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Mould Exposure to mould can cause cold-like symptoms, respiratory problems, nasal and sinus congestion, watery eyes, sore throat, coughing and skin irritations, and can trigger asthma attacks. Because some mould spores are very small and can easily be breathed deeply into the lungs, it is not safe to live in houses with high mould levels. Mould must be removed as quickly as possible. To remove the mould use vinyl gloves and a mask or respirator that will filter out mould spores. Mould can be removed from hard surfaces by scrubbing with a non-ammonia soap or detergent. Rinse the area off with a dry rag or rags and then spray the area heavily with white vinegar. Allow the area to dry over night. As it is impossible to completely remove mould from drywall, we recommend that the drywall be removed and replaced, and if necessary the insulation and studs around the area. The source of the mould must be located, and most likely there is, or has been a water leak nearby. A pipe may be leaking. Your roof or window sills may be letting some moisture in. A common problem is that your attic has been “over insulated,” and the vented soffits sealed. The soffits must be clear of any insulation, as they allow the attic to “breath.” Heat Loss Heat is lost from a home in many ways, and can add substantially to your heat bill. On a windy day light a stick of incense, or wet your hand and pass either one over walls, around windows, doors, near the ceilings and anywhere air might escape. Leaks will make your hand feel cool and will blow away the incense smoke. Make a note of all of the areas where the smoke from the incense stick moved noticeably. Check the amount of insulation in the attic, and check under the insulation for a vapor barrier, such as tar paper. If there is not a vapor barrier consider painting the ceilings with a vapor barrier paint. If you have less than 10” of insulation add more, if you have an older home and the insulation is old, replace it. When adding insulation be careful not the cover the soffits with the ventilation holes as this is where the attic “breaths”. Your windows are one of the largest causes of heat loss. The windows may be old, no longer efficient, or they no longer fit snugly. There are simple and inexpensive solutions that will get you by, such as using a window wrap for the winter. These are quick fixes, which are inexpensive and easy to install, and will reduce your heating bill. Have a heat audit completed, and call a professional to review and upgrade the various areas of heat loss. |
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Second and Third Floor Additions, Great Rooms, Complete Interior Renovations |
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Additions, Second Storey, Renovations, Bathrooms, HVAC, Basements, Construction |
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Build it Rite is not associated with James Gillingham or Power Builders |