Getting Wet
(introduction)

Moisture can cause serious damage to the structure of your home. You likely have heard horror stories about mold. None of us want to live in a moldy environment. However, we need to understand that mold is everywhere in our world, both indoors and outdoors. Prevention of mold requires an understanding of mold and what makes it grow and spread, and what can be done to control the situation. The key is to control the level of mold growth and mold spores. Mold must have moisture or water, reduced lighting, poor air circulation, warm temperatures, and a nutrient source. In our homes, nutrient sources abound. Insulation, paint, particle board, carpet, wallpaper, drywall, upholstery, pet hairs and dander, insect parts, food particles, dust, lint, grease, and soap scum can all be a nutrient source for mold. Many of the nutrient sources can be greatly reduced by thorough cleaning. However, other nutrient sources such as carpet and upholstery add comfort to our homes. We have many areas where lighting is reduced, there is poor air circulation, and temperatures are warm. The one variable necessary for mold growth that we can control is the moisture. Therefore, controlling moisture is the most effective strategy for preventing mold growth in our homes. This mini-course will help you learn ways to reduce your risk of mold growth in your home.

Moisture problems can occur anywhere in the home due to many reasons. Moisture can come from everyday activities (cooking, bathing, breathing, washing dishes, plants), gas appliances, storing wood, or large pets. Excess moisture may also result from large amounts of rain, high relative humidity, leaking plumbing, or ground moisture. Whatever the source, there will be some easily recognized symptoms:

  • condensation on the windows during winter
  • mildew in the bathroom
  • mold in the corner of the bathroom, in the kitchen, or closet
  • peeling, cracking, blistering paint
  • musty smells

Once a moisture problem is found, there are several questions you should ask:

  1. What is the source? (where did the moisture come from)
  2. What is the path? (how did the moisture get to where the problem is)
  3. What form does the moisture take? (is the moisture vapor, bulk moisture, condensation, or a combination)
  4. What is the driving/pulling force? (what carried the moisture from one place to another: gravity, air pressure, capillary action, or diffusion)

One of the things you will learn from this web course is that it is not always Mother Nature who does crazy things to your house. More often than not, the problems can be traced to mistakes builders, contractors, building material manufacturers, and homeowners make in the creation, maintenance and use of residential living space.

Many moisture problems you should be able to solve yourself with just a little new knowledge and understanding. Some will require the help of a contractor; and sometimes you will need the help of a person(s) who can use diagnostic tools to help locate and solve moisture problems in your home (a specialist who can figure out how your house is interacting with Mother Nature and you). Your moisture study will hopefully help you know when each resource is appropriate and which strategy will be the most cost effective in solving your particular moisture problem(s).

What is your risk level?

While you may complete the Modules in any order, we recommend the following sequence:

  1. Getting Wet (introduction)
  2. Looking for Moisture in All the Right Places (locating moisture)
  3. Waltz Around Mold (steps to avoid moisture and mold)
  4. Chances Are (risk assessment tool)
  5. Other Links

Next:

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Controlling Moisture to Control Mold Mini-Course developed by Janie L. Harris, M.Ed., CRS, Extension Housing and Environment Specialist, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M System, College Station, Texas.

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Last updated: 26 July, 2010

Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin.