What Are the Three Drivers of the Stack Effect?

The stack effect has a few different driving forces behind it that start or perpetuate the problem. Learning a little more about these will help you understand how to solve the problem within your home.  

• Height of the Home 

The taller the home (or the building, if it’s commercial), the stronger the convection. The stack effect has a bigger effect on the entire home, so the more floors there are, the more damage that can be done. Likewise, it’s far easier to overlook the subtle signs of mold damage if you happen to have a two or three-story home. 

Because of this, it’s important for larger homes in damp areas to look into preventative solutions. For example, you may need a dehumidifier set up in the basement, crawl space, or other spots of your home. This could be paired with repairs on any of the structural support beams, should mold have already begun to settle into the walls or floors of your multi-story home. 

• Interior-Exterior Temperature Difference  

The larger the difference in temperatures, the more likely they are to mix together. If the weather is significantly colder in the winter, it will almost certainly come in through any crack or lack of insulation. This will only perpetuate the humidity problem in the basement or crawl space. 

That might be paired with other damages caused by sudden heat waves or freezes. For example, this can also lead to soil shifting or bowing walls, which can create access points throughout your home to let in pests. Having a professional examine your home for signs of mold is one step, but having them also look for related issues while they’re there can help you save on repair costs in the future. 

• Air Leakage 

This is the driver you can directly prevent, unlike the first two. Air sealing is one of the best ways to limit air seeping into the home, causing the stack effect to build inside the house. A professional can seal the most important parts of the home in the basement, crawl space, and attic. 

A professional will be able to properly assess where the seals are needed and what types are necessary. For example, your basement may benefit from simple repairs to cracks or gaps in your walls. It may also need more advanced fixes, such as a vapor barrier. Scheduling a free inspection is the quickest way to get a customized solution for your exact home, which saves you money long term.