by: Author Unknown,
PMS (poor maintenance syndrome) may make your home a haven for allergens.
Surveys by the Environmental Protection Agency reveal that 30 percent to 50 percent of
all structures (home and office building) in the northern U.S. and Canada have damp
conditions, which may encourage the growth and buildup of mold, mildew and other
biological pollutants. This percentage is likely to be higher in warm, moist climates.
Researchers have found that people who live in a moldy house are more prone to
allergies, asthma, colds and other respiratory ailments. There is no practical way to
eliminate all mold and mold spores inside your home. The way to control indoor mold
growth is to control moisture entering the home.
Houses with poor ventilation and high humidity are especially susceptible to these
biological pollutants. Mold spores germinate when the humidity exceeds
70% percent. Therefore reducing indoor air humidity is key to decreasing mold growth.
The Indoor Air Quality Association recommends that indoor air temperature of 73-79
degrees in the summer and 68-74.5 degrees in the winter. The relative humidity should be
between 40%-50% for the healthiest conditions.
These tips will help alleviate house PMS and prevent your home from
becoming a breeding ground for mold and mildew:
*Air-conditioning system condensation pans under indoor units provide the
perfect environment for mold and bacteria. If accessible, be sure to check
all pans regularly and thoroughly bleach clean them as needed.
*Ground water that is not directed away from your home may penetrate the
foundation and /or the crawl space walls and will provide mold and mildew
with the moisture they require to thrive. Pipe downspouts away from the
house, and maintain a 15 percent positive grade away from your foundation.
*Exterior decaying wood may lead to water damage inside the home, creating
an inviting environment for the growth of molds.
Be sure to check all wooden surfaces inside and outside of the home that
are subject to frequent or constant moisture exposure. Lower reaches of wood
siding in contact with soil, improperly designed window and door ledges and
porches are especially vulnerable to decay.
*Be sure to inspect the inside of the home for water damage corresponding
to any found on the outside of the home and make sure to fix the source of
the water leak.
*Faulty or missing flashing allows rainwater to enter your home and settle
in seldom visited areas, such as attics and insulated cavities. Check and
maintain flashing annually.
*Unfinished, dirt-floor crawl spaces allow ground moisture to rise and
permeate house framing and insulation. Such crawl space surfaces should be
sealed by placing polyethylene sheeting over them and taping all seams and
edges. Keep crawl spaces well ventilated.
*Install proper attic ventilation,e.g. soffit vents, to increase airflow and decrease
humidity in the attic ( this will also extend the life of your roof).
* Bathrooms and laundry areas that are unventilated or poorly ventilated
encourage mold growth of mold and mildew.
Venting(including dryer vents) should always be to the outside, and not to
an interior area such as an attic or garage. Install bathroom exhaust fans
in rooms with out without exterior windows to decrease humidity.
*Humidifiers and improperly vented fuel-burning appliances can raise the
relative humidity in a room. Shut off offending appliances at first signs
of condensation on windows or other surfaces.
Check Venting systems to ensure all potentially harmful flue gas exhausts
to the exterior.
Dehumidifiers and air conditioning should be used, especially in hot, humid areas, to
draw moisture out of the air. To be sure these appliances don't themselves become
sources of biological pollutants, clean or change air conditioner filter to prevent dirt and
mold buildup.
Major systems, such as furnaces, heat pumps and central air conditioners,
should be inspected and cleaned annually before personal use.
***Be Aware of the hazards of synthetic stucco siding. In the last 10
years, more and more builders have used a synthetic stucco or Dryvit product know
as EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) which has been well received
by consumers.
This product was seen as cost effective and attractive, but has now proven to be
extremely problematic and expensive to fix. If the material is not applied properly,
seepage can get trapped behind the siding causing severe deterioration. This condition not
only deteriorates the framing of the home, but creates an environment that is extremely
conducive to the growth of toxic molds. Replacement of the improperly installed stucco
can cost in tens of thousands of dollars.
If you fall in love with a house with EIFS, just be sure to have a home inspector trained in
EIFS inspection take a detailed look at the home. Be prepared to walk away in the vent
the inspector sees problems.
PMS (poor maintenance syndrome) may make your home a haven for allergens.
Surveys by the Environmental Protection Agency reveal that 30 percent to 50 percent of
all structures (home and office building) in the northern U.S. and Canada have damp
conditions, which may encourage the growth and buildup of mold, mildew and other
biological pollutants. This percentage is likely to be higher in warm, moist climates.
Researchers have found that people who live in a moldy house are more prone to
allergies, asthma, colds and other respiratory ailments. There is no practical way to
eliminate all mold and mold spores inside your home. The way to control indoor mold
growth is to control moisture entering the home.
Houses with poor ventilation and high humidity are especially susceptible to these
biological pollutants. Mold spores germinate when the humidity exceeds
70% percent. Therefore reducing indoor air humidity is key to decreasing mold growth.
The Indoor Air Quality Association recommends that indoor air temperature of 73-79
degrees in the summer and 68-74.5 degrees in the winter. The relative humidity should be
between 40%-50% for the healthiest conditions.
These tips will help alleviate house PMS and prevent your home from
becoming a breeding ground for mold and mildew:
*Air-conditioning system condensation pans under indoor units provide the
perfect environment for mold and bacteria. If accessible, be sure to check
all pans regularly and thoroughly bleach clean them as needed.
*Ground water that is not directed away from your home may penetrate the
foundation and /or the crawl space walls and will provide mold and mildew
with the moisture they require to thrive. Pipe downspouts away from the
house, and maintain a 15 percent positive grade away from your foundation.
*Exterior decaying wood may lead to water damage inside the home, creating
an inviting environment for the growth of molds.
Be sure to check all wooden surfaces inside and outside of the home that
are subject to frequent or constant moisture exposure. Lower reaches of wood
siding in contact with soil, improperly designed window and door ledges and
porches are especially vulnerable to decay.
*Be sure to inspect the inside of the home for water damage corresponding
to any found on the outside of the home and make sure to fix the source of
the water leak.
*Faulty or missing flashing allows rainwater to enter your home and settle
in seldom visited areas, such as attics and insulated cavities. Check and
maintain flashing annually.
*Unfinished, dirt-floor crawl spaces allow ground moisture to rise and
permeate house framing and insulation. Such crawl space surfaces should be
sealed by placing polyethylene sheeting over them and taping all seams and
edges. Keep crawl spaces well ventilated.
*Install proper attic ventilation,e.g. soffit vents, to increase airflow and decrease
humidity in the attic ( this will also extend the life of your roof).
* Bathrooms and laundry areas that are unventilated or poorly ventilated
encourage mold growth of mold and mildew.
Venting(including dryer vents) should always be to the outside, and not to
an interior area such as an attic or garage. Install bathroom exhaust fans
in rooms with out without exterior windows to decrease humidity.
*Humidifiers and improperly vented fuel-burning appliances can raise the
relative humidity in a room. Shut off offending appliances at first signs
of condensation on windows or other surfaces.
Check Venting systems to ensure all potentially harmful flue gas exhausts
to the exterior.
Dehumidifiers and air conditioning should be used, especially in hot, humid areas, to
draw moisture out of the air. To be sure these appliances don't themselves become
sources of biological pollutants, clean or change air conditioner filter to prevent dirt and
mold buildup.
Major systems, such as furnaces, heat pumps and central air conditioners,
should be inspected and cleaned annually before personal use.
***Be Aware of the hazards of synthetic stucco siding. In the last 10
years, more and more builders have used a synthetic stucco or Dryvit product know
as EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) which has been well received
by consumers.
This product was seen as cost effective and attractive, but has now proven to be
extremely problematic and expensive to fix. If the material is not applied properly,
seepage can get trapped behind the siding causing severe deterioration. This condition not
only deteriorates the framing of the home, but creates an environment that is extremely
conducive to the growth of toxic molds. Replacement of the improperly installed stucco
can cost in tens of thousands of dollars.
If you fall in love with a house with EIFS, just be sure to have a home inspector trained in
EIFS inspection take a detailed look at the home. Be prepared to walk away in the vent
the inspector sees problems.
Yes this is right... Synthetic or Dryvit stucco can be hazardous in a way especially when it is not properly installed. Thus, a need of an expert is important to install it right, to avoid any health complication that it may bring.
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