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The Basics: Relative Humidity, Internal Sources, Climate
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Damage: Materials, Building Components, Patio Doors
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Inspecting: Moisture Audit, Meters, Detailed Onsite Tests
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Solutions: Ventilation, Rain Control, Homeowner Tips
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Mould: Overview, Insurance Claims, Due Diligence
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Solutions: Diagnosing, Remediation, Cleaning Lumber
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Resources: For Buyers, Homeowners, Condominiums
1. The Basics: Relative Humidity,
Internal Sources, Climate
Relative Humidity
(PDF FILE)
Understanding relative humidity is not easy. Dr. Joe Lstiburek explains RH issues for comfort & health, limits,
condensation, building assemblies, dust mites, and wood shrinkage.
Moisture From Internal Sources
Here is a Canadian Building Digest report explaining different internal moisture sources, surface and hidden condensation,
along with removal methods and other tips.
Effects Of Climate & Design
The wetting and drying of walls is effected by local climate and building design. This IRC Construction Innovation report
gives a simple explanation of causes and solutions.
2. Damage:
Materials, Building Components, Patio Doors
Water & Building Materials
Building materials are affected by water. Here CBD offers you an overview of dimensional changes, corrosion,
decay, blistering, efflorescence, leaching, freezing, and aesthetics.
Rain & Moisture Damage In Residential Construction
Across Canada there are problems created by moisture. This NRC of Canada report uncovers mould and mildew,
condensation, wall cavity problems, siding damage, and basement issues.
Patio Door Thresholds
Rain leaks at patio doors are very common. To solve these problems you might find this simple explanation and
drawing from Balanced Solutions to be just what you need.
3. Inspecting:
Moisture Audit, Meters, Detailed Onsite Tests
Home Moisture Audit
Inspecting a home for moisture problems is not a simple task. Jim LaRue wrote this article for Environmental Health
Watch describing how you can find answers to four key questions.
Using A Wood Moisture Meter
If you have thought of using moisture meters, this Delmhurst Instrument Company list of FAQ's will help. It explains
why you should use a moisture meter, how moisture meters work, the different types, plus answers many other
questions you may have.
Detailed Onsite Testing Methods
Some larger or complex buildings may require more detailed testing. CMHC has prepared a report explaining methods
and costs for onsite testing of air leakage, condensation and rain.
4. Solutions:
Ventilation, Rain Control, Homeowner Tips
Ventilation Of Houses
This NRC of Canada report with simple drawings gives a simple explanation of different air leakage problems and
different ventilation systems
Rain Control Principles
(PDF FILE)
Canada’s Dr. John Straube offers this primer on rain control for small buildings. It explains deflection, drainage and drying
in an easy to read format with lots of simple drawings.
Moisture: Problems & Remedies For Homeowners
If you have homeowners who have moisture questions this online booklet from CMHC will help them understand and
possibly solve problems in different parts of their home.
5. Mould:
Overview, Insurance Claims, Due Diligence
Mould In Residential Buildings
NAHB prepared this report to help our industry understand the basics of mould, how to limit its growth, and some
remediation methods. There is also a good question and answer section.
Toxic Mould Claims In Canada
(PDF FILE)
A Canadian insurance adjuster asks if this is a real issue, tells you what forms claims may take, lists who may be sued and
why, gives suit examples, and suggests things to consider.
Due Diligence Chart
(PDF FILE)
For managing water damage and mould growth in buildings this simple chart from the Canadian Construction Association
may help you ensure you have performed due diligence.
6. Solutions: Diagnosing,
Remediation, Cleaning Lumber
Diagnosing Problems
Here is a great article from Affordable Comfort that gives some background on mould and outlines things professionals
need to know when diagnosing mould problems in homes.
Mould Remediation In Occupied Homes
(PDF FILE)
Building Science Corporation explains four steps to responding to mould problems: respond quickly, identify the
problems, decide on remediation, repair it and dry it out.
Cleaning Mould From Lumber
Mould on lumber is not uncommon. This Mould, Housing and Wood article from the Western Wood Products Association
has tips on cleaning mould from lumber and wood products.
7. Resources:
For Buyers, Homeowners, Condominiums
Helping Your Buyers Understand Mould
Homebuyers may have mould concerns during the building process so NAHB prepared this report that will help you
explain things and deal with potential problems or questions.
Homeowners Guide To Fighting Mould
If you have homeowners that have mould concerns or problems this CMHC consumer information handout could be very
helpful in relieving some concerns and solving problems.
Condominium Owners’ Guide To Mould
For people condominiums this CMHC Web site explains moulds, helps people decide if there is a serious problem, where
to get help, and how to clean up and prevent mould.
Dittie
For Today: On
Youth
We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.
- Franklin D Roosevelt
