Humidity: What Causes It and How You Can Deal With It

The appearance of mold on walls and ceilings, as well as condensation on windows, is a common problem in many homes and commercial spaces. High humidity levels not only affect the appearance and comfort of a space but can also cause allergies, discomfort, and damage to both the building structure and furniture.

For a healthy and comfortable indoor environment, humidity levels should ideally be maintained at around 50%. But what are the main causes of humidity, and how can you address them?

Cooking, showering, and drying clothes indoors generate large amounts of water vapor. When a space is not adequately ventilated, moisture accumulates, creating ideal conditions for mold growth.

Make sure to ventilate your home daily for at least 15–20 minutes. Enclosed spaces tend to trap moisture, which is why they often develop the characteristic smell of mold.

Special attention should be paid to the kitchen and bathroom:

• Always use the extractor hood while cooking.
• After showering, open a window or turn on the ventilation system.
• If you dry clothes indoors or if relative humidity exceeds 60%, using a dehumidifier can be particularly beneficial.

The absence of thermal insulation or its improper installation creates cold surfaces on walls and roofs, where condensation, dampness, and mold are likely to develop.

A comprehensive external and structural insulation system can protect a building from heat loss and play a significant role in preventing humidity problems.

At Thermoplastiki, we offer complete insulation solutions for your building:

Insulation Products

• novablok xps: The green extruded polystyrene insulation board combines outstanding thermal insulation and waterproofing properties with exceptional durability, making it a benchmark among modern insulation materials.
• feliblok plus: Made from graphite-enhanced expanded polystyrene, this next-generation insulation board offers up to 20% greater energy-saving performance while providing the advantage of up to 20% less wall thickness compared to other insulation materials on the market.
• novablok xps Terrace: A specialized roof insulation solution based on the inverted roof system. Resistant to extreme weather conditions and frost, it is suitable for both new and existing buildings.

At the same time, choosing high-performance, airtight window systems helps maintain a stable indoor temperature and reduces moisture infiltration from the outside environment.

As one of Greece’s largest window manufacturers, Thermoplastiki offers fiberglass, uPVC, and aluminum window solutions tailored to the specific needs of each home.

Many construction materials used in new buildings contain significant amounts of moisture. If a home is occupied immediately after construction or is not properly ventilated, this moisture can become trapped inside the building.

Before moving into a newly built home, allow the building sufficient time to ventilate so that the construction materials can naturally release their moisture.

Continue daily ventilation and, if necessary, use a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels below 50–55%. This significantly reduces the risk of future mold growth.

A one-piece marble window sill often acts as a thermal bridge, transferring cold temperatures from the exterior to the interior. This can lead to condensation and mold formation around window frames.

Installing a thermally broken marble sill, using an insulating material or a special synthetic profile between the two marble sections, significantly reduces heat transfer and minimizes thermal bridging.

When combined with high-performance energy-efficient window systems, this solution provides enhanced thermal comfort, better protection against humidity, and greater energy savings.

Learn more through Thermoplastiki’s «Εφ’ όλης της ύλης» series and discover additional practical tips for improving your home’s performance and comfort. https://youtu.be/4cLb_Y3fivc