Gas fired heating and water heating appliances as well as any cooking appliance that produces water vapor can also create a mold situation because of the moisture that is created. This moisture production is increased when these appliances are not cleaned and properly adjusted.
Un-vented kerosene heaters also produce moisture during combustion, and even fire wood can give off moisture both during indoor storage and combustion. Even some things that the average homeowner might think is a good idea will result in unnecessary moisture coming into the home that can easily result in mold. For example, it is a poor idea to vent a clothes dryer in a basement or other laundry area. Although this practice was used during the past emto save on costs, the amount of resulting moisture that was released into most homes made the process unworthy.
Most of the moisture produced by family activities is generated in the kitchen, bathroom and in the laundry room. Therefore exhaust fans and vents should be installed in each of these areas to prevent the buildup of mold. Usually it just takes a little forward planning and careful thought to determine which area in your home might be in danger of a mold buildup and infestation.
It might even be a good idea to develop a plan or even draw up a blueprint of some sort so that you can go around your house and check off the different areas that might need an exhaust fan or some other technique that will prevent the buildup of moisture and mold.
In homes that have no vapor retarder or a poorly installed vapor retarder, moisture can pass through the walls or ceilings either by diffusion through leakage or convection. When this occurs, moisture can condense on either the ceiling or wall insulation and this greatly reduces the R value of the installation itself and creates an ideal environment for mold to grow.
Moisture can also cause damage to plaster or wallboard and in this way promote the growth of mildew or mold. It’s essential to know the problem spots in your home and to be able to deal with them effectively. Remember too, that any gaps in insulation in the walls can be a potential problem spot for the buildup of moisture. Especially during the heating season, moisture may be seen as wet spots at the perpendicular junction where the exterior walls meet the ceiling. This is generally caused by moisture condensation on a cold spot or point where the insulation blankets in the ceiling do not overlap at the top of the wall.
It’s important to know all the trouble spots in your home and to act proactively so that you can stop the growth of mold before it starts.
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