Got Attic Mold? Lets Talk Energy Conservation!
It happens to countless homeowners around the end of the year - you make the annual visit to your attic to collect the holiday decorations and what do you find? Spots and blotches covering the bottom of the roof sheathing.
Worse yet - it turns out to be attic mold!
What does energy conservation have to do with mold in the attic? Well if you take a step back and consider how the house behaves as system, they are often directly related.
Building science experts have long been using the "house as a system" approach to diagnose the cause and origin of building defects.
For example, ice dams. These are often caused by warm air seeping into the attic which causes the snow and ice on the roof to melt. The water drains to the edge of the roof (which is colder than the rest of the roof because it is an overhang and not warmed by the attic), freezes and creates an ice dam. As this process is repeated daily, the ice dam grows larger. Eventually water is forced under a shingle where it can seep into the house.
Understanding how the house behaves as a system and the various causes and effects is necessary to diagnose most building related problems.
But how about that attic mold? How did it get there?
Mold requires chronic moisture to form and to thrive, so source(s) of moisture must be present. Possibly the moisture came from outdoors. The roof is newer and a quick check of the roof shows no obvious damage or leaks.
Possibly the moisture came from indoors. During the heating season, the interior of the house frequently has high moisture levels, especially bathrooms and kitchens. A quick check shows that all bathroom fans, kitchen vents, etc. are properly ducted completely outdoors and not into the attic. The amount of insulation looks good and the attic is well ventilated.
Don't give up - you are almost there! Remember the house as a system? You know that warm, moist air is in the house, but how is it getting into the attic?
By air leaks! Air leaks are the leading source of energy loss in most houses, and a frequent source of chronic moisture that can cause attic mold.
Most homeowners are well aware of air leaks around windows and doors (especially old ones), but many overlook the numerous gaps leading directly into the attic!
Have a look around the attic and you may find large gaps around recessed lights and fans, holes where wires or pipes are installed, even large gaps around the chimney.
And don't overlook the whole house fan and especially the folding attic stair - a big, uninsulated hole in your ceiling that is often overlooked!
These gaps can add up to a large hole that allows warm, moist air from the house to flow right into the cold attic. The warm moist air condenses on the cold roof sheathing, creating chronically damp conditions that can lead to attic mold growth. And the energy loss - it can be like leaving a window open all winter long!
Seal these air leaks and you stop a significant moisture source. And just think of all the energy you can save and the cold drafts you can stop!
Mark D. Tyrol is a Professional Engineer specializing in cause and origin of construction defects. He developed several residential energy conservation products including an attic stair cover and a fireplace draftstopper. To learn more visit http://www.batticdoor.com
 Google News Updated : Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:54:08 GMT 'Gonzo' diverting rehash of what a long, strange trip it's been - San Jose Mercury News San Jose Mercury News - By Glenn Whipp With two volumes of letters, a handful of biographies, three previous documentary movies, two feature films and a comic strip character, not to mention a writing career spent mostly in the first person, is there anything that hasn't been ... The perfect subject for 'Gonzo' Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson Publ.Date : Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:10:38 GMT RPT-China, Taiwan airlines to see lift from new flights - Reuters
Reuters - By Joseph Chaney TAIPEI, June 29 (Reuters) - Direct weekend flights between China and Taiwan starting this week are likely to give a boost to carriers on both sides of the Taiwan Strait at the expense of Hong Kong, but probably not until all ... China resumes direct flights to Taiwan after 60 years China-Taiwan direct: Readers react Publ.Date : Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:46:40 GMT Reaction to the death of Jesse Helms - The Associated Press
The Associated Press - Reaction to the death of former North Carolina Sen. Jesse Helms, who died on the Fourth of July at age 86: "Jesse Helms was a kind, decent, and humble man and a passionate defender of what he called "the Miracle of America. Video: A Look Back At Jesse Helms Former Senator Jesse Helms dead at 86 Publ.Date : Fri, 04 Jul 2008 22:51:11 GMT On Independence Day, Think Fireworks Safety First - Washington Post
Washington Post - By Dennis Thompson FRIDAY, July 4 (HealthDay News) -- Fireworks can be breathtaking spectacles, creating glittering showers of sparks and earth-rumbling booms that thrill people for miles around. 2006: 11 dead, 9200 fireworks injuries Burned by fireworks? Here's what to do Publ.Date : Fri, 04 Jul 2008 23:19:24 GMT O's bats get revenge vs. Rangers - MLB.com
MLB.com - By Spencer Fordin / MLB.com BALTIMORE -- Call it a down payment towards payback. The Orioles earned a small measure of revenge against the Rangers on Friday, courtesy of an 10-4 victory that was all but decided by the fourth inning. O's pound Rangers Orioles score 8 off Padilla, beat Rangers 10-4 Publ.Date : Fri, 04 Jul 2008 23:43:39 GMT Federer One Away From Another Wimbledon Title - New York Times New York Times - By CHRISTOPHER CLAREY For the third straight year, the men’s final will be between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. And the women’s final will be the latest family affair between Venus Williams and her sister Serena. Federer, Nadal to meet for Wimbledon men's title Federer aims to keep winning in Nadal battle Publ.Date : Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:30:13 GMT Botswana urges region not to recognize Mugabe's re-election - Xinhua
Xinhua - JOHANNESBURG, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Botswana's government urged its neighbors Friday not to recognize Robert Mugabe's re-election, reiterating calls for Zimbabwe to be suspended from a regional bloc. African Union Weakened by Summit Inaction on Zimbabwe West condemns Mugabe, ignores other Africa despots Publ.Date : Fri, 04 Jul 2008 22:05:14 GMT RSS For Web Pages |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... If you are tired of replacing your mailbox every few... Read More Patios and terraces have always been popular outdoor spaces. Whether... Read More Learning interior design can be a simple or complicated task... Read More Many items a person can add to the kitchen are... Read More Start out by measuring and cutting all your stock according... Read More What home improvements really pay off when the time comes... Read More As the weather hints of warmth and the spring buds... Read More MISTAKES.Don't worry about making mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. Why should... Read More You have found an apartment you like and you are... Read More Do you suffer from allergies or asthma? If you are... Read More So you're building the bath of your dreams but find... Read More Securing your property is one of the growing domestic issues... Read More Your mailbox is not simply a receptacle for your mail;... Read More Last week I told you how to measure for your... Read More There are several ceiling texture choices to choose from when... Read More Shopping for window shutters can become confusing because of the... Read More Customizable metal pegboard is set to revolutionise utensil storage. For... Read More The classic way for homeowners to increase the value of... Read More Circuit Breakers are devices that stop the electrical current of... Read More Is your bathroom looking cluttered? How about fitting new bathroom... Read More You have just installed hardwood flooring in your home. Now... Read More It doesn't sound like a particularly interesting topic, however a... Read More What exactly is mold? There are over 100,000 different kinds... Read More If you wish to learn how to manage interior design... Read More Wall ovens, available in electric and gas forms, are best... Read More
Adsense
websites
Buyers Guide To Heavy-Built Mailboxes
Whats Underfoot? A Quick Guide to Patio Surfaces
Learning Interior Design
Bakers Racks Add Flair And Style To Your Kitchen
Building A Pair Of Heavy Duty Saw Horses
The Smart Way To Look At Home Improvements
5 Reasons to Make Early Spring Firewood Time at Your Home
Mistakes?
Apartment Inspection Checklist
Use Air Filters and Common Sense for Allergy Relief
Tips For Buying a Whirlpool Bath Online
CCTV for the Home
How To Choose House Style Mailboxes
Replacement or Retrofit Style Frame? Which is Right for You?
Skip Troweling Method for Textured Ceilings
Materials For Building Window Shutters
At Last You Can Customize Your Pegboard As Much As You Want
Remodeling Your Home: How Much Is Too Much?
What Are Circuit Breakers?
Bathroom Wall Cabinets ? Create Extra Space with a Touch of Style!
Make Your Hardwood Floors Shine
Rising Damp
Allow Me to Introduce You to the Fungus Family
The Ten Most Important Feng Shui Design Tips
Wall Oven - A Necessity For The Disabled
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
Ladder Décor ? the Possibilities Are Endless
With a little bit of creativity and some imagination you... Read More
Designing Great-looking Window Coverings on a Budget
Window coverings are one of the most important focal points... Read More
Inspecting your Swimming Pool
With the varied availability of swimming pool equipment and designs,... Read More
Bamboo Flooring for the 21st Century
Bamboo flooring has emerged as a new material for the... Read More
Rodent Proofing Your Home
It's that time of year where rats and mice are... Read More
A Lasting Scent
Look no further for long lasting perfumes. House of Rose... Read More
Types Of Bedsteads
Selection of bedstead is also an important thing as selection... Read More
Concrete Cutting: The Unknown Niche
What is Concrete Cutting?Concrete cutting is a process of controlled... Read More
A Well Chosen Bathroom Vanity Will Make Your Bathroom Look Great!
A bathroom vanity is the centerpiece of your bathroom. Regardless... Read More
Art and Design
Maybe you've faced it before ? a new house with... Read More
Log Homes - Whats Different About Log Homes?
Newcomers to the world of log homes will notice that... Read More
What is Injection Waterproofing?
Injection waterproofing is often used to fill and seal cracks... Read More
Choosing the Right House Plan
Now that you have made that bold decision to build... Read More
Color Help: Many Factors Affect Color Preference
Understanding color psychology helps home makers choose colors for home... Read More
What Two Words Will Double the Space in Your Home?
Just two words and a bit of explanation about them... Read More
Bathroom Vanity Cabinets - Considerations Before Buying Bathroom Vanities Online
Bathroom vanity cabinets are an essential component of any bathroom... Read More
The Different Roofing Materials Used for Flatroofs, Their Advantages and Disadvantages
The roof has had many different innovations in regards to... Read More
What is Design Psychology and How Will it Help Me?
In this article, we'll be taking a look at the... Read More
Remove Ink Stains From Carpet
One of the best solvents you can use to remove... Read More
Lighting and Your Emotions (Part One)
Do you feel unhappy in your home and you don't... Read More
Deck Design - Why Firm Foundations Are Essential
Preparing a deck design for your backyard is all the... Read More
Traditional Interior Design
Traditional interior design encompasses a great variety of elements in... Read More
Repairing Putty Window Glass
Have you ever thought about fixing a broken window in... Read More
Pre-Fabricated Steel Buildings
More and more construction is being done with steel in... Read More
How to Build a Home Sauna - Three Important Questions to Answer Before Building
Considering that home saunas are believed to produce numerous health... Read More
Home Improvement |