Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know if you have moisture problems?
What is mold?
Why is mold remediation so important?
What are the causes of indoor mold growth?
How does moisture move through a building or home?
Why has mold become such a hot topic?
What are the federal and provincial governments doing to address mold prevention?
What are industry trends in moisture control?
What are the two major approaches to moisture control?
What is a Moisture Control Technician (MCT)?
What is the Moisture Smart® Builders program?
Should I assume that the older the house, the more likely I am to have



Q. How do you know if you have moisture problems?

Some common indications of excessive moisture are:
• Condensation, frost or ice on the inside surface of windows.
• Damp spots on ceilings or inner surfaces of exterior walls.
• Mold or mildew growth on walls and ceilings.
• Peeling or blistering of exterior paint.
• Ice or frost on the underside of roof sheathing in the attic space.
• Moisture on basement walls and floors.
• Sweating water pipes.

Q. What is mold?

The term “mold” applies to a large group of microorganisms. It is the number one environmental problem in homes.

Mold organisms grow by degrading nutrients from organic substrates such as wood and wood products, fabrics, foodstuffs, plants and plant debris, and soil. Mildew is a common term applied to a variety of molds that grow on plants or household items under damp conditions.

Most molds reproduce by forming large numbers of spores. Mold spores are always present outdoors and in buildings, and are distributed by wind, insects, floods, animal and human activity.

High concentrations of mold in the indoor environment can be a serious health threat. Homes that have been water damaged due to rains, leaks, or floods are particularly at risk for mold contamination.

Mold growth on building finishes and contents normally appears as a pattern of black, green or grey spotty circular growth or as masses of fine, white, fluffy growth. A musty, earthy odour, which results from the release of metabolic by-products, is often present as the mold grows.

Q. Why is mold remediation so important?

Canadian scientific and public health communities agree that indoor mold contamination can be a serious health issue and both high-level, short-term exposures and lower-level, long-term exposures can result in illness.

The most common symptoms from exposure to mold in indoor environments are runny nose, eye irritation, cough, congestion, aggravation of asthma, headache, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and skin rash. People with suppressed immune systems may be susceptible to fungal infections as a result of exposure to indoor molds.

The key to dealing with mold lies in prevention and remediation. At Mending Homes, we work with homeowners, builders and contractors to make living environments moisture smart. Call us today for an evaluation.

Q. What are the causes of indoor mold growth?

There are many causes of indoor mold growth, some of which are:
• Compromised building envelope (broken vapour barrier, air/moisture infiltration);
• Inadequate insulation or sealants;
• Leaky foundation, poor drainage;
• Roof and plumbing leaks;
• Condensation on windows, cold surfaces;
• High indoor humidity (over 60%);
• Improper maintenance and equipment operations;
• Inadequate ventilation; and
• Water damage due to fire suppression efforts, etc.

http://www.cca-acc.com/mold/literature/literature.html

Q. How does moisture move through a building or home?

Moisture or water vapor moves in and out of a home or building in three ways:
• With air currents
• By diffusion through materials
• By heat transfer

Of these three, air movement accounts for more than 98% of all water vapor
movement in building cavities. Moisture transfer by air currents is very fast
(in the range of several hundred cubic feet of air per minute).

Q. Why has mold become such a hot topic?

In recent years, the public have become increasingly concerned about mold because of the media’s coverage of the possible health risks of mold in public and private buildings and the associated legal issues and insurance claims.

Also, homebuyers, builders and contractors are increasingly more well-informed about mold. Specifically, homebuyers want a demonstrated assurance that their Builder is committed to resolving moisture issues - before they become moisture problems. And more and more homebuyers expect that their new home will be both energy efficient and comfortable.

Q. What are the federal and provincial governments doing to
address mold prevention?

In June 2002, the Canadian Construction Association created a Mold Task Force to develop national guidelines to assist contractors in minimizing the potential for mold growth, and instituting effective remediation practices.

As a result, new standards and guidelines were published for the control and prevention of mold issues in the building envelope and mechanical systems during construction and remediation.

http://www.cca-acc.com

Q. What are industry trends in moisture control?

There has been increased awareness by developers and the public about the advantages of constructing and residing in buildings meeting the new standards of sustainable design and construction.

Future standards will reflect more environmental and energy efficient performance requirements.

We will see more advanced electronic monitoring systems for moisture level detection to enable better risk assessment.

Q. What are the two major approaches to moisture control?

1) Limit the moisture load on the building by finding the ways in which moisture is coming in.

2) Construct the building so that it exhibits a high tolerance for moisture. This would consist of preventing liquid water from entering the envelope, ensuring airtight construction, and placing vapor re-tarders appropriately. It also includes providing a way for the envelope to dry in case of accidental wetting, and avoiding thermal bridges through the thermal insulation. All of these are most easily accomplished in new construction.

Q. What is a Moisture Control Technician (MCT)

Moisture Control Technicians are trained in the science of moisture movement based on industry research and proven solutions for Alberta's climate. Moisture Control Technicians are specialists that develop and utilize critical thinking skills for the design, construction, and assessment of wood frame building envelopes.

Q. What is the Moisture Smart® Builders program

The Moisture Smart® Builders program is an initiative of The Alberta New Home Warranty Program. Their goal is to develop the expertise and to recognize Builders who are committed to resolving unwanted moisture issues in the homes they build. Moisture Smart® Builders have made an investment in knowledge and expertise to meet that goal and they made a commitment to the Program and to the homebuyers that they will apply the knowledge on a consistent basis.

Q. Should I assume that the older the house, the more likely I am to have

Many of the problems arise in newer homes that have been built too
quickly without adequate care and attention to proper construction principles.

Back To Top