What happens if water gets into vent?

Water Droplets Can Cause Severe Water Damage Moisture build-up in your ductwork can be the source of water damage to your ceiling, roof, and walls. Little by little, they can cause corrosion or decay in those materials and if moisture stands for a longer time can compromise your home's structure.

shamrockrestore.com - The Danger of Water in Your Air Duct - Shamrock Restoration

Can my Neighbour come onto my property?

Entering your neighbour's property without their permission is trespassing, and so you must obtain their consent before trying to gain access. The...

Last updated Jan 24, 2019

Can I put a kitchen in my garage?

A garage may be easily converted into a large kitchen. A garage space is typically large enough to create a good-size kitchen. The home's floor...

Last updated Dec 21, 2021

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Have you noticed water droplets forming around your air duct? It could be the moisture build-up that occurs mostly in summer months when your AC unit works the hardest to cool down your home. Moisture can seem harmless, but when left untreated, it can lead to destructive problems and expensive repairs. There are a few reasons why there is water in your air duct. A tiny amount of dew outside your duct is common when the air outside is hot and your AC is on. But, large water droplets that keep on occurring can mean something is wrong. If there is insufficient insulation, moisture can appear in the air duct. Another culprit of having water in the air duct is the excess indoor humidity that is coming from your attic or crawlspace. Air leak can also cause moisture to collect in summer. It happens when the boot that connects the duct to the vent is not properly sealed. Fortunately, this problem can easily be solved, yet it has to be taken seriously to keep you from facing serious problems.

The Danger Of Water In Your Air Duct

These droplets of water might look small, but they can cause negative effects on your health and home.

It Can Lead To Mold Growth

Moisture build-up on your air duct can cause mold to grow. Giving mold enough time and condition to grow, it can spread in your entire home and cause hazards to your home’s structure. What is even worse is it can easily spread through your vents attacking your carpet, furniture and other materials prone to mold growth. Aside from that, mold spores spreading in your home can reduce your indoor air quality and promote health hazards such as asthma, rhinitis, allergies and other health issues.

It Can Affect Your Home’s Insulation

The water that builds in your duct can drip into your home’s insulation, reducing your home’s insulation R-value. Gradually, the weight and moisture can compress your insulation and the more it gets compressed the lesser it becomes efficient. Remember that your insulation helps you save up to 10% of your total annual energy bills. When the R-value of your home’s insulation decreases, you might be facing unwanted energy loss and higher utility bills.

Water Droplets Can Cause Severe Water Damage

Moisture build-up in your ductwork can be the source of water damage to your ceiling, roof, and walls. Little by little, they can cause corrosion or decay in those materials and if moisture stands for a longer time can compromise your home’s structure.

How To Prevent Moisture Build-up In your Ductwork

What is a 1/12 slope?

1:12 slope ratio (ADA Recommended) means that for every inch of rise, you will need one foot of ramp. As an example, a 12 inch rise would require a...

Last updated Apr 19, 2018

Will an unheated garage protect plants from frost?

Even an unheated garage or shed is typically enough to keep tender plants in an above-freezing environment. Potted tropicals and houseplants should...

Last updated Feb 28, 2022

These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »

Promotion

Now, that you understand the danger water in your ductwork can do, taking some preventative steps is crucial.

Insulate Your Duct Work

Insulating your ductwork does not only help in saving energy, but it also prevents them from having condensation build-up. In the cold season, you can prevent moisture to form by allowing warm air to circulate through unused ductwork.

Seal Unused A/C Vents

Seal off unused A/C air ducts and supply and return vents if moisture is persistent, especially in winter. Remove the blockage to allow air flows properly and make sure not to airtight the dampers. Moreover, you can use foam-board insulation or plastic sheeting to close the duct.

Repair or Remove Underlying Issues

As mentioned, there could be a lot of sources of moisture build-up. It can be the water leak from your pipes or a leak that is coming from the roof. Or, maybe the clothes-dryer vent flows freely and leaks. It can also be your humidifier that is turned up too high or your furnace venting system, bathroom vents, and cook range vents are leaking. A leak from any of these sources can lead to moisture problems and if not addressed properly and immediately will end up to extensive water damage. You can use a hydrometer to check the humidity level of your home.

Use a Dehumidifier

Set up a dehumidifier in the area where your air ducts are accumulating water. This helps in preventing condensation build-up in your ductwork and controlling moisture in the air.

Schedule a Regular Maintenance

Nothing beats proper and timely maintenance. Human hair, dust, debris, pet dander, and dead insects can clog your air ducts. These blockages can restrict air to flow freely in your a/c and could even lead to dehumidifying problems. However, cleaning your ductwork is not an easy thing to do because they are quite difficult to access. It is best to leave it to professionals. They have the necessary tools and equipment in removing clogs.

Don’t let Moisture Affect Your Home’s Structure and Indoor Quality

Now, that you understand the danger moisture in your ductwork can do, take steps to prevent them. Start by cleaning your air duct, even it seems not dirty on the outside, it might be dirty on the inside. Let water damage Rancho Cucamonga help you. We provide air duct cleaning services and inspection to provide our homeowners peace of mind and a healthy home. Please get in touch with us today.

shamrockrestore.com - The Danger of Water in Your Air Duct - Shamrock Restoration

Does a firewood rack need a roof?

It's important to keep your wood dry from all directions. While you need a cover to keep the rain away, you should also protect your wood against...

Last updated Jan 11, 2021

How far up should a vapor barrier be installed?

If only adding a quality vapor barrier and not sealing the crawlspace, the experts recommend extending the vapor barrier up the wall, six to twelve...

Last updated Dec 2, 2021