Here are some tips on diagnosing and correcting moisture problems. Parts of this story: | Introduction | Attic and mechanical ventilation | Houses on crawl spaces and other moisture sources | Caulking and weather-stripping | Basement wall condensation problems
| Window surface problems |
|
|
Condensation on window surfaces in cool or cold months can be controlled by adding layers of glass in the form of storm windows or using double- or triple- glazed window units, installing a plastic film on the outside or inside of the window frame (a less expensive way to add storm window protection), repairing broken glass, and sealing any leaks in and around the window with weather-stripping and caulking on both the inside and outside.
| Exterior peeling paint and ceiling/wall discoloration problems |
Peeling exterior paint and discolored interior walls and ceilings (usually in the form of mold or mildew growth) are good indications that condensation is occurring inside wall cavities and attics. During winter, cold outside air collects in these areas and can cool attic, ceiling, wall cavity and interior wall surfaces to the point where condensation occurs. Adding insulation to these areas will warm these surfaces and thus help prevent condensation. Vapor retarders should be used in conjunction with the added insulation to prevent the migration of vapor into these areas from the interior of the home. Note: specially formulated vapor retarder paints are available on the market. They seem to be the least expensive and the easiest way to create a vapor retarder on the winter warm side of the ceiling or wall when insulation is added to these areas.
Sealing interior cracks and holes
When you add insulation, be sure to repair, caulk or weather-strip any holes or cracks in ceilings, walls and floors and along baseboards. These are prime areas for moisture migration to occur. Moisture vapor moves with air, and any cracks or holes that allow air to flow freely through them are potential trouble spots. Recent findings indicate that the sealing of these small, often overlooked areas can be a major factor in solving moisture problems occurring in attics and wall cavities.
The information in this article comes from Michigan State University Extension bulletin E-2109, Moisture Problems in the Home.
| <-Back to introduction |
