Mold prevention / Green Building & Sustainable Home Renovation Information & Advice

...Mold and mildew growth. Rotting of wood framing and sheathing. Loss of insulation R-value when batt insulation gets wet. The role of the dew point The dew point is constantly moving based on the interior temperature, interior relative humidity (RH), and the exterior temperature. The insulation’s job is to slow the hea...

...mold, rot, and structural failure of walls. In any wall assembly, moisture can enter in three primary ways: bulk water intrusion (rain), vapor diffusion (moisture passing through walls), and air leakage. Understanding the distinction between the two ways moisture moves through a wall - diffusion and air leakage - is th...

...mold removal Preventing future mold growth In brief Understanding the problem: what causes mold on wood framing? Mold is a type of fungus that reproduces by releasing tiny spores into the air. When these spores land on a damp surface with an organic food source, they begin to grow. Wood framing, being an organic mate...

...mold in an eco-friendly way Mold is one of the biggest issues after flooding. Here’s how you can deal with it and mitigate mold sustainably: Anti-mold paints: There are paints available that prevent mold and mildew from growing on your walls. These paints use non-toxic biocides to keep the area dry and safe.  Using vi...

...mold and mildew off caulking If you are here to learn how to caulk properly because the caulking around your tub or sink is dirty with mold or mildew, try cleaning it first before pulling it off and replacing it. A mixture of hydrogen peroxide diluted with water will kill bacteria and could restore the caulking to a sa...

...mold or wet rot, as certain molds and fungus are spread very easily and can cause dire health issues. 4.    Finally, to fully eradicate a dry rot outbreak, there is a chance that a lot of structural framing members may need to be replaced, and making any changes to structural load bearing walls should be done by profe...

...mold, sealing these cracks is the first step. These modern repair kits are designed to reactivate if new moisture is detected, providing a 'living' seal that adjusts to the freeze-thaw cycles common in cold climates like Canada and the northern US states. Self-healing solutions for block foundations While often associ...

...prevention strategy A dimple membrane is a drainage plane, not a waterproofing seal; it cannot stop a rising water table. The most effective flood prevention begins outside by ensuring water never reaches the foundation. This involves maintaining clear eavestroughs, extending downspouts, and using proper grading or swa...

...mold in these pages :  Why are basements moldy? How to fix & prevent mold in homes How to improve basements with underfloor heating 'Smart' sewage backup flood prevention devices & alarms Rainwater management & water-permeable landscaping How to stay warm during a power outage in winter Find mor...

...mold formation. They most certainly are not based on the laws of physics,that is the one thing we know for sure. 3) The cheapest way to insulate a basement is on the inside, and using finishing materials that are moisture and therefore mold formation sensitive. This is a big problem, given the potential for mold proble...

...mold to grow in basements? Mold can grow on virtually any organic material as long as the moisture levels it likes and oxygen are present. Because mold eats or digests what it is growing on, it can damage a building and its furnishings. If left unchecked, mold eventually can cause structural damage to building material...