How to safely and effectively manage moisture & mould BY AMY STITT
As we age, as do our homes, therefore a certain level of care is required to maintain our health and the health of our home. This includes the affects of moisture and mould. If moisture is left within a home for more than 24–48 hours it is at risk of microbial growth, which in itself can lead to building material damage, and mould spores can also affect human health. I am going to discuss some key ways to reduce the likelihood of this happening in your home; Have gutters checked regularly, my rule of thumb is every 3 months; as the season changes I know I need to look into all my gutters and if they have leaves or debris they need to be cleaned out. This will prevent water ingress into wall cavities, fascia damage and so
within the home forth. Make sure to assess your balance, muscle strength and know when you should arrange for another person to help carry out the task or when to hire a professional. Use a clean, stable 4– point ladder with anti–skid feet, fully open and locked with no rocking and have another person present. If you feel at all unbalanced, I recommend putting off the job until another time or seeking assistance from a family member, friend or professional. Keeping trees and bushed trimmed and off your home will prevent leaves and debris from landing in the gutters in the first place and thus reduce the amount of gutter cleaning required and prolong the life of the gutter. Like gutters, drains need to be checked and cleaned out. The sole purpose of a drain is to redirect water away from the building, but if they are blocked excess water from rain, garden watering, etc. can end up penetrating
the building. Look under your sinks for any signs of water leakage, pooled water, brown marks. If there is a leak engage the services of a licenced plumber to repair the leak immediately, this will not only preserve the building, but also keep the water bill down! Install security screens on windows and doors so you can keep them open and allow for passive ventilation and keep bugs away! Dry washing outside when possible. Each load of laundry can contain a few litres of water vapour, if that washing is hung out inside that moisture will increase the indoor relative humidity and therefore increase the chance of microbial growth. On rainy days you can use a dehumidifier to assist with drying clothes on an inside line. If you notice water marks on your ceiling, you may need a roof inspection to check for damage such as rust or
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