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Eliminate Moisture Source
- Move furniture and stored possessions away from exterior walls.
- Install bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, vented to the exterior.
- Make sure that the clothes dryer is vented to the exterior and check for any loose connections in the dryer vent.
- Lower the humidifier settings or turn it off.
- Have your furnace and chimney checked. Spilled and recycled combustion gases can release high levels of moisture (as much as 1 gallon or 4 1/2 liters per hour for a 100,000 BTU high efficiency furnace).
- Repair damp or leaky basement.
- Replace windows that are beyond repair.
- Repair or replace the roof.
An ounce of prevention is worth ....
The attic area should be checked annually for leaks and humidity. Failing to do so could lead to costly repairs. |
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Garage: Mold in drywall
The catch basin at the end of the driveway had collapsed allowing rain water to flood the garage on several occasions. Always make repairs before mold gets a hold! |
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Mold and Mildew
Eliminate moisture Source
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Mold and mildew. Mold Testing. Mold removal contractors.
Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew are signs of high moisture or condensation levels caused by heat loss or water entering the structure (basement, roof, faulty windows, etc.) The most likely places for mould and mildew to appear are:
- High moisture area like basements and bathrooms.
- In closets next to exterior walls where temperatures are lower and air circulation is poor.
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- Behind stored possessions near exterior walls.
- Around window and door frames.
- Attic area.
Mold is a growth on moist organic matter. Mildew is mold growing on fabric.
Molds reproduce by spreading microscopic spores. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to limit moisture. During humid weather, avoid excessive ventilation and use an air conditioners and/or dehumidifier to keep relative humidity below 60%. Indoor mold growth usually can be seen or smelled. The amount of mold it takes to cause illness varies from person to person.
Mold can trigger an allergic reaction and asthma in sensitized individuals (repeated exposure to mold or mold spores sometimes causes previously non-sensitive individuals to become sensitized). About 15 million Americans are allergic to mold. The most common reactions are flu-like symptoms and asthma. Those with chronic lung or immune problems, are at risk for more serious reactions like fever, lung infections and a pneumonia-like illness.
Reactions to mold include: Respiratory problems, such as cough, sneezing, wheezing, infection, and/or difficulty in breathing. Hay fever-type symptoms. Nose and throat irritation. Nasal or sinus congestion. Watery, reddened, or burning eyes. Skin rash or irritation.
Clean up existing mold by scrubbing it away from hard non-porous surfaces using a vinegar solution or diluted bleach-water (make sure there is adequate ventilation). Porous surfaces like carpet, drywall, drapes, etc. cannot usually be salvaged once mold growth is established, and must be replaced. |
| WARNING. Failure to control mold and mildew will result in poor air quality (and poor health), wood rot, damaged insulation and costly repairs. Some moulds produce their own moisture and keep growing even after the original source of moisture has been eliminated. Even dead and dormant mold can cause health problems, so mold must be completely removed to maintain a healthy indoor environment. If you are not sure on how to tackle the mold problem call a Mold Testing and Removal Contractor. |
Ventilation will also help in eliminating or reducing moisture levels in the house. Click on spot and whole house ventilationfor for more information.
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