EOW 2008 Moisture

Moisture & Weatherization
Management & Control

Moisture-Caused Problems
z Mold/fungal growth
z Stains/discoloration
z Increased energy use
z Degradation of building materials
z Discomfort from high humidity levels
Energy Out West 2008 Weatherization, Mold and Moisture - RHA Inc. 2
Moisture Terminology
Humidity =
Amount of moisture
the air can hold
Relative Humidity =
Amount of H20 in Air
Amount of H20 Air Could Hold
at a given Temperature
Absolute Humidity = 3 lb./1000 lb. = .003
Relative Humidity = (3 lb./10lb.) = 30%
Forms of Moisture
z Visible
– Liquid
– Solid (Ice)
z Invisible
– Gas
– Water Vapor
How Vapor Moves
z Air currents -
– Air, with vapor, moves from high pressure to lower
pressure.
– Fast transport
– 98% of all water vapor movement in building
z Vapor diffusion
– Vapor moves from areas of high vapor pressure to
areas of low vapor pressure.
– Through building materials (paint, drywall, insulation,
siding, etc.)
z Heat transfer
Moisture Transport
z Understand how moisture moves in a house.
z Many crawl spaces are damp – moisture can
move into the living space through the floor,
floor penetrations, duct work, up walls, etc. into
the house and/or into the attic.
z Stack effect draws warm moist air up into the
attic.
z Vapor condensates on cool attic components
and starts mold growth.
Condensation Process
z Warm air holds more

moisture than cold. 75 F
z When air cools, vapor turns 25% RH
to water.
z Condenses on cold surfaces.
z An air mass at Heated Cooled
– 75 deg. F. and 25% humidity is
dry.
40 F
– 40 deg. F. will be 100% humid 100%
and saturated!
Psychrometric Chart
Sources of Moisture
External Sources Internal Sources

Lifestyle
z Leaks
z Capillary action Condensation

– Cement slabs
¾ Windows
– Cement block
¾ Cold surfaces
** Picture courtesy of MOLD-KILL.com
External Sources of Internal Moisture
z Leaks
– Roofs
– Windows & Doors
– Wall penetrations
– Pipes
z Vapor Diffusion
z Capillary Action
– High water table (slab)
z Crawl space moisture
Internal Sources of External Moisture
z Vents terminating in
attic
– Dryer
– Bathroom
– Kitchen
z Chimney effect
z Vapor diffusion
Internal Sources of Moisture
z Leaks
– Water and waste piping
z Condensation of Water
Vapor
– Washing & drying
clothes
– Cooking
– Showering
– Breathing
– AC condensate
– Aquariums
Daily Household Moisture Production
Household with 4 people produce:

– Cooking, steam 4 qts 8.3 lbs
– Clothes dryer 1 qts 2.1 lbs
– Dishwasher 2 qts 4.2 lbs
– Dishwashing, hand 1 qts 2.1 lbs
– Laundering 5 qts 10.4 lbs
– People, metabolic 12 qts 25.0 lbs
– Showers, baths (4) 2 qts 4.2 lbs
Average Daily Production 27 qts 58.3 lbs
7 gallons
Internal Condensation on Windows
60
Outdoor Temperature (ºF)
50
52ºF
40
30
20
19ºF
10
0
-10ºF
-10
Window Single Glazed Double Glazed Double Glazed
Type: Clear Low-E
Internal Condensation on Cold Surfaces
z Cold Surfaces
– Windows
– Un-insulated walls
– Cold Spots
Sources of External Leaks
z Windows
– Missing/broken panes
– Poor installation
z Roof
– Around attic vents
– Poor roofing
Other Sources of Moisture
z Improperly flashed
roofs.
z Improperly installed
window and door
flashing.
z Unprotected work
sites.
Before You Weatherize
z Assess the mold situation.
– How bad is it?
– Will it interfere with Wx activities?
– Will Wx activities make it worse?
– Can or should you make it better?
– Pressurize or depressurize with your blower
door?
– Walk away or stay?
Identifying Mold Problems
z First Sign: Persistent health problems
z Odor: Use smell to locate sources of
“musty,” “moldy,” or "earthy" odors.
z Visual Inspection:
– Look for mold colonies
z Appearance: white, gray, brown, black, yellow, green
z Texture: cottony, velvety, granular, or leathery
– Look for sources of moisture
Identifying Mold Problems
Sampling Molds
z No guidelines or regulations for

"safe" or "normal" spore levels.
z No “certified” mold experts!
z Types of Sampling
– Air Sampling
z Cultural
z Volumetric
– Surface Sampling
z Tape lift
z Swab
– Bulk Sampling
Preventing Mold Growth
z Molds cannot be stopped – they can only
be controlled.
z Reduce or eliminate moisture.
– Rule #1: Keep it Dry - it is easier to
prevent mold growth than to stop it!
z Properly seal windows, doors, roof penetrations,
bypasses, and other potential leak spots.
z Stop leaks.
z Dry, dry, dry!
Preventing Mold Growth
z Rule #2: If it gets wet, dry it out
immediately!
– Remedy water disasters immediately - 24
to 48 hours!
z Rule #3: Identify and eliminate
sources of moisture.
– Eliminate moisture sources
– Dry the air
– Circulate air
– Ventilate
Controlling Mold
z The following activities can be achieved
by Wx crew to reduce moisture.
– Ventilation
z Bathroom and kitchen venting
z Dryer duct venting
– Direct venting gas heaters
– Insulate
– Shell sealing – stop the chimney effect!
– Low misting low flow shower heads
Ventilation
z Bathroom (8 ACH*)
z Kitchen fans (15 ACH*)
z Laundry (6 ACH*)
z Ventilate to the outside
– Not to attic
– Not to crawl space
z Use humidity or time
controls
*Home Ventilating Institute (HVI)
Vent to the Great Outdoors!
z Bathroom and kitchen vents
must exhaust outside!
z Dryer vents must exhaust
outside.
Control Ventilation
Exhaust
Central
Exhaust
Fan
Supply Exhaust Supply
Fan
Return
Controlled ventilation system for a house in a cooling climate.
Duct Sealing
z Prevent Negative Pressure
Seal Supply Leaks
– Negative Pressure
– Unconditioned Air
& Pollutants
Proper Flashing & Sealing
z Windows & Doors
– Install flashing
properly around doors
and windows.
– Properly seal
replacement windows
and thresholds.
Seal Return Leaks
– Positive Pressure
– Unconditioned Air
& Moisture
Balance Thermostat Programming
Cooler temperatures increase

the amount of moisture that
condenses into liquid water
inside the house.
Control Air Temperature
Absolute humidity = .005 (5/1000)

Relative humidity = 25% (5/20)


Wall Furnaces
z Major source of moisture and
air pollutants!
z Replace with direct venting
furnaces or forced air units!
Insulation
z Cellulose
– Mold loves cellulose!
– Cellulose dries easily
when not soaked.
– Will grow mold when
soaked.
– Wet-applied insulation
z Fiberglass
– Molds can’t eat
fiberglass.
– Retains water.
Control Shower Misting
Installing low-flow
showerheads to save energy
and water?
Use low─mist rated
showerheads.
Up to 70% disparity in
moisture levels between
low─misting and standard
showerheads
Roof Vents
z Installing roof vents
can cause water
leaks!
– Increases stack effect
– Moisture entry paths
through the vent.
– Poor workmanship
caused leaks.
Roof Vents
z Covering roof vents in winter?
– Decreases stack effect
Shell Sealing
z Reducing exfiltration increases moisture.
What to do?
– Seal critical pathways – to the attic and from
the crawl space.
– Increase controlled ventilation.
Controlling Moisture & Mold
z Fix Moisture Problems
– Must be fixed and dried in 24
– 48 hours to prevent mold
growth!
z Dry and Circulate Air
– In areas of high humidity rely
use an air conditioner to dry air
in the summer.
– Use a dehumidifier in the winter.
– Ensure air moves across
windows and walls.
– Moving air will not condense.
Things to Avoid
Ozone Generators
Delayed Investigation of Water Problems

Aggressive Removal without Containment
Mold Remediation
z Contain affected area.
z Dry the affected area properly.
z Thoroughly clean area.
– Remove discardable contaminated
materials
– Wash with detergent solution
– Use HEPA vacuums
– Use exhaust ventilation
z Disinfect
– 15-minute chlorine-water solution
– Anti-microbial chemicals (may be
controlled substances)
z Paint (anti-microbial or alcohol-based)
Worker Protection
z Workers should wear HEPA-filtered
respirators (100 series filters)
z Goggles to prevent mold getting in the
eyes.
Mold Resources
California Department of Health Services (CDHS)
http://www.dhs.cahwnet.gov
CDHS Indoor Air Quality Program
http://www.cal-iaq.org
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
http://www.epa.gov
New York Department of Health (NYDH)
http://www.health.state.ny.us
Moisture Intrusion Resources
z Moisture Control Handbook –

Joseph Lstiburek and John Carmody
z Moisture Control in Buildings –
Heinz R. Treschel, Ed. (ASTM)
z “Fundamentals of Moisture in Houses” –
Home Energy Magazine, Nov./Dec. 1995.
z Energy Efficient Building Association,
Builder’s Guide, Building Science Corporation
(www.buildingscience.com)
Toxic Mold:
The “New” Environmental Crisis
z Caused by moisture, no moisture – no mold!
z Newest highly publicized health threat.
z Hundreds of mold lawsuits filed.
z State and Federal legislation has been passed

or is being passed.
Weatherization, Mold, & Moisture
Weatherization Moisture Mold
Activity Problem Growth
z Reduce Infiltration z Increases internal z Increase
moisture.
z Reduces drying
effects of air flow.
z Insulate to reduce z Building materials z Decrease in insulated
heat flow can create cold spots areas.
z Increase in un-
insulated areas
z Venting (attic & crawl z Increase moisture z Increase or decrease
space) transport into attics
and crawl spaces.
Weatherization, Mold, & Moisture
Weatherization Moisture Mold
Activity Problem Growth
z Low-Flow z Misting increases z Increase
Showerheads moisture content of
air inside house.
z Set-back T-Stats z Reduce capacity of z Increase
air to hold moisture.
z One-Warm Room z Cool off parts of z Increase
homes.
Toxic Mold Lawsuits
In 2000 - 9,000 Mold Lawsuits Filed
z 5,000 against insurers for failure to cover claims
z 2,000 against homeowner associations for improper
maintenance
z 2,000 against builders for construction defects
z 1,000 against former owners for failure to disclose
State & Federal Legislation
SB 732 (Ortiz) – California

"Toxic Mold Protection Act"
signed by Governor Davis,
October 2001.
H.R. 5040 (Melina Bill) – “United
States Toxic Mold Safety &
Protection Act of 2002"
signed by U.S. House of
Representatives, June 2002.
What are Molds?
z MOLDS:
– Are microscopic organisms that
digest organic (plant and
animal) matter.
– Are in the Fungi Kingdom, which
includes:
z Yeasts
z Mushrooms
z Molds
– Make up 25% of Earth’s biomass
– More than 100,000 species, over
1,000 species in the U.S.
Molds & Mushrooms
z They are all
around.
z They grow
everywhere.
z Can’t be
eliminated.
Mildew
z What is MILDEW?
– A micro-organism similar
to molds/fungi.
– Common plant diseases.
– The term “mildew” is often
used interchangeably with
“mold”.
Life Cycle of Molds
z Spore stage
– <5 microns in diameter
– Airborne
z Hyphae (root-like feeding
tubes) penetrate food
source and dissolve it.
z Mycelium (mass of hyphae)
z Fruiting bodies produce
spores.
How Big are Mold Spores?
Mold
<5 microns
What are Toxic Molds?
z “Toxic Molds” are any molds
that cause an adverse human
health effect.
z Not all molds are toxic!
z At least 100 species of mold are
considered “toxic”.
z Common household molds can
be toxic.
What Makes Molds Toxic?
z What causes
reactions?
– Spores (viable and
dead)
– Cell membrane material
– Microbial Volatile
Organic Compounds
(MVOCs)
– Mycotoxins
Mycotoxins
z Powerful chemical released by fungi to help
in competition for food.
z Penicillin & aflatoxins; originally studied as
feed and food poisons (peanuts).
z Explain some, but not all of hazardous
properties of airborne molds.
z Hallucinogens
z Deadly toxins – Angels Cap Mushroom
Common Toxic Household Molds
z Alternaria
z Aspergillus
z Cladosporium
z Fuarim
z Memnoniella
z Mucor
z Penicillium
z Stachybotrys chartarum
z Trichoderma
Aspergillus species
z Common black mold (can be
many other colors)
z Over 185 species
z 20 species are considered
toxic.
z Produce aflatoxins (poisons)
in food crops (i.e. peanuts)
z Health effects:
– Allergies and allergic
reactions to
– Life-threatening generalized
infections
Stachybotrys chartarum (atras)
z A greenish-black slime mold
that
z Wet and slimy to the touch.
z 15 different species.
z Grows on materials high in
cellulose and low in nitrogen
content, such as:
– Carpet
– Wallpaper
– Thermal insulation
– Dry wall and gypsum board
Penicillium sp.
z One of the most common
household molds.
z Found in or on:
– soil, food, cellulose and
grains.
– carpet, wall paper, and in
interior fiberglass duct
insulation
– also found in paint and
compost piles.
z It is reported to be allergenic
z Some species can produce
mycotoxins.
Mycotoxin Producing Molds
Stachybotrys chartarum ** Aspergillus fumigatus **
Aspergillus flavus/parasiticus ** Aspergillus versicolor **
Fusarium moniliforme ** Fusarium graminearum
Fusarium sporotrichioides Paecilomyces varioti
Penicillium ochraceus Penicillium
brevicompactum
Penicillium aurantiogriseum Penicillium expansum
Penicillium crustosum Trichoderma viride
Penicillium verrucosum
Memnoniella echinata
** Moulds requiring urgent risk management, AIHA Guide 96
Health Effects
¾ Inflammation (sinuses, lungs, etc.)

¾ Allergic reactions
¾ Asthma
¾ Infections
¾ Toxic reactions (CNS problems -
headaches, loss of memory, and
mood changes)
Symptoms
z Allergic reactions
– Rhinitis (nasal and sinus congestion)
– Mucous membrane irritation
– Rashes and hives
z Persistent cold and flu-like symptoms
z Eyes - burning, watery, reddened,
blurry vision, and light sensitivity
z Chronic sinusitis (15% of population)
Exposure Pathways
z How is one exposed?

– Inhalation (breathing) is
the primary pathway
– Skin/eye contact
– Ingestion (eating)
Mold Sensitivity
z When will symptoms develop?
z Depends on:
– Type of mold
– Extent of exposure
z Short-term, high-level exposures
z Long-term, low-level exposures
– Susceptibility of the individual
z People react differently
z Depends on exposure and individual’s
sensitivity
Who Is Most At Risk?
z Individuals with:
– Pre-existing respiratory conditions (allergies,
multiple chemical sensitivity, and asthma)
– Compromised immune systems
z And…
– Infants and children
– Pregnant women
– Elderly
What Molds Need to Grow?
z Oxygen
z Organic food
z Moisture (70% RH)
z Warm temperatures
(50 – 100 deg F)
z Shelter (protection)
Food for Molds
z Molds digest dead organic material.

z Construction materials:
– Cellulose materials
z Drywall backing
z Wall paper
z Cellulose insulation
z Vinyl flooring backing
– Processed Wood
z OSB
z Plywood
– Glues (organic)
– Paint (with organic content)
Food for Molds – Bio-films
z Bio-film
– Mold can’t eat metals
but can grow on the
bio-film that is on
interior household
surfaces where
condensate occurs!
Molds & Moisture
z Molds need moisture not
liquid water to grow.
– 65 – 99% Relative Humidity
z Molds require a specific
amount of moisture content
on or in a material to grow.
z Different molds species grow
on the same surface as the
moisture content changes.
z Molds will not grow under
water.

EOW 2008 Moisture

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

EOW 2008 Moisture

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Moisture & Weatherization

Management & Control

z Warm air holds more

External Sources Internal Sources

z Capillary action  Condensation

Household with 4 people produce:

z No guidelines or regulations for

Supply Exhaust Supply

Controlled ventilation system for a house in a cooling climate.

Cooler temperatures increase

Absolute humidity = .005 (5/1000)

Absolute humidity = .005 (5/1000)

Absolute humidity = .005 (5/1000)

Delayed Investigation of Water Problems

z Moisture Control Handbook –

z Caused by moisture, no moisture – no mold!

z Newest highly publicized health threat.

z Hundreds of mold lawsuits filed.

z State and Federal legislation has been passed

SB 732 (Ortiz) – California

¾ Inflammation (sinuses, lungs, etc.)

z How is one exposed?

z Molds digest dead organic material.

You might also like

z Capillary action Condensation