mildew: Articles tagged with “mildew”

Q: I have a question concerning a central air conditioner in my home. The supply air is run thru ductwork in the attic. These ducts are insulated but condensation builds up internally and drips back into the house through the supply vents in the ceiling. How can I correct this problem before it causes any more damage to the ceiling, floors, furniture, etc.? Do I need more insulation around the ductwork in the attic?

Dry rot is always a concern in extreme weather areas -- ones which go from 100+ degree summers to foggy wet winters. Weather such as this stresses building materials to create ideal conditions for dry rot to develop. Learning to take steps to prevent it, and catch it early when it does develop, can save homeowners time and money.

There is a new concept in cleaning and restoring grout to its original beauty -- steam cleaning.

Mildew is a thin, black, or sometimes white, growth produced by mold. Molds are plants belonging to the group known as fungi. Though molds are always present in the air, those that cause mildew need moisture and certain temperatures to grow.

Unpainted wood: In damp, warm, poorly ventilated areas, surface mold often develops on wooden parts of buildings. Since new, unseasoned lumber is particularly susceptible to mildew, avoid using it whenever possible.

When the weather turns colder, people keep their doors and windows closed and many homes develop a "shut-in" smell. The lack of fresh air going through the house allows odors from different sources to become more noticeable. Many things cause odors, so there are several ways to solve odor problems. Luckily, this also is also the best time of year to attack house odors at their sources and get rid of them once and for all.

An exhaust fan is desirable in any bathroom, and it is required in bathrooms that have no windows or windows that can't be opened. Bathroom fans should exchange the air in a bathroom completely every 5 minutes. In addition to keeping the air fresh, they also help inhibit the growth of mildew and other fungi that easily breed in a bathroom. If possible, listen to a fan of the model you are buying; some are pretty noisy.

This consumer guide outlines the various causes and the variety of available remedies for wet basements. The guide is designed to ensure that you know the issues, are able to evaluate advice you receive from contractors, and feel confident about undertaking a solution before the water damage becomes too severe.

Q: I'm planning to install carpet in my basement. We have finished it off with insulation, sheetrock, etc. The basement does not have a water problem, but it is humid. What is the best type of carpet and padding to install?

Q: Who should I contact to see what has to be done about mold and mildew removal from an attic?