Many people notice that despite the wonderful warm weather outside, it is often cold and damp in the summer house. This is especially felt if the house is visited infrequently. Outside, the temperature can reach 25 degrees Celsius, while inside it does not exceed 15 degrees. This situation needs to be addressed. Who is the Master of the House?Experienced summer residents claim that the house needs to be shown who the owner is. It is important to get rid of the clutter that has accumulated over the years in basements, storerooms, and cupboards. It can become moldy and spread an unpleasant musty smell, as well as various diseases. Open all windows and doors and thoroughly ventilate all rooms; otherwise, the mustiness will not go away, even if you heat the summer house well. You need to spend time in the house frequently for it to “come alive.” This requires a sufficient amount of time and constant heating; only then will the house have time to warm up, dry out, and start retaining heat. A great option is a gas boiler, which will allow you to dry the dwelling faster than stove heating. Insulate!Sometimes the problem lies not in the absence of an owner but in the building itself. Incorrectly installed windows that let in air, issues with the foundation, pavement, or floors—all of this should be checked to identify the cause of heat loss in a timely manner. After eliminating leaks, you can focus on insulation: for example, a wooden summer house is always warmer and drier than a brick one, as wood warms up faster and retains heat longer. A properly laid and well-insulated foundation is the key to comfortable living in your house. Maybe It’s the Roof?Sometimes the rate of heat loss depends on the condition of the roof. To minimize heat loss, it needs to be insulated. Studies show that about 40% of heat escapes through the roof, as hot air rises and finds an exit through a leaky roof. You can insulate it from both the inside and the outside, and there are various materials for this. It is important to consult with specialists before choosing the right insulation. Check the Cellar or BasementThese hidden places require special attention, as they are difficult to ventilate and often accumulate unnecessary and old items. Tidy up storerooms, basements, and cupboards, dry the space with a heat fan, and eliminate mold and other damp-affected areas. Ideally, organize ventilation in such places, as the problem of the entire house may be hidden there. Look at Old Things with a New PerspectiveSometimes in the search for the source of dampness, we pay attention to the wrong items. Often, it’s the small things: carpets and rugs soaked with moisture and unpleasant odors; curtains that haven’t been cleaned for a long time; furniture upholstery that hasn’t been washed. All these items can be breeding grounds for dampness and bacteria. Get rid of them or thoroughly disinfect them so that the house can “breathe.”
