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' �ixit-Moisture Problems Page 4 of 6 . recommendation of the manufacturer of the humidifiers. If I let the humidiry level drop below 40 percent, it feels too dry. The problem is that since the ti��e�rther has gotten very cold the past few days, there are terrible ice buildups along the bottom of the windows and along the sliding glass door in the living room. 1 can't open the door unless I use a blow dryer and melt all of the ice, which builds up again by the end of the day. The apartment is heated centrally by a baseboard heater along the floors of the rooms. What is causing this to happen?Is there anything I can do to stop the ice from building up? Recommended humidity levels present a conflict for most Minnesotans. Our personal health and comfort are well served when living in humidity levels between 40 and 50 percent. The problem is our homes, apartments, and commercial buildings can't tolerate these humidity levels. Humidity above 35 percent can lead to major damage to roofs, attic areas, and walls. The ice buildup on your windows indicates too much humidity and is a signal that some insulation or wall damage will likely occur. To avoid ice buildup,you will have to cut back on the use of the humidifier. The following table provides humidity guidelines for most homes and apartments with single pane windows and storm doors. Homes with newer windows may be able to carry higher humidity levels. Use condensation on your window or patio door as an indicator of an acceptable humidity level. Outdoor Temperature Maximum Indoor Relative Humidity -20 or below 15 percent -20 to -10 20 percent -10 to 0 25 percent 0 to 10 30 percent 10 to 20 35 percent 20 to 30 40 percent Finally, I recommend against using a dryer to melt ice on the sliding glass door. This can create a "hot spot" on the glass or at the edge of the door, stressing the insulated glass and possibly causing a break in the insulating glass seal. Recommended publications: 11,��c \-l�>i�ture. ��indc��s ancl Dc�c,r� Back to beginning of or_ Adding ventilation I am very concerned about ice and moisture buildup on our windowsills. Our ' home on a lake is seven years old and the probfem is constant during the winter. Experts told us the moisture ticas due to all the sheetrock and hvo fireplaces being built in the house and that it was temporary. We have used portable dehumidifiers and had little result. My husband blames the dozen green plants I keep inside. The moistzrre has ruined the windowsills-- turned them black along the bottoms and lower sides. Do we need to put some type of air exchange into our system? Our house is well built and well insulated, but this problem is very worrisome. http://www.commerce.state.mn.us/pages/Energy/InfoCenter/FixIt/fixit04.htm 2/16/O1