Caring for Your Concrete

Controlling moisture in your new home is an important aspect of your responsibility as a new homeowner. Controlling moisture buildup in certain areas is very critical to avoiding problems related to the moisture such as wood rot and the growth of mold.

The basement or crawl spaces are two areas which moisture control is particularly important. Large amounts of moisture are present in the building materials used in the construction of homes foundation. Poured concrete walls & floor slabs contain many gallons of water, which is released during the curing (“drying”) process. This process takes approximately 12 months to complete. During time period it is necessary to remove the moisture from the air using a dehumidifier & fan. The most effective arrangement is to use a box fan placed 15 feet in front of the dehumidifier to blow moist air towards the dehumidifier. This increases the effectiveness of the dehumidifier tremendously. Leave the Fan/dehumidifier combination in one location for several days then move to another corner of the basement. Continue this process until the dehumidifier no longer extracts more than 1/2 gallon of water per day. It is necessary to perform this operation on an "as-needed” basis throughout the life of the home.

Mold is a type of fungus. It occurs naturally in the environment, indoors and out, and is necessary for the natural decomposition of plant and other organic material. It spreads by means of microscopic spores borne on the wind, and is found everywhere. Residential home construction is not, and cannot be, designed to exclude mold spores. If the growing conditions are right, mold can grow in your home. Most homeowners are familiar with mold growth in the form of bread mold, and mold that may grow on bathroom tile.

Mold growth requires moisture. Moisture is the only mold growth factor that can be controlled in a residential setting. If the home is kept dry mold will not grow. By minimizing moisture, a homeowner can reduce or eliminate mold growth.

Moisture in the home can have many causes. Spills, leaks, overflows, condensation, high humidity and as described above moisture in the building materials are common sources of home moisture. Good housekeeping and home maintenance practices are essential in the effort to prevent or eliminate mold growth. If moisture is allowed to remain on the growth medium, mold can develop within 24 to 48 hours.

The homeowner can take positive steps to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of mold growth in the home, and thereby minimize any possible adverse effects that may be caused by mold. These steps include the following:

Keep the humidity in the home low. Vent clothes dryers to the outdoors. Ventilate kitchens and bathrooms by opening the windows, by using exhaust fans, or by running the air conditioning to remove excess moisture in the air, and to facilitate evaporation of water from wet surfaces.
Promptly clean up spills, condensation and other sources of moisture. Thorough dry any wet surfaces or material. Do not let water pool or stand in your home.
Inspect for leaks on a regular basis. Look for discolorations or wet spots. Repair any leaks promptly.
Use a fan & de-humidifier as described above.

Whether or not you, as a homeowner, experience mold growth depends largely on how you manage and maintain your home.

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HOMEOWNER SIGNATURE: DATE: _________________________________________________

Controlling Moisture in Your Home