Moisture carried in air passing through openings around electric outlets, recessed light fixtures, and other sites can penetrate the interior of the home structure, damaging insulation and the wood frame. A number of strategies are used to control indoor moisture, including ventilation, sealing indoor air leaks, and adding insulation and installing an air vapor barrier on the interior side of the insulation in wall and ceiling areas where condensation collects. Sealing indoor air leaks is another important strategy to reduce moisture penetration into insulation and frame. Applying caulk around these openings at plumbing and electrical penetrations in the walls and other areas reduces heat loss as well as keeps moisture from entering the wall interior. Before employing any of these strategies, Smith warns, it is important to make sure you provide adequate combustion air for your furnace, water heater, and other fuel-burning appliances.
Excess moisture can have many causes and as a result often requires more than one solution.
Combustion Air - how to install a combustion air supply and test for combustion air. Home Moisture - causes of moisture and strategies to control moisture. Windows and Doors - how to improve energy efficiency of windows.