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Jump to the info you want by clicking a link below:
• Moisture & Conditions for Wood Decay
• Fast Facts About Lumber & Mold
• Stopping Mold: Prevention from Mill to Builder
• Mold Prevention Tips for the Homeowner
• Mold Prevention Tips for the Homebuyer
• Mold Removal and Remediation
• Health Effects Associated with Mold
• Links to More Information
• Download Lumber Tip Sheet: Managing Moisture & Mold
Mold Prevention Tips for the Homeowner
Your home is an assembly of structural, mechanical and electrical systems working in concert to provide comfort and protection from the elements. Properly designed and maintained, your home can last for generations. But to hold the line against mold and other decay-promoting organisms, you must control moisture. Here are some tips:
Foundations and Exterior Systems
- Grade your lot so that landscaping slopes away from the structure and drains water away from the foundation. Install downspouts and long splash pads so flow is directed away from the foundation.
- Repair cracks in concrete slab or basement foundations.
- If you have a basement, maintain your sump pump to insure proper operation.
- Do not block vents in a crawlspace foundation. Some homeowners believe this saves energy or helps keep the floor warmer in the winter months, but they forget to remove the vent covers during warm weather, causing moisture buildup and eventually mold. Proper insulation between floor joists and strategic placement of rugs and carpets inside will help keep your floor comfortable in the winter.
- Do not caulk or otherwise block weep holes in brick veneer walls. Weep holes, usually located in the bottom row of bricks on a slab foundation, allow moisture to escape and prevent condensation buildup behind the wall system. Blocking the flow of air behind the brick will hold in moisture and can promote mold growth and decay. Likewise, watch your landscaping. Covering weep holes with dirt and mulch to build up flowerbeds abutting a slab will also block airflow and creates a perfect entry for termites.
- Repair cracked flashing and caulking around windows and doors.
- If you live in a flood zone, understand in advance the steps needed to protect and disinfect your home after a flood. A booklet offered by The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Red Cross, Repairing Your Flooded Home (PDF download in English or Spanish), has tips on cleaning mold and drying out your home and its lumber framing.
Interiors and Mechanical Systems
- Install adequate insulation in the exterior walls.
- Fix plumbing leaks immediately. Properly insulate pipes and ductwork to prevent condensation.
- Keep relative humidity below 40% inside the home. Check all HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems annually to insure efficient operation. Seal ductwork and properly adjust duct dampers and room registers to insure balanced air conditioning room-to-room. If you use a dehumidifier, keep it emptied.
- Vent moisture laden air from the clothes dryer, bathroom and kitchen to the outdoors, never to an attic or crawlspace.
Attics and Roofs
- Repair roof leaks (shingles, flashing), or replace the roof if needed.
- Keep roof valleys and rain gutters free of leaves and other debris.
- Do not cover or block attic turbines and/or roof vents (soffit, gable, or ridge). Some homeowners think this saves energy in the winter months, but often forget to remove the covers when warm weather arrives, causing moisture and heat buildup. This not only leads to mold, but may severely damage the roof system. Adding insulation in the ceiling the best solution to energy savings.
Remodeling
- Plan remodeling projects and/or additions carefully to insure that design, modifications, materials and installation do not compromise the existing structure and create new moisture problems. Do-it-yourselfers should consider reviewing plans with a professional.
Mold Prevention Tips for the Homebuyer
As mentioned above, to control mold, you must control moisture. Whether planning to buy an existing home or build a new home, here are some tips to consider when house hunting:
Pre-Owned Home
- Consider the architecture. Is it appropriate for the region? Has
the design and style weathered the rigors of the native climate over
the years, or are there signs that moisture or other exposures have
taken their toll on certain areas of the home?
- Look closely at the systems mentioned in the homeowner tips above.
Consider hiring an independent home inspector. Find a certified inspector
in your area at National Association of Home Inspectors web site.
- Find out if the home is in a flood plain. Has it ever flooded? Is
the height of the foundation above the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated base flood elevation
(BFE)? If so, how high is the foundation above the BFE? If flooded,
was the home thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to remove moisture
and prevent mold. Flood maps are available from FEMA.
- Trust your eyes and nose. Look for signs of moisture problems or
water damage. Check for mold on surfaces, water spots on the ceiling,
or other telltale water damage around doors, window casements, or
under cabinets. Any home will smell a little musty if left unoccupied
for a while, but areas with strong musty odors may mean trouble.
New Construction
- Consider the architecture carefully when designing the home. Will the proposed design and style adequately weather the rigors of the regional climate? Consider the architecture and construction techniques of traditional and historic homes in the area that have withstood the test of time.
- If building in a flood plain make sure the height of the foundation is built above base flood elevation (BFE). Flood maps are available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). (Generally, structures within the floodplain on FEMA maps are required to have flood insurance. The premiums paid for those policies can be reduced if the lowest floor of a structure is above the BFE shown on the FEMA maps. The higher above the flood elevation the lower the premium.)
- Consider building your home on a raised floor, either crawl space with a continuous foundation wall, or pier and beam. Raised floor homes have many advantages over slab on grade. For more information, see our Guide to the Raised Floor Foundation.
- Want a basement? Consider building on a permanent wood foundation (PWF). The PWF system has many advantages vs. a concrete basement. For more information, see Permanent Wood Foundation Design & Construction Guide.
Mold Removal and Remediation
Southern Pine Council suggests visiting the following sources for unbiased information on mold removal:
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