Unwanted Moisture in Historic Buildings

This year has seen a very humid summer (note earlier August 31st Dew Point post) and now continuing well into September (The outside relative humidity is currently 93% at 6PM tonight as I write this post!)

This article by the NPS has some very practical suggestions. For example:

“For a quick test to determine if a damp basement is caused by saturated walls or is a result of condensation, tape a piece of foil onto a masonry surface and check it after a day or two; if moisture has developed behind the foil, then it is coming from the masonry. If condensation is on the surface of the foil, then moisture is from the air.”

https://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/39-control-unwanted-moisture.htm#indentifydamage

A worthwhile read with valuable thoughts to consider in preparation for the fall, winter, and next year.