| PROBLEM |
DUE
TO |
SOLUTION |
| Ceiling spotting |
Roof leaks
Ice damming
A/C condensation
Cathedral ceiling penetrations (recessed light fixtures, exhaust
fans)
Duct condensation (cooling season)
Wind-blown precipitation through vents and louvers
Uninsullated (cold) spots
Plumbing condensation |
Roof repairs
Roof Ventilation
Clear condensation line, install backup pan
Install fixtures designed for air-tight installation, good
workmanship
Re-wrap ducts with insulation and vapor retarded
Select vent design for water exclusion
Add insulation to bare spots
Gasket between vent pipe and top plate |
| Roof leaks |
Workmanship, products |
Roof repair |
| Damp ceilings at edges
near outside wall |
Incorrect insulation
installation |
Reposition insulation,
install air chutes and blocking |
Mold on walls
(heating season) |
High indoor humidity |
Find and remove excess
moisture source, clean with dilute bleach solution-Cold side vapor retarded-Use vapor permeable
interior finish, avoid depressurization of interior |
| Damp exterior walls |
Settled insulation, ice
dam leakage |
Correct insulation,
install eave flashing |
| Window condensation |
High indoor humidity |
Find and remove excess
moisture source, place heat source beneath window, open drapes and
blinds |
| Frost or ice on window
glass |
Single glazing |
Use double glazing,
install storm windows |
| Moisture dripping from
light fixtures, heating/cooling registers |
fixtures or registers are
cold metal |
Make sure insulation
covers duck work, avoid recessed fixtures |
| Roof sheathing:
frosting mold, delaminating |
High humidity in attic |
Close holes in ceiling
plane, add balanced ventilation |
| Exterior paint peeling |
Moisture transport to
outside |
Reduce interior moisture
level, allow moisture to escape behind siding |
| Mildew on exterior
walls |
Natural conditions |
Remove by scrubbing,
repaint with mildicide-containing paint |
| Mildew on interior
walls or in closets |
No heat source or
inadequate air circulation |
Add insulation, install
louvered doors, reduce humidity |
| Mildew on bathroom
tile, grout and shower curtains |
High bathroom humidity |
Remove mildew, use exhaust
ventilation |
| Water in basement/crawl
space |
Site damage
Plumbing leaks
A/C condensation
Rising water table |
Correct gutters,
downspouts, drainage Repair plumbing
Drain to outside Sump pump, consult geotechnical engineer |
| Truss rise |
Wood characteristics and
truss geometry |
Fasten edge of ceiling
panels to partition, not truss chord |
| Moisture/frost near
edge of concrete floor slab |
Not correctly insulated |
Place insulation on
outside of slab |
| Efflorescence on
masonry & concrete |
Moisture movement through
materials |
Reduce leak or moisture
source |
| Mold on framing or trim
at windows |
Window condensation |
Reduce high humidity or
locate heat source near window |
| Mold or decay on floor
framing |
High humidity in basement
or crawl space |
Place ground cover in
crawl space, correct site drainage |
