Moisture Problems, Don't Become a Statistic!

Why Should I Worry About Moisture Problems?
Does My House Have a Moisture Problem?
Reduce Moisture Sources Inside The Home
Add Insulation To Cold Surfaces
Reduce Uncontrolled Air Leakage
Install Effective Ventilation Systems
Basic Facts About Moulds
Upgrade Or Replace Windows
Check For Moisture Entry From Other Sources
Keep The Air Circulating
Get Rid Of Mould
Basic Facts About Moisture
Keep Humidity Levels Within A Healthy Range
Use Dehumidifiers Wisely
Moisture Problems, Don't Become a Statistic!

If your house has high humidity levels and no obvious moisture sources, it is essential to check any fuel-burning equipment; furnaces, hot water heaters, boilers, fireplaces and wood stoves; to ensure that they are venting properly. A blocked chimney could mean that combustion products, including large amounts of water vapour, are spilling into your house. Along with that moisture come dangerous combustion gases, such as carbon monoxide, which kill more than a dozen Canadians every year. Have heating equipment and venting systems checked by a trained service person.

Also, if your moisture remedial work or energy retrofit includes extensive air sealing, ensure that all fuel-burning equipment has an adequate supply of combustion air. Advanced equipment such as high-efficiency furnaces have their own air supplies and exhaust fans. However, conventional equipment may rely on house air for combustion and on "natural draft" move combustion products up the chimney flue. If starved for air or overpowered by a powerful exhaust fan somewhere else in the house, such equipment can spill combustion gases indoors. Examples of combustion spillage include stains near the vent of a gas water heater, smoke entering the room from a wood-burning fireplace or stove, and pilot lights being blown out.