 
Typical Moisture Problem Areas
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Mould, frost, or wet insulation or wood in attic
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Mould in the bathroom
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Frost on door sills
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Damp basement walls
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Water on basement floor
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Mould behind furniture and stored items
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Frost on window frames
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Peeling paint, deteriorating siding, or efflorescence on bricks
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Mould in corners
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Wall damage and wet carpets below windows
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Condensation or frost on windows
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Mould in closets
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Sagging or stained ceilings
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Solutions:
The easiest way is to reduce moisture is by eliminating the obvious
sources inside your house. Find and repair water leaks quickly. Avoid drying
clothes indoors and vent dryers to the outside. Make sure the bathroom
fan is vented to the outside of the house and always turn on the fan when
you're having a shower. The same goes for kitchen fans, which should also
be vented to the outdoors and operating while you are cooking. Avoid using
humidifiers unless the relative humidity drops to less than 30 percent,
consider investing in a dehumidifier. Typically the relative humidity level
should be between 30 - 55 percent.
If water is coming into the basement from the outside, make sure that
eavestroughs and downspouts are directing the rain (run-off), 6 - 8 feet
away from the foundation. Make sure your landscaping slopes away from the
basement walls.
Another way to reduce moisture is by adding insulation to cold surfaces,
such as exterior corners or foundation walls that are currently not well
insulated. Air / varour barrier can be installed on the warm, (interior)
room side of the insulation to prevent hidden condensation from developing
behind the insulation. However, adding insulation alone is not recommended
without first making sure that the home is properly venilated. Typical
attic venting requirements are, 1/300 or 1-SF of actual venting per 300-SF
of roof cover. Cathedral ceilings are vented at 1/150.
Removing Mould:
Mouldy drywall, use a damp rag with baking soda or detergent. Do not
allow the drywall to get too wet. Concrete surfaces should be cleaned with
a HEPA or external exhausted vacume cleaner, then clean the surface with
detergent and water. If surfaces still look mouldy, dissolve one cup of
trisodium phosphate (TSP) in two gallons of warm water. Stir for two minutes,
taking care that it doesn't come in contact with your skin or eyes. Saturate
the concrete with the solution using a sponge or rag and keep the surface
wet for at least 15 minutes, then rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
Mouldy carpets and furniture should be thrown away. Painting over mouldy
surfaces will mask the problem but paint does not kill mould.
Other sites of interest are; www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca
& www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca
GOALS:
Our goals are, "pro bono publico-for the public good". Inspectors are
dedicated to enhancing Technical skills and Professional practice. Working
with affiliated Associations and to act in a fair, impartial & professional
manner. |
