consider these tips:

• Bathrooms are an obvious source of moisture build-up. Contractor

and TV personality Mike Holmes recommends keeping the fan going

for at least a half hour after a shower.

• Check regularly for water infiltration around window and door sills, as

well as other intakes into the home, such as dryer vents and cable

wiring.

• Determine the humidity level in your home. According to the

Environmental Protection Agency, it should be 30-60%. (Keep in

mind that humidity may vary greatly from room to room.)

• Regularly inspect caulking around sinks, tubs and showers. Even a

tiny break can cause water to leak gradually into the wall or floor,

causing damage you may not notice for months.

• Clean up wet spills as soon as possible. On hardwood floors

especially, water can seep through and become trapped.

• Repair leaking faucets, toilets and pipes immediately. A drip can

quickly become a shower.

Being mindful of moisture today can help you avoid potentially high repair

bills later on.