What are the main ways to control moisture in your home? *

 

Water in your home can come from many sources. Water can enter your home by leaking or by seeping through basement floors. Showers or even cooking can add moisture to the air in your home. The amount of moisture that the air in your home can hold depends on the temperature of the air. As the temperature goes down, the air is able to hold less moisture. This is why, in cold weather, moisture condenses on cold surfaces (for example, drops of water form on the inside of a window). This moisture can encourage biological pollutants to grow.

There are many ways to control moisture in your home:

• Fix leaks and seepage. If water is entering the house from the outside, your options range from simple landscaping to extensive excavation and waterproofing. (The ground should slope away from the house.) Water in the basement can result from the lack of gutters or a water flow toward the house. Water leaks in pipes or around tubs and sinks can provide a place for biological pollutants to grow.
• Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawlspaces to prevent moisture from coming in from the ground. Be sure crawlspaces are well-ventilated.
• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture to the outside (not into the attic). Vent your clothes dryer to the outside.
• Turn off certain appliances (such as humidifiers or kerosene heaters) if you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces.
• Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid  climates, to reduce moisture in the air, but be sure that the appliances themselves don't become sources of biological pollutants.
• Raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses. Use insulation or storm windows. (A storm window installed on the inside works better than one installed on the outside.) Open doors between rooms (especially doors to closets which may be colder than the rooms) to increase circulation. Circulation carries heat to the cold surfaces. Increase air circulation by using fans and by moving furniture from wall corners to promote air and heat circulation. Be sure that your house has a source of fresh air and can expel excessive moisture from the home.
• Pay special attention to carpet on concrete floors. Carpet can absorb moisture and serve as a place for biological pollutants to grow. Use area rugs which can be taken up and washed often. In certain climates, if carpet is to be installed over a concrete floor, it may be necessary to use a vapor barrier (plastic sheeting) over the concrete and cover that with sub-flooring (insulation covered with plywood) to prevent a moisture problem.
• Moisture problems and their solutions differ from one climate to another. The Northeast is cold and wet; the Southwest is hot and dry; the South is hot and wet; and the Western Mountain states are cold and dry. All of these regions can have moisture problems. For example, evaporative coolers used in the Southwest can encourage the growth of biological pollutants. In other hot regions, the use of air conditioners which cool the air too quickly may prevent the air conditioners from running long enough to remove excess moisture from the air. The types of construction and weatherization for the different climates can lead to different problems and solutions.

Moisture on Windows

Your humidistat is set too high if excessive moisture collects on windows and other cold surfaces. Excess humidity for a prolonged time can damage walls especially when outdoor air temperatures are very low. Excess moisture condenses on window glass because the glass is cold. Other sources of excess moisture besides overuse of a humidifier may be long showers, running water for other uses, boiling or steaming in cooking, plants, and drying clothes indoors. A tight, energy efficient house holds more moisture inside; you may need to run a kitchen or bath ventilating fan sometimes, or open a window briefly. Storm windows and caulking around windows keep the interior glass warmer and reduce condensation of moisture there.

Humidifiers are not recommended for use in buildings without proper vapor barriers because of potential damage from moisture buildup. Consult a building contractor to determine the adequacy of the vapor barrier in your house. Use a humidity indicator to measure the relative humidity in your house. The American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends these maximum indoor humidity levels.

Outdoor Recommended Indoor Temperature Relative Humidity

Temperature	Humidity
+20o F.	35%
+10o F.	30%
0o F.	25%
-10o F.	20%
-20o F.	15%

Source:  Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from the Association for Home Appliance Manufacturers (www.aham.org).

AllTek Restoration Repair Services

 

You can expect a professional staff when working with Alltek Restoration, Inc. We value and expect quality, efficiency, punctuality, cleanliness, and courtesy. Our team believes in our commitment and dedication to each client’s satisfaction is second to none.

• Quality work, Integrity, and Commitment
• Prompt completion and timeline.
• Detailed estimates upon invitation to bid.
• Explanation of contract and specification

Alltek has established successful working relationships with qualified and competent professionals, and subcontractors who share our customer-oriented philosophy.

Our Guarantee: We warranty all work that is done with your project whether we ourselves do the work or our subcontractors do the work.

Contact our office in Pittsburg, CA, at 925-732-7200 to speak with one of our construction designers about your upcoming project.

https://alltekrestoration.net/

10 Easy Fire Safety Tips For Your Home

Home fires are a common occurrence that can easily be prevented. Have you implemented these approaches in your home? Download the Start Preparing! Survival Guide here: https://cityprepping.tv/38C5Ftt

- start your preparedness journey: https://cityprepping.tv/3lbc0P

City Prepping

Seasonal Safety Tips: Portable Generator Safety & Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Portable generators can be essential during power outages, but as their use increases so does the danger of deadly carbon monoxide exposure. It’s important to learn how to operate generators in a safe and effective way and also how to recognize the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Local firefighters from Eastside Fire and Rescue offer tips to help you and your family stay safe during the holidays and year-round. View the City of Seattle's commenting policy: seattle.gov/online-comment-policy

Seattle Channel

Alltek Restoration, Inc. Diamond Certified Video Profile

For more information, contact them at (925) 338-1722 Alltek Restoration, Inc. provides fire, water, smoke, and storm damage restoration and reconstruction services for residential and commercial clients throughout Northern and Central California. In addition to its wide range of restoration services, the company performs renovations, remodels, tenant improvements, new construction, and seismic and structural retrofits. CEO Andrew Easton is a third-generation contractor who started his construction career building spec homes, which allowed him to develop a comprehensive understanding of every aspect of the building process. "I learned how to build a house from the foundation to the roof," he explains. "That type of in-depth knowledge really benefits our clients because they know they can trust us to handle their construction projects from start to finish." Alltek Restoration emphasizes the importance of providing personalized service throughout every phase of every project, from carefully explaining contracts to creating detailed timelines so clients can closely follow all work to be performed. "We never look at our clients as claim numbers or purchase orders," says Mr. Easton. "Instead, we focus on getting to know them and determining their goals so we can meet and exceed their expectations." COMPANY PHILOSOPHY "We believe every client is an opportunity for us to serve others. We have a genuine desire to assist them through the entire process that lies before them, becoming their advocate from the start of our involvement and remembering their individual needs. We value quality, efficiency, cleanliness and courtesy in everything we do." For complete ratings and research, go to: https://www.diamondcertified.org/repo...

Diamond Certified Resource

This Old House | Exterior Paint Colors (S29 E6) FULL EPISODE

What colors might be appropriate for a Shingle-style house. Building the 12-foot wall of a new kitchen bump out. Stained glass restoration. A concrete truck pours a small buttress wall.

This Old House

Family Renovates 100-Year-Old House, Turns It Into a Dream Home | Start to Finish

Renovating a 100-year-old house is much more difficult than building a new one. This house is exactly 100 years old and abandoned. Most people would prefer to stay away from such a house. But this family did the opposite. They are completely renovating this structure and transforming it into a modern and livable family home. Sometimes you don't just renovate a house, you give it a second chance at life. Would you undertake the renovation of a 100-year-old house? Now let's watch this incredible transformation process together.

AKLA GELEN

How To Properly Catalyze Two-Component Coatings | Benjamin Moore®

Benjamin Moore High Performance epoxies and urethanes are two-component coatings. This video demonstrates how to properly catalyze these products for application. Gather your materials: the two-component product, a rag, stir sticks, a measuring container, a drill with paddle mixer, and a paint can opener. Mix each component thoroughly, then combine contents into one container (or a separate container if needed). Blend for 3–5 minutes at low speed, ensuring the paddle is fully immersed and sides are scraped. If thinning is required, add the recommended thinner and mix for another 3–5 minutes. Once fully mixed, the product is ready for use unless induction time is specified. Refer to manufacturer instructions and mix for one minute after induction. Visit your locally owned Benjamin Moore store for expert tips on any High-Performance Coating and tackle your next project with speed and confidence.

Benjamin Moore Paints

Alltek Restoration Provides 24/7 Emergency Services

Emergency Services

We are here to help when you need it. Providing first response to your needs 24/7. Our team will be dispatched to your loss, will assess the damages, explain the course of action required and with your approval start immediately preventing further loss and damages.

The post-loss condition of a structure or dwelling can vary and is specific to each type of loss and the severity of the damage that has occurred. Determining the cause of the loss and the affected area is the first step and often most important. How and what steps are taken can have a significant impact on further damages and what is necessary to prevent or limit further damages to a structure. Alltek Restoration, Inc. provides all emergency or temporary services which your property may require.

Board Up Services

Are very common requirements after storm or fire losses. The damages caused by the actual fire and tactics use to extinguish can leave your property with broken or blown out windows, burnt doors or broken doors, ventilation holes in roofs, and structural deficiencies all of which leaves the property open to access, in distress, and insecure. We will secure all loss related openings with temporary measures securing the property and temporary structural repairs to help prevent further damages.

Temporary Weather Proofing

Your property may require temporary weatherproofing as a result of a loss. Both storm and fire damages can leave your property exposed or vulnerable to weather elements which will cause further damage to your property. Preventing additional damages is key as secondary damages can exceed the preliminary damages.

Content Services

Depending on the type of loss and severity will determine what needs to be done.

Services can include the following: manipulation, both salvageable and non-salvageable / total loss inventory, packing for on or off-site storage, cleaning and restoration, and pack back after repairs.


Mitigation Services

Includes initial loss assessment, determination of cause and source, water category/classification, moisture mapping, and determining the affected areas that require structural drying. Removal of both salvageable and non-salvageable building components, and the placement of required drying equipment as well as monitoring the drying progress until completed. After the drying process, repairs may proceed.

Temporary Utility Services

After a loss, a structure's utilities can be interrupted or shut off until safe operation and use can be confirmed. All utilities are subject to interruption which can make your home uninhabitable or unsafe. After a fire, if the electrical system is damaged emergency personnel will have the utility provider interrupt service to prevent the risk of injury and further structure damages. We can provide emergency repair or provide temporary utilities that are required so repairs may begin.

5 exterior color schemes I always recommend

Your home’s exterior *sets the tone* for everything else—so why settle for the wrong colors? In this video, I’m sharing *five of the best exterior paint color combinations for 2025* that work for modern and timeless homes alike. These *Benjamin Moore color pairings* balance *curb appeal, sophistication, and lasting style* so your home looks just as good in five years as it does today.

The Paint People