Looking for Moisture in All the Right Places
(locating moisture)

Capillary Action

Capillary action occurs when water or moisture moves into very small spaces even against the flow of gravity. Moisture is readily absorbed and moves through the material. Materials such as carpet, insulation, drywall, or wood will wick the moisture/water.

See this photo of peeling paint.

photo of paint peeling from baseboard

Upon investigation, the insulation on the other side of the wall had wicked moisture from a plumbing leak that had not been repaired. This type of water entry is common when a washing machine hose breaks and water floods the floor. The drywall and insulation wick up the water. If they are not dried out within 24 hours, mold growth is likely.

For additional information, go to http://www.fcs.uga.edu/pubs/current/B924.html.

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Housing and the Environment logo

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.