Ground floor apartment, humidity, and practical solutions: you often come across these three elements, especially in Italian urban contexts, where history is intertwined with the daily life of old and new buildings. Anyone who lives on the ground floor knows this: humidity is a constant presence, almost invisible but tenacious.
It almost seems like an obvious detail, yet humidity in the rooms on the ground floor is an age-old problem. From north to south, in large cities as in small towns, all it takes is a cold wall, more insistent rain than usual or simply a humid season, and the classic musty smell makes itself felt again. Here it is not just a question of aesthetics, but of health and liveability.
In historic houses, where the foundations rest directly on the ground, rising humidity is a phenomenon that is difficult to ignore. Even in the most recent buildings, designed with modern energy criteria, the challenge remains: to insulate, dehumidify, ventilate without losing too much heat or spending excessive amounts of money. In short, a delicate balance, made up of small gestures and concrete decisions which, at times, change the very perception of the house.
Main causes of humidity in ground floor apartments
We often think that humidity is just a matter of climate, but the reality is a little more nuanced. There are at least three main causes, upon closer inspection. First of all, there is the so-called rising damp: water from the subsoil rises through the walls by capillarity, especially where the old waterproofing sheaths no longer hold up or are completely absent. A classic, especially in buildings from the 60s and 70s.
Then there is internal condensation, typical of poorly ventilated or poorly heated environments. All it takes is a cold day, the windows closed, and the vapors from the kitchen or shower immediately find a place to settle. Thirdly, infiltrations from the outside: heavy rain, broken gutters, small defects in the facades can transform a wall into a sponge. A small detail: it is often the floor joints, neglected for years, that encourage water to enter.
It is not uncommon to find, in old cellars or ground floor apartments, dark stains near the skirting boards, crumbling stucco, paint that “blooms” as in a strange damp spring.
Strategies to reduce and prevent humidity: from theory to practice
There are different approaches, some more immediate, others to be planned calmly. The first step, trivial but often overlooked, is to improve ventilation. Even in winter, ten minutes of fresh air a day helps disperse internal humidity. Small practical trick: opening two opposite windows creates draft and quickly lets the stale air out.
When the situation is more serious, we turn to dehumidifiers. Electric ones are good for emergencies, but in chronic cases it is better to consider a controlled mechanical ventilation system. It seems like an investment, but in many recent condominiums it is the definitive solution to avoid mold and bad odors.
Insulating walls in contact with the ground requires more demanding work: breathable plasters, chemical barriers, bituminous sheaths. Sometimes it is enough to redo the skirting board with water-repellent materials or replace the old fixtures. Small things that change the microclimate. Finally, let’s not forget “grandmother’s” remedies: coarse salt in damp corners or boxes of bicarbonate. They don’t work miracles, but they absorb residual humidity and help in the worst months.
When to call an expert: signs not to be underestimated
Do-it-yourself solutions are not always enough. There are signs that, if ignored, can lead to structural problems. For example, if the paint is peeling off in large patches, if persistent black mold appears or if the damp smell becomes constant even with the windows open. In these cases, it is better to contact a specialized technician. An inspection with a thermo-hygrometer or a consultation to assess the presence of thermal bridges can make the difference.
The most effective interventions are often planned at the end of summer or before the autumn rains. A check on the gutters, a fix to the drains or periodic maintenance of the external walls can prevent much more expensive damage. There are also those who, in extreme cases, choose complete waterproofing with resins or renovating the ventilated crawl space. Not quick solutions, but sometimes necessary to live peacefully.
In the end, the fight against humidity is a matter of attention and constant small gestures. All it takes is a little extra care, perhaps a check after a sudden storm, to notice those details that make the difference between a liveable home and an environment that is always at risk. And sometimes, very little is enough to change the perception of four walls.
You might also be interested in: Damp smell in wardrobes? The most effective natural makeup
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