8 Best Building Materials for Humid Climates

Published Categorized as Building Materials
Building Tropical Climate
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you live in a humid climate, you know how difficult things can be. With all that moisture in the air, it can halt some of your projects. Have you been looking for the best building materials for your humid climate? The best materials for humid climates are engineered hardwood, spray foam insulation, clay or lime plasters, proper windows and ventilation, waterproof paint, and sealants. Concrete can be used in humid climates, but excellent humidity control must also be established. Let’s take a closer look at what makes a climate humid before we dive right into some of the best building material options on the market.

What Makes a Climate Humid?

Have you ever been out with friends or family, and one or more of them commented on the humidity? Perhaps you yourself have made those same comments. Have you ever wondered what is making the environment of humid climates so unpleasant? It’s a simple answer, but there’s also a lot of science to it. The simple answer is that a humid climate has a lot of water vapor in the air. The more water vapor in the air, the more humid it will be. This water vapor appears in the atmosphere as water evaporates. Hotter climates tend to have more humidity because heat makes water evaporate faster. Places with a lot of trees will also have high humidity. The amount of moisture trees cause this release back into the air during transpiration. This water is absorbed through the soil and released through the leaves.

How to Pick the Best Materials

If you’re building any structure, you will need to be able to choose materials that hold up in all climates. These structures will take a lot of abuse from wind, rain, animals, cold weather, and heat. The materials you use have to be able to withstand all of it. This is especially true when it comes to choosing exterior siding. Moisture is the most destructive element that your siding will be exposed to. Wood or clay are materials ideal for warmer climates, which are more likely to be humid. In environments that have hot, humid days but cool nights, it’s important to find lightweight materials with a low thermal mass. Thermal mass is the material’s ability to absorb and store heat. Concrete, bricks, and tiles have a high thermal mass due to the heat energy needed to change their temperatures. This makes concrete an ideal building material for climates that are hot during the day but cooler at night. Using high thermal mass materials might help avoid some moisture problems in your building, but it will take a lot more energy to cool those materials down if you live in a humid climate. Using low thermal mass materials such as wood for your framework, walls, and ceilings is best.

8 Best Building Materials for Humid Climates

Since humidity is such a widespread issue that many places and climates have to deal with, there are many different materials that work. Below is a list of the 8 best building materials for a humid climate.

Engineered Hardwood

Wood is a common building material, but it might not be the best option because of its ability to absorb moisture. However, engineered hardwood could work out much better if you live in a particularly humid climate. Engineered hardwood is made in high-heat environments and uses pressure-treated plywood or fiberboard to bond to a thin layer of wood. This makes the material more durable and watertight, which would prevent warping and mold. That makes this ideal for flooring in humid climates. You can find these types of engineered hardwood flooring planks at places like Home Depot, where they have a variety of species and stains.

USG Structo-Lite Basecoat Plaster

Natural plaster can absorb indoor humidity and release it slowly over time. Clay and lime plasters are mold-resistant, making them ideal for building in humid climates. What makes clay such a beneficial material for humid climates is that it allows moisture to pass through the building freely. Clay plaster is also capable of maintaining indoor humidity levels by storing moisture when levels reach over 50%. The plaster will then release the moisture back into the air once it drops below 50% humidity. USG Structo-Lite Basecoat Plaster is an example of a clay plaster that works for humid climates. The only thing needed to mix this plaster is water, and it weighs less than some of the competitive options out there.

Eagle Concrete

Concrete can be an effective building material in a humid climate if there is proper humidity control inside the structure. Excessive moisture will affect concrete negatively if there’s a lack of air circulation and climate control. When the heat gets into the building through vents, windows, and other openings, it will create condensation without proper circulation. Once this condensation occurs, it will settle on the concrete and potentially damage it. This is why it’s important to have proper ventilation and airflow throughout the building as well as sealing it so that it’s airtight. Home Depot has Eagle Concrete, which is a water sealant concrete that repels water. The water beads up on the concrete and is less likely to cause damage.

Spray Foam Insulation

There are two types of spray foam insulation options to choose from open-cell and closed-cell. The one you use will depend on where in the building you decide to use the spray foam. Open-cell spray foam in humid climates should be used on attics, walls, and roofs. Open-cell foam is more breathable and allows moisture to pass through the building without causing damage to other areas. Closed-cell spray foam — or open-cell with a vapor resistant paint — can be used in basements and under floorboards where damage is more likely to occur from outdoor moisture. Closed-cell spray foam is also ideal for areas of your building that could be at risk of flooding. The Touch-N-Foam spray foam from Home Depot is moisture resistant and is closed-cell spray foam. It also doesn’t expand or shrink, which makes it a durable option to build with.

ThermaStar by Pella Windows

Ventilation is ideal to keep internal moisture at a comfortable level. This will ensure that the materials used inside — such as the joints and wall studs — won’t mold or rot from the moisture content. The best way to get natural ventilation is through wide windows that allow a cross-breeze to pass through the building. The best kind of window to use for humid climates is an energy-efficient one that is properly sealed. If it isn’t sealed, moisture can seep in and cause harmful mold and other bacteria. A good example of an energy-efficient window is the ThermaStar by Pella, which is available at Lowe’s. This window offers vinyl framing that has been made to withstand the weather.

Hugger 52in Indoor Fan

When using windows won’t work to get the right airflow through the building, installing vents are another option too. Bathroom vents and vents above the stove can help decrease the moisture in the air left by showers or cooking. Another great way of keeping airflow moving throughout your building is the use of ceiling fans. These fans keep the heat down while also ensuring the moisture evaporates within your building more quickly. Ceiling fans like the Hugger 52in Indoor fan from Home Depot are great options and not too expensive. You’ll be able to keep the air cool and dry within the building, which will keep the humidity out.

Rust-Oleum Zinsser PermaWhite Exterior Paint

This paint is an excellent building material for its ability to prevent mold and mildew. Almost all paint can provide a barrier that protects your building from the outside moisture. Rust-Oleum Zinsser exterior paint goes beyond what regular paint can. It has a strong mildewcide that keeps the mold from moisture from forming on the paint itself.

Thompson’s WaterSeal

Moisture sealants are vital to making sure the building is protected against the moisture found in humid climates. Sealing wood is especially important due to its organic makeup. Moisture causes wood to rot, and the more moisture in the air, the faster that could potentially happen. Making sure that wood is sealed will help prolong its life. An example is Thompson’s WaterSeal, which can be purchased on Amazon. It only needs one coat and provides protection from water and moisture. Use it on decks, fences, and exterior wood.

Things to Consider When Building in Humid Climates

There are a lot of different ways you can do things, no matter what the project is. Here is a list of things you should keep in mind when building in a humid climate.

Watch Out for Vinyl Siding

Even though vinyl siding is great for its waterproof properties, it’s also prone to more cracking in the heat. If you live in an area that has a lot of rainfall as well as heat, your vinyl siding could suffer from it. The heat and rain could warp or disfigure thin layers of vinyl, so it’s important to keep that in mind when choosing what building materials you plan to use. Vinyl can be a viable option as long as you invest in higher quality material.

Keep in Mind Which Direction the Building Faces

One of the best ways to combat humidity is to reduce the heat inside. You can do this by paying close attention to the orientation of the building. Make sure there are rooms with two exterior walls. This will allow for better airflow through cross-breezes.

Other Insulation Options Available

Spray foam is a great option because of how sealed it gets where it’s applied. However, there are other options out there to consider as well. Some of them may even work out better for your building project.
  • Fiberglass – Fiberglass is made of small glass fragments that are woven together. This is a good insulation method for humid climates because it absorbs very little water. However, you want to make sure that when cutting the material to install that you cut it accurately so that it fits snugly in the space you intend to fill.
  • Mineral Wool – Even though fiberglass is water-resistant, if it gets wet it gets soggy. This makes it less effective than the mineral wool alternative. This is made in a similar way as fiberglass, except it’s made out of volcanic rock, usually basalt.
  • Flexible elastomeric – This is a great material to use for plumbing and ductwork. It keeps moisture away from the pipes and vents to prevent any damage there. It prevents condensation and is resistant to dirt.
  • Cellular glass – This lightweight and durable insulation is moisture resistant and doesn’t absorb water.
These are other great options because of the fact that mold doesn’t grow on them. Despite that, mold can grow on the paper backing found on most of them. It’s suggested that you don’t use any materials that get wet during installation.

Vapor Barriers

In humid climates, having a vapor barrier could be more important than in non-humid climates. This barrier is usually made from plastic or foil, and it works to keep the moisture from the outside from getting into your home. These vapor barriers act as a shield to keep the humid air from getting through and settling on the cooler surfaces inside the wall. However, sometimes this can still cause more damage if not done properly. Despite the importance of vapor barriers, it’s more important to make sure a building is air sealed instead. Vapor barriers have the potential of trapping water vapor, which could cause more damage the longer it sits.

Roofing Materials

For your roofing options, you’re going to want to pick something waterproof and durable. It needs to be able to hold up against all weather and abuse. Here is a list of options that could work for your humid climate:

Asphalt Shingles

While mildew and mold are less likely to grow on asphalt shingles, there is still a chance that water can get beneath them and damage the structure underneath. A vapor barrier would be required to prevent this.

Cedar Shake Roofing

Cedar shake is a unique looking roofing option that you may be inclined to consider. If properly cleaned and maintained, it could last you 30 years. However, moisture can negatively affect a cedar shake roof. In order to prevent that, you need to keep the roof cleaned and maintained every 2-4 years.

Metal Roof

The option of a metal roof can work in humid climates because of its nonporous makeup. There are options like powdered-coated metal roofing that would help prevent rust or corrosion. However, the biggest issue with metal roofing is the condensation on the underside of the metal panels. When temperature and humidity reach a certain point, the moisture in the air will condense on the underside of the panels. This could, in turn, cause damage to the inside of the building.

Spanish Tile

When properly installed and cared for, tile roofing options have the potential to last 100 years. The biggest problems with this style of roofing are how heavy they are, and their cost. They are typically more expensive than other roofing styles. The structure they are placed on must be able to hold the weight as well. One square foot of Spanish tile roofing weighs approximately 850lbs (386kg). Despite that, these do make an excellent roofing option.

Slate Roofs

Not only is slate waterproof, but it’s also fire resistant and one of the most durable roofing options available. The biggest problem is similar to the asphalt roofing option. Water and moisture have the potential of getting trapped underneath the shingles. This can cause damage to the roof material below. It’s important to place a waterproof material underneath the slate tiles before installing them. The only major concern with this style of roofing is that it’s expensive. You risk spending close to $900 per square foot of tile. Concrete tiles are a less expensive alternative. When it comes to your roof, you’ll need to make sure that it’s properly installed, sealed, and vented so that it provides you with the longest lasting life expectancy.

Drywall Is Moisture Sensitive

Drywall is a very moisture-sensitive substance. It’s known to fall apart easily with even a small amount of water exposure. This can be a problem since drywall is a common building material. Many homes use this kind of material for walls because it’s cheap. It’s important to take moisture level readings when installing drywall. If the moisture content in the drywall is over 1%, it’s considered too wet to use.

Summary

There are always going to be different materials you can use for building. Hopefully, this list of 8 best building materials for humid climates will help you find the right materials for your area.

Sources

By Giovanni Valle

Giovanni Valle is a licensed architect and LEED-accredited professional and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). He is the author and managing editor of various digital publications, including BuilderSpace, Your Own Architect, and Interiors Place.

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