Water Damage from Condensation

5/16/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage from Condensation

Condensation happens when there’s too much moisture for a certain temperature. In other words, condensation happens when warm, moist air touches a surface colder than the air. That air releases moisture in the form of water, which appears on the colder surface. You’ve seen it coming out of a cold glass on a warm day, and you can see this on-air conditioners too.

Air Conditioning Condensation

Your air conditioner pulls humidity from the air. As warm air flows through the evaporator coil, it absorbs heat and collects moisture. This moisture drips down into what is called a drain pan or condensation pan. You may have noticed a small dripping line coming from the outside condenser unit. This is your AC’s drain line, which helps remove condensation produced by your air conditioner’s evaporator coil. The drain line dumps water outside of your home, so it’s normal to see wet spots around your outdoor unit.

The problem lies when your indoor unit starts pooling water! If you notice water buildup coming from your indoor AC unit, you should turn it off and call a professional immediately. Excess water will harm the parts of your air conditioner and lead to water damage to your home. This damage will be costly! If your drain pan overflows, the water can back up and wreak havoc on your home! If the condensation pan and line aren’t cleaned properly, algae and mold can grow inside them, which could cause clogging as well. This could also increase humidity and create musty odors and water damage to your home.  

Frozen Evaporator Coil

You probably already know that air filters must be changed regularly to keep your air conditioner working properly. If the filters become clogged, the evaporator coil can quickly form layers of frozen condensation. Yes, ice. If you see ice buildup on your evaporator coils, it’s not a cool thing. That’s because the water buildup from a frozen evaporator coil will eventually spill over the condensation pan and onto the floor. So, whether it’s a frozen or dirty evaporator coil or a clogged drain line producing condensation, any excess water your AC can’t process has nowhere to go but back into your home. 

Excess condensation from your air conditioner leads to serious water damage. If you notice leaking water other than the normal drain line drip outside your AC, it’s a sign of huge problems ahead. If you notice mold or mildew growing around your air conditioner, or notice a marked change in the humidity of your home, it’s time to call an AC professional!

Roof Water Damage

We mentioned condensation around your windows and AC, but also look at your ceiling and roof. They will give you signs of impending water damage such as mold, mildew, and water spots. You should be able to easily identify broken or missing shingles, as well as discolored patches on your roof. Missing or damaged shingles are a result of weather damage, specifically rain.

Shingles are designed to protect your roof from the elements. And if your shingles are damaged or missing, water will eventually start making its way into your home. It starts with a small drip, but if that small drip isn’t addressed, it will become a much larger drip. That large drip could then lead to ceiling or roof collapse.

Insulation

Deteriorated insulation can also create excess humidity in your home. A well insulated home will help control condensation. Traditional insulation, like fiberglass, can wear out and get wet; therefore, spray foam insulation exists! Spray foam insulation creates an airtight seal that bonds to the infrastructure of your home. It strengthens the foundation, keeping indoor air in and outdoor air out. A poorly insulated home could lead to excess moisture in the attic or crawl spaces, which creates condensation.

High humidity also produces mildew, bacteria, and microbial growth. Condensation, microbial growth, and mildew lead to building damage. Mildew can distort wood and eat through drywall. And nasty pests, like cockroaches and rats, are attracted to humid, wet areas. Rats and other rodents are even known to make nests out of fiberglass insulation. Insulating your home with long-lasting, durable, spray foam insulation helps keep pests out. It will also strengthen your walls and your roof and help prevent water damage to your home.

Call SERVPRO of Hurst-Euless-Bedford today for any concerns regarding water damageat 817.595.0004.