Basement Mold and Water
Exposed dirt floors in basements and crawl spaces are problematic due to the moisture rising on convection driven air flow. Moisture can reach the upper levels of building through utility chases, voids, and stairways via stack effect http://www.epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/pdf_files/sec_2.pdf transporting indoor air contaminants with it. Including the...
Efflorescence
Efflorescence is sometimes confused for mold growth in basements. While it doesn't pose the same concerns that microbial growth does, it is an indication of moisture requiring attention and repair maintenance. Green Building Advisor posts more information and offers some solutions....
Drying Books and Documents
The Northeast Document Conservation Center publishes a protocol for drying wet books and documents. The recommended recovery is applicable to damp items as well as wet ones. There is hope for salvaging records and documents stored in wet basements and water damaged attics. Freezing may...
Indoor Air Quality
Companies working to improve indoor environmental conditions and air quality have a responsibility to their customers to stay current with science and trends. Improvement comes with continuing education and advocacy. ...
Moisture Control Guidance
The EPA publishes Moisture Control Guidance for Building Design, Construction and Maintenance. Site Drainage is fundamental to effective moisture control. There is a pdf. section devoted to construction methods in basement and crawl space condensation control. Basement waterproofing and crawl space repair can restrict condensation...
Indoor Air Quality Routines
Spring is on the way and soon spring cleaning will be underway. Duct inspection is sometimes overlooked in routine maintenance. There are unnoticed systems in every building that contribute to the quality of the indoor environment. Ducting is found in different applications- bathroom exhaust fans, clothes dryers...