The appearance of moisture can be a significant problem, as it is often associated with mold or mildew growth. These can be very dangerous to our health and adversely affect the condition of the building. The problem of moisture affects not only old buildings, but also new and modernized ones.

There are several types of moisture that occur in buildings. Its causes can vary greatly, so it is important to choose the right method of prevention or control:

•    Operational — occurs constantly in every building in use, and intensifies during the heating season, when there is a significant temperature difference between the interior and exterior of the building. Operational moisture can take three forms: condensation (occurring during household activities such as cooking or bathing), capillary (drawn up from the ground by microscopic capillaries present in materials) and atmospheric (entering the building from outside as a result of, for example, precipitation).

•    Technological — arises in the production process of materials such as bricks and concrete. Its presence is typical in newly built or renovated buildings. Its excess can lead to serious consequences, such as deformation or the formation of mold that is difficult to remove.

•    Construction moisture — appears on inadequately protected materials used in the construction process, both during storage and during the construction of the building.

Preventing operational moisture involves several essential practices, including proper ventilation, airing, and maintaining adequate humidity at 40-60%. In modern homes, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery is recommended to allow for optimal air flow and humidity control. In old buildings, short, intensive airing should be used. It may be helpful to monitor the humidity level with an electric meter and use moisture absorbers. Plants such as ferns and spathiphyllum are natural moisture absorbers, so it is worth placing them in critical areas. 

When it comes to technological moisture, in order to avoid it, appropriate practices should be used from the design stage to the implementation of wet works, such as concreting, plastering, and pouring floors. As with operational moisture, thorough ventilation is essential during and after construction. It is also advisable to use materials with low moisture content and to protect and store them appropriately. 

To effectively prevent construction moisture, it is crucial to choose the right materials and insulation. Currently, there is a wide range of moisture-resistant products available on the market, such as ceramic blocks and waterproof concrete. Solid moisture insulation is also important. It is worth regularly checking the tightness of joints and structural details, as these are places where thermal bridges can form.

Consistent application of these principles will avoid or at least significantly reduce the risk of moisture, and thus prevent costly and dangerous structural and health problems.