Remodeling your kitchen is one of the best ways to turn the current cooking space into a modern, functional area that’s full of helpful features like custom cabinetry and energy-efficient appliances. However, during the remodel, you must plan for proper moisture control, or you’ll end up with a space where the wallpaper peels off and the grout between tiles cracks and deteriorates. Here are three must-know moisture control tips that make a huge difference in protecting your remodeling investment.
Keep Your Kitchen Smelling Fresh
Your kitchen should be full of delicious cooking aromas, not musty odors caused by excess moisture from boiling water, stovetop cooking, and running the dishwasher. Those mildew-like smells will continue to settle into the porous surfaces of your wooden cabinets and textiles if you don’t have the right moisture-control methods in place. Installing a high-performance range hood that vents humid air directly outside the home rather than recirculating it indoors is a great way to keep moisture levels under control. It may also help to install a dehumidifier; this way, you’ll have another layer of protection for controlling excess moisture from cooking and cleaning.
Protect the Drywall From Expensive Water Damage
The hidden framing in your kitchen relies on the walls staying dry at all times to remain structurally sound. The last thing you want is for moisture from steaming pots or dishwasher cycles to soak into the framing, which could become a cascading nightmare for the whole renovation. Once water vapor gets trapped in wall cavities, it can do much more than ruin the surface aesthetic by causing wallpaper to peel and paint to bubble; it may also weaken the framing and drywall. The best way to avoid this is to ensure the walls built in the kitchen are damp-rated, meaning they are designed to withstand moisture and humidity.
Preserve Grout and Tile Surfaces
Much of the grout between the tiles in your kitchen will stay wet as you wash dishes, wipe down countertops, and clean up spills. If the grout and tiles aren’t properly sealed, they’re at much higher risk of cracking and deteriorating over time, making your flooring, countertops, and backsplash more susceptible to costly water damage. Some of the tiles may even pop out of place, leaving behind unsightly gaps. Working with a skilled renovation specialist is a smart way to ensure the grout is installed and sealed correctly from the start.
Protect Your Investment With Moisture Control
When you take the time to ensure your kitchen remodel has proper moisture-control measures, you’re protecting your investment. With the above tips, you can help ensure your kitchen stays dry and damage-free. If you live in Port Arthur, TX or a surrounding area and need kitchen remodeling services, make your first call to Gulf Express Construction.
