Mold and Mildew
When you notice green discoloration on the walls or
ceiling or the room smells musty, then you know
you have a mold and mildew problem. High levels of humidity or a
water leak can cause mold and mildew. The extent of damage to the
house is proportionate to the extent and spread of mold and mildew.
This can cause structural damage, permanent discoloration of paint
and health problems as well. Mold and mildew grow and thrive in
areas that are damp. Mold and mildew is caused by:
- Water seeping through the roof, foundation
or through spaces around the windows and doors.
- Dampness caused by a leaking pipe.
- Water wetting the walls and floor from a
shower or a bathtub.
- Increased indoor humidity caused by routine
activities like showering, drying clothes and cooking.
If the problem of mold and mildew is restricted to a small area like
a corner of the ceiling or wall then it caused by water seepage. It
the problem covers a whole wall, a room or the entire basement then
it is probably caused by increased levels of humidity. Tips to
restrict the spread of mold and mildew:
- If the source of the problem is a leak, fix
it or have it fixed at once.
- If the leak is in the roof employ a
roofing contractor to fix it.
- Hire a plumber to fix a leak in the toilet,
bathtub, shower or water pipe.
- If the mold has caused extensive damage to
the structure of the house, hire a person who specializes in mold
repairing.
- Once all repairs are done dry the area
thoroughly.
- Check levels of indoor humidity and if it is
higher than 30% to 50% then reduce it.
- Cover the soil floor of the crawlspace under
the house, with plastic to stop moisture from the soil adding to
humidity of your house.
- If the soil is wet use fans to dry the soil.
- Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and
bathrooms to control humidity.
- All vent fans should be connected directly
outdoors and not to the attic.
- The vent from your clothes dryer should be
connected directly outdoors.
- Check all ducts and replace damaged ones
periodically.
- Clean ducts annually.
- Air-conditioning drain lines must be clean
for proper drainage.
- Ask a heating and cooling contractor to
inspect both heating and cooling systems to ensure that they are
removing humidity.
- Seal air leaks in ducts to prevent increase
in levels of humidity.
Damp Basement
Moisture evaporating and increasing levels of humidity inside the
house normally cause dampness in the basement. Another reason is
precipitation on cold concrete walls and floors when the weather is
very humid. Measures to prevent dampness in basement:
- After heavy rains if water stands on the
floor of the basement, this is probably because there is a leak in
the foundation.
- Ensure that the downspout runoff is directed
away from the foundation.
- The ground around the house should slope
downwards away from the foundation.
- Make sure that the sump pump is working
properly.
- In case the basement has a dirt floor it
should be covered with plastic to reduce water vapor from permeating
through the soil.
- Use dehumidifier in the basement when it is
extremely humid to reduce precipitation on the walls.
- Seal the basement properly so that humid
outdoor air does not enter it.
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