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Problem
#1
Leaky
air-conditioning duct joints, especially those
running through a hot attic, create a moist environment
for mildew.
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Solution
Seal all duct joints with the special flexible mastic
available at heating and cooling supply stores.
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Problem
#2
In warm environments, impermeable vinyl
wallcoverings can trap moisture-laden air as it
moves from the warm exterior to the cooler interior.
Mold degrades the drywall and adhesive behind the vinyl
wallcovering.
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Solution
Use paint or apply wallcoverings with permeable paper
backings that don’t trap moisture on exterior walls.
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Problem
#3
When washing machines in
a room without a floor drain overflow or hose
connections burst, water with no point of exit will soak
into adjacent carpet, drywall and insulation.
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Solution
Always provide a floor drain near the washing machine.
Install an overflow pan directly under the machine or
install a 1-in. lip at the doorway to contain overflows
in main-level or second-story laundry rooms. (An
overflow pan is available for about $125 plus shipping
from AMI, 800-929-9269.)
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Problem
#4
Water-resistant
drywall used as a tile backer quickly degrades once
subjected to moisture.
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Solution
Install cement backer board, which will remain
structurally sound even if repeatedly subjected to
moisture.
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Problem
#5
Poorly ventilated
bathrooms allow surface mold to grow.
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Solution
Install a bathroom fan (or at least, open a window) to
exhaust moisture. Remove surface mildew by scrubbing the
area with a 1/2 percent bleach solution. When the area
is dry, prime it with an alcohol-based, white pigmented
shellac, such as Zinsser Bullseye, and use a paint
containing mildewcide.
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Problem
#6
Poorly constructed crawlspaces
promote mildew growth. Bare earth floors transmit huge
amounts of moisture.
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Solution
There are many regional differences and solutions. Cover
bare earth with 6-mil poly sheeting. Heat, cool and
humidify the area the same as the rest of the house.
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Problem
#7
Freshly cut firewood stored
indoors emits huge amounts of moisture.
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Solution
Store it outside. |
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Problem
#8
Humidifiers (especially
reservoir-type central units and portable units) provide
both a growth medium and a distribution system for mold
and mildew.
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Solution
Lean and treat the reservoir often with an antimicrobial
solution, available at most hardware stores.
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Problem
#9
The condensation pan
directly under the coil of your central air conditioner
can harbor mold.
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Solution
Before each cooling season, clean the pan with a 1/2
percent bleach solution and make sure the continuous
drain is working.
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Problem
#10
Finished concrete basements that
haven’t been thoroughly waterproofed from the outside
are problematic. When moisture migrates through the
earth and non-waterproofed concrete walls, it can get
trapped behind vapor barriers, carpet, layers of
insulation and drywall.
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Solution
Thoroughly waterproof the exterior of concrete walls
before backfilling. Install 6 in. of gravel under
concrete floors during construction to prevent moisture
from wicking up through concrete floors and into floor
coverings.
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Problem
#11
Yards that slope toward
foundations invite water to enter basements and
crawlspaces.
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Solution
Regrade yard surrounding house so it slopes away at a
rate of 1 in. per foot.
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Problem
#12
Improperly
flashed or caulked windows (and those with large
amounts of surface condensation) let moisture seep into
the surrounding wood, drywall and insulation.
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Solution
Properly flash and caulk windows during installation;
minimize condensation with good ventilation and airflow.
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Problem
#13
Leaky flashings and
shingles allow rain to infiltrate attics,
insulation, eaves and other areas that can trap moisture
and be difficult to inspect.
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Solution
Perform yearly roof inspections—even if you do it from
the ground with binoculars.
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| Courtesy
of The Family Handyman Magazine® |
