Check for moisture entry from other sources
Our series on moisture in the home has focused on moisture sources leading to condensation inside the home. However, don’t forget to inspect for more obvious sources of water entry. Key areas to check include the following:
- Roof leaks (especially at chimneys, flashings, skylights and eavestroughing)
- Wall leaks (especially at window and door flashings and sills)
- Foundation leaks (especially where the ground slopes toward the foundation)
- Plumbing leaks (especially at toilet bases and under sink drains)
Keep the air circulating
Condensation and mould growth often occur in out-of-the-way areas such as closets, corners, walls behind furniture and unused rooms. Increasing air circulation to these areas will warm the cold surfaces and lower local humidity levels, reducing the potential for condensation.
- Pull furniture and stored material away from exterior walls and off basement floors.
- Leave closet doors ajar, leave bedroom doors open as much as possible and undercut doors.
- Don’t block or deflect warm air registers.
- Open drapes, blinds and curtains.
- Set the furnace fan to run continuously. (This will use more electricity, but this expense can be reduced by installing a two-speed energy-efficient motor.)
- Don’t close off or cut off the heating supply to unused rooms.
Get rid of mould
Even if you eliminate condensation and lower humidity levels in your home, existing moulds will likely persist and continue to release spores. Moulds must be physically removed. Fortunately, this is not a complex or expensive procedure. Use chlorine bleach to clean mouldy surfaces and a mixture of one part chlorine bleach, two parts water and a little detergent to clean nearby surfaces. Leave for 15 minutes and then rinse well.
These are harsh mixtures, so use gloves and protective glasses and remember to ventilate well. Badly mildewed carpets, furnishings and books will probably need to be replaced.
…To be continued February 15th, 2012.
