Damp Buildings and Mold

Since every home's indoor air is filled with a ‘stew' of sorts, molds, air pathogens, volatile organic compounds, dust mites; it is impossible to view it as a one size fits all. There are simply too many variables.

But the one thing they all seem to have in common is Water.

Wet. Moisture. Damp. Humid.

"If there were just two simple things I could do to really fix a building, it would be to change the relative humidity and any water incursion" said Matthew Snow, CIEC, CMRS, CRMI, RMS, CBST Building Scientist and Executive Vice President of Turtle Clan Environment Testing, Inc.

"Seeking out and repairing the source is key. Moisture leads to conditions that are conducive to dust mites and mold, as well as bacteria, yeast and many other living organisms."

Snow pointed to dust mites and mold as particularly worrisome.

A damp building with high humidity may lead to increased levels of dust mites and mold, leading to increased allergic respiratory symptoms, as well as the worsening of Asthma.

It is a vicious cycle!

"And even if someone is not allergic, molds may produce mycotoxins and microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) that smell bad and may cause respiratory irritation," he said.

Nearly half of all young people with asthma are allergic to dust mites; aproximately 10 percent of the population is allergic to dust mites.

Mold requires moisture to grow.

It takes only 60% relative humidity to have a very significant mold colonization inside your home within 24-48 hours.

Common sources of indoor moisture that can cause mold problems include flooding, roof and plumbing leaks, damp basement or crawl spaces, or anywhere moist air condenses on cold surfaces. Bathroom showers and steam from cooking might also create problems if not well ventilated.

How Do I Control Moisture?

Indoor Sources:

Fix plumbing leaks, drips or "sweating" pipes
Limit sources of indoor humidity/dehumidify indoor air
Improve air movement in poorly ventilated areas
Increase fresh air ventilation when outdoor air is not humid
Warm cold surfaces where condensation occurs
Outdoor Sources:

Maintain roof and gutter/downspout system.
Direct runoff away from foundation by grading, drain tile, landscaping, etc.
Use air conditioning and keep building closed during high outdoor humidity
Prevent leakage around windows, doors, flashing, etc.
Waterproof foundations

Concerns relating to the presence of mold in the home or dwelling requires an independent, 3rd Party, Certified Residential Mold Inspector to conduct a thorough site assessment. Turtle Clan will take the necessary and appropriate actions to assure proper IESO, IAQA, ACGIH, IICRC, ISO, NADCA, ASHRAE, OSHA, EPA, AIHA and all State and local governmental protocol is followed in all investigations.


Phone: 914-361-9703
E-mail: info@turtleclan.com