MAKE YOUR HOME UNFRIENDLY TO MOLD
Mold spores are present everywhere. Mold growth is most prolific in warm, damp weather, but high indoor moisture levels and poor ventilation can contribute to mold growth any time of year. To help reduce the potential for mold, provide adequate air circulation and reduce moisture levels in mold-prone areas, such as basements and storage areas.
Avoid storing items directly against walls in potentially damp areas, which restrict air circulation and trap moisture against surfaces. Also consider placing boxes and storage containers on blocks or pallets to allow for air flow.
If you’re going away for an extended period of time, remember that a closed-up house usually creates an environment where air changes occur very slowly. Any water vapor present can condense on the cooler surfaces and allow mold to grow as the temperature warms up.
Frequent air change will help control moisture levels and keep moisture and mold spores from building up. When outdoor weather is appropriate, promote air flow and air changes by using air circulating fans and/or opening the windows slightly. Dehumidifiers can help remove moisture from the air, but realize mold spores will remain. Problems may re-occur when moist conditions return.
Since prevention is always the best way to keep a home fit, the following tips can avoid the potential health and financial burdens associated with mold. For additional guidance on mold issues, visit the Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Quick Tips:
Avoid resting long-term storage directly against walls.
Place storage boxes on pallets.
Keep basement windows slightly open during mild, dry weather.
Maintain air circulation in all areas, particularly basements and storage areas.
Filter fresh air changes to help keep spores from building up.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Your Fall Checklist for Home Maintenance
Many areas have already had a taste of fall weather, and it’s not far behind for most others. Now is the time to make sure your house and heating system are ready for winter. Here is a brief checklist to guide you through some basic tasks before it is too late:
GROUNDS
Check window wells, dry wells and storm drains for debris or blockage.
Repair any driveway cracks and/or heaved or settled walkways.
Trim all trees and shrubs that are too close to the house.
Check (ideally during a rainstorm) for rainwater drainage away foundation.
Clean and put summer furnishings away.
Drain and store garden hoses.
EXTERIOR SURFACES
Check weathertightness of all exterior surfaces and components.
Check for deterioration of painted or finished areas. If too late for a full paint job, prime and touch-up bare wood surfaces.
Caulk and seal all joints in siding, around windows and doors.
Check and seal any foundation cracks.
Improve weatherstripping at exterior doors and windows as needed.
Reset storms and screens where required.
Look for any signs of insect or pest activity around the foundation and at wood components close to the ground.
ROOF (Use binoculars or hire a professional.)
Check for loose, damaged or missing roofing.
Check eave areas for signs of moisture build-up or damage.
Check the condition of chimneys.
Check flashings for signs of lifting or damage and repair as needed.
Check and clean all gutters (eavestroughs) and downspouts.
ATTIC
Check ventilation openings for nests or other blockage.
Check the position and condition of insulation for uniform coverage.
Look for any signs of excessive moisture or heat buildup.
INTERIOR ROOMS
Check all areas for signs of roof or plumbing leakage.
Have any fireplaces or wood stoves and flues checked and professionally cleaned.
Reset automatic timers for the change in daylight hours.
Check all smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if over a year old.
Test Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (GFCI’s) using built-in test buttons.
HEATING/COOLING SYSTEMS
Clean all elements of the cooling system.
Remove (or winterize) room air conditioners.
Follow manufacturer instructions for the maintenance of your heating system.
Change or clean heating system filters on warm air systems (now and regularly).
Check heating and cooling systems for any evidence of water leaks.
If present, clean and test the humidifier.
Have your heating system serviced annually by a qualified heating serviceperson before the heating season to keep it functioning efficiently and properly.
PLUMBING
Drain exterior water lines and open taps (in cold areas).
Insulate water lines that are subject to freezing.
Check the condition and temperature setting of the water heater. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the temperature setting.
Check the plumbing system and fixtures for any evidence of water leaks or blocked drains.
Confirm proper operation of any sump pumps and free flow of the drain line.
Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue.
GROUNDS
Check window wells, dry wells and storm drains for debris or blockage.
Repair any driveway cracks and/or heaved or settled walkways.
Trim all trees and shrubs that are too close to the house.
Check (ideally during a rainstorm) for rainwater drainage away foundation.
Clean and put summer furnishings away.
Drain and store garden hoses.
EXTERIOR SURFACES
Check weathertightness of all exterior surfaces and components.
Check for deterioration of painted or finished areas. If too late for a full paint job, prime and touch-up bare wood surfaces.
Caulk and seal all joints in siding, around windows and doors.
Check and seal any foundation cracks.
Improve weatherstripping at exterior doors and windows as needed.
Reset storms and screens where required.
Look for any signs of insect or pest activity around the foundation and at wood components close to the ground.
ROOF (Use binoculars or hire a professional.)
Check for loose, damaged or missing roofing.
Check eave areas for signs of moisture build-up or damage.
Check the condition of chimneys.
Check flashings for signs of lifting or damage and repair as needed.
Check and clean all gutters (eavestroughs) and downspouts.
ATTIC
Check ventilation openings for nests or other blockage.
Check the position and condition of insulation for uniform coverage.
Look for any signs of excessive moisture or heat buildup.
INTERIOR ROOMS
Check all areas for signs of roof or plumbing leakage.
Have any fireplaces or wood stoves and flues checked and professionally cleaned.
Reset automatic timers for the change in daylight hours.
Check all smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if over a year old.
Test Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (GFCI’s) using built-in test buttons.
HEATING/COOLING SYSTEMS
Clean all elements of the cooling system.
Remove (or winterize) room air conditioners.
Follow manufacturer instructions for the maintenance of your heating system.
Change or clean heating system filters on warm air systems (now and regularly).
Check heating and cooling systems for any evidence of water leaks.
If present, clean and test the humidifier.
Have your heating system serviced annually by a qualified heating serviceperson before the heating season to keep it functioning efficiently and properly.
PLUMBING
Drain exterior water lines and open taps (in cold areas).
Insulate water lines that are subject to freezing.
Check the condition and temperature setting of the water heater. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the temperature setting.
Check the plumbing system and fixtures for any evidence of water leaks or blocked drains.
Confirm proper operation of any sump pumps and free flow of the drain line.
Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue.
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