Wednesday, Mar. 03, 2010

Let the spring air in

The following is from the Johnston County Cooperative Extension Service.

A few days of warmer temperatures have me thinking about spring cleaning. Our homes have been closed up for many months with colder-than-usual temperatures and lots of precipitation. Moisture buildup can lead to mold problems, so prevention is the key. As the outside warms up, we can get outside to begin the cleaning.

Before the spring rain comes, check that your gutters and downspouts are clean and water drains are away from your home. Make sure that a vapor barrier of thick plastic sheeting (6-millimeter) covers 70-100 percent of the crawl space. Open vents to allow air to circulate freely. While checking the crawl space, look for moisture problems on floor joists and insulation that is not secured. Also, inspect all ductwork.

Trim outside bushes to at least one foot away from exterior walls. Unkempt bushes can prevent airflow into the vents and hold moisture against the house, which can both lead to mold growth. Be sure that there is enough space around cooling units to allow air in that is free from leaves and other obstructions.

By moving moisture away from the house and allowing air to move freely, homeowners can avoid mildew growth, which can became a serious issue if not treated. A solution of one cup of bleach to each gallon of water can be used to clean mildew from surfaces inside and out. Try to clean mildew as soon as you see it to avoid staining.

Most indoor mildew is in bathrooms and kitchens, where air circulation is limited. Make sure that exhaust fans are used to remove excess moisture when bathing and cooking. Shower curtains should be extended after bathing so the moisture can drain from them and dry. Inspect caulking to assure that a good water seal is present. Old dry, cracked caulk should be replaced with resilient silicone caulking. Proper ventilation and moisture control can prevent mold and mildew issues in the future.

For more information about mildew prevention and moisture in the home, contact Jayne M. Cubilla at 989-5380 or at jayne_cubilla@ncsu.edu.