Moisture Control System: Are You Managing Moisture Right or Wrong?
A moisture control system is one of the most important concerns in building design, especially if you want to avoid having a mold house. Moisture often comes from wind-driven rain infiltration, and the primary defense against this would be the building’s exterior cladding. Another common moisture control strategy used by building envelope designers is a hidden drainage layer.
Here’s how to set up a moisture control system to remove mold and moisture the right way:
- Remove or control the source of the moisture.
After removing internal moisture sources, most experts suggest that you assess the drains, downspouts, and surface grading around the house. If they’re faulty, correct them first, because they may be the reason for your moisture control problem, especially if you have basement mold. If the problem persists, proceed with an interior or exterior moisture control system. Managing rainfall and surface drainage correctly using gutters and downspouts with extenders or splash blocks to carry the water away from the foundation can solve a vast number of water problems.
- Install an energy recovery ventilator (ERV)
If you need to remove stale air, bring in fresh air, and provide moisture control, then your home, like every other home, needs adequate ventilation. Get a good mechanical contractor to do the installation for you. Depending on the size and features of the ERV (for example if it has a moisture control system), and also on the size and difficulty of the installation, costs can vary a lot.
- Rid your home of excess moisture
Ridding the house of surplus moisture helps prevent the spread of mold and reduces the survival rate of dust mites and cockroaches. You can lower moisture in the air with an air conditioner and dehumidifier. Air conditioning also filters out pollen and discourages cockroaches, which dislike the airflow. Your unit will need cleaning and regular maintenance to maintain the benefits of AC.