easily accessible. If I see water in a crawl space, I can get that addressed right away. I am also always checking gutters and downspouts to make sure they are not overflowing, and ensuring downspouts are directed away from the home rather than pouring right next to the foundation.
The Bathroom Exhaust Fan Upgrade
My biggest focus is the bathroom. A lot of older homes don't have exhaust fans built into them. If there is a fan, I flip the switch every time I do an inspection. If it's not functioning, making a weird grinding sound, or looks really dirty and built up, I am getting that fixed.
Since many older homes don't come with them at all, I always make a note of it and encourage owners to have an exhaust fan installed. It is a relatively small upgrade that can help protect the home long-term, reduce moisture buildup, and prevent tenant concerns or huge, costly repairs down the road.
Checking for Hidden Leaks
During routine inspections, we are also always checking for small leaks under sinks, around and behind toilets, and around appliances. Even the smallest drips can go unnoticed and cause huge damage over time.
Teamwork Makes the Difference
At the end of the day, it takes all of us—tenants, owners, and property managers—to ensure that air flows through the home appropriately and that moisture does not become a prolonged issue.
Humidity is common here in the South, so we will always have some moisture. But we want to prevent issues before they get too big. If anything ever seems off or you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. We are always happy to take a look and help!
