Why Homes in South Louisiana Feel Damp Inside (And What Actually Fixes It)

If you live in South Louisiana and your house feels damp, clammy, or “sticky” inside, you’re not imagining it.

A lot of homeowners assume it’s just “Louisiana being Louisiana”… but the truth is:✅ There are real causes✅ There are real fixes✅ And some “fixes” actually make it worse

This post will explain what’s going on in plain language so you can make smart decisions before spending money on the wrong solution.

What Does “Damp Inside” Really Mean?

Homeowners describe it like this:

• The air feels heavy

• Clothes or towels feel like they never fully dry

• The house smells musty

• You feel “hot” even when the AC is running

• Furniture feels slightly cool or sticky

• Bathrooms stay wet forever

• Windows sometimes show fog or moisture

This usually points to high indoor humidity.

What’s the Normal Indoor Humidity?

A comfortable indoor range is usually:

✅ 40%–55% humidity

In South Louisiana, we commonly see homes sitting at:

⚠️ 60%–75% humidity(and sometimes higher)

Once you stay above 60%, you’re in the zone where:

• mold can thrive

• wood starts moving more

• paint and caulk fail faster

• the home feels uncomfortable even at lower temperatures

The Big Truth: Damp Houses Usually Aren’t Just “Old”

Most damp-feeling homes have one (or more) of these problems:

1. The AC Is Cooling the House… But Not Drying It

This is the #1 reason a house feels damp inside.

Your air conditioner doesn’t just cool air — it’s also supposed to remove moisture.

But if:

• the system is oversized

• it runs short cycles

• airflow is wrong

• ducts are leaky

• returns are poorly placed

…it may cool the house down fast without pulling enough water out of the air.

So you get a house that’s 70° but still sticky.

✅ Fix: HVAC evaluation + airflow balance (not always full replacement)

2. You Have Outside Air Leaking In (More Than You Think)

In Louisiana, outside air is often hot and wet.

Any air leaks pull humidity into your home.

Common leak spots:

• around old windows and doors

• attic access doors

• recessed lights

• bad weatherstripping

• wall penetrations (plumbing, electrical)

• unsealed ductwork pulling air from attic/crawl space

✅ Fix: air sealing + insulation strategy

3. The Bathroom Fan Isn’t Actually Doing Its Job

A bathroom fan can be “running” but not removing moisture if:

• it vents into the attic (surprisingly common)

• the duct is crushed or disconnected

• the fan is too small for the bathroom

• the vent run is too long

• no one uses it long enough

✅ Fix: correct venting + correct fan size + proper ducting

4. Crawl Space / Raised Home Moisture

If your home is raised (crawl space), moisture can come up from below.

Big contributors:

• open vents letting humid air in

• wet ground under the house

• plumbing leaks

• poor drainage around the foundation

That moisture can move upward and make your whole home feel damp.

✅ Fix: drainage + vapor barrier + crawl space strategy (case-by-case)

5. Attic Heat and Humidity Problems

Attics in South Louisiana get extremely hot, and that heat drives moisture behavior in your home.

If the attic is:

• under-insulated

• poorly ventilated

• has air leaks from the house

…it can create a cycle of discomfort and moisture problems.

✅ Fix: air sealing + insulation + proper attic ventilation plan

6. Water Intrusion (The “Hidden Leak” Category)

Sometimes the house feels damp because there’s actual water getting in.

Common sources:

• old windows flashing leaks

• roof leaks

• siding leaks

• plumbing behind walls

• leaking tub/shower pan

• old caulk joints failing

Signs:

• stains

• bubbling paint

• soft drywall

• warped trim/wood

• recurring musty smell in one area

✅ Fix: find the entry point before remodeling finishes

Quick “Do I Have a Real Humidity Issue?” Checklist

If you answer yes to any of these, you likely have a humidity problem worth addressing:

• Does the house feel sticky even when it’s cool?

• Do your mirrors stay fogged a long time after showers?

• Do towels smell musty quickly?

• Do you see moisture on windows sometimes?

• Does your AC run short cycles?

• Do you smell “old house smell” that never leaves?

• Are there recurring paint/caulk failures?

What DOESN’T Fix a Damp Feeling House (Common Mistakes)

A lot of homeowners spend money in the wrong direction first.

❌ “Lower the thermostat”

This often makes it feel worse because colder air + high humidity = clammy.

❌ “Buy a stronger candle / air fresheners”

This covers the symptom, not the source.

❌ “Just paint over it”

Paint is not a moisture solution.

❌ “Replace flooring before moisture control”

New floors can buckle, cup, or fail early if humidity isn’t handled.

What Actually Fixes It (Real Solutions That Work)

The best solution depends on the real source, but here are the usual winners:

✅ Air sealing (high value, often overlooked)✅ Correct insulation strategy✅ HVAC airflow corrections✅ Proper bathroom exhaust venting✅ Crawl space moisture management✅ Dedicated dehumidifier (in some homes, a game changer)✅ Stopping real water intrusion first

The Louisiana Truth: Moisture Has to Be Managed, Not Ignored

South Louisiana homes aren’t “bad houses.”They’re just in a climate that demands smarter planning.

When moisture is controlled:

• your home feels cooler at higher temps

• your AC works better

• musty smells fade

• bathrooms stay cleaner

• floors and wood last longer

• remodel work holds up better

If You’re Planning a Remodel, Fix This First

If your home feels damp and you remodel without addressing it, you can end up with:

• mold behind new walls

• peeling paint on fresh work

• warped wood and trim gaps

• flooring failures

• expensive “redo” work

A remodel should feel better and tighter, not the same problems with a new look.

Want Help Diagnosing It the Right Way?

At Cajun Conservation, we remodel homes across South Louisiana with a focus on:

• long-term durability

• older home construction realities

• craftsmanship that holds up in our climate

If your home feels damp inside and you’re considering updates, the best first step is figuring out why — so your remodel lasts.

Question for you:Do you notice the damp feeling all over the house, or mostly in one area like bathrooms or bedrooms?