High Humidity Causing Mold Growth, Londonderry, NH
Challenge
A homeowner in Londonderry, New Hampshire, had mold growing in the upstairs of their home. In addition to the mold growth, they had water and high humidity in the basement. The homeowner would like to have the mold eliminated, and the water and moisture under control. They felt that they need to address the mold and air quality issues immediately. They reached out to EFS for a free inspection. Our design specialist Tom Armano examined the basement and the living area of the home. Tom was directed to where the mold and the water were accumulating. Mold was accumulating in the upstairs of the home and the water was puddling on the dirt floor of the basement. Tom explained the importance of controlling the moisture and water entering their basement/home because an uptick in relative humidity can eventually cause mold to grow on organic material like wood. In this case, mold had already started to grow. So Tom assumed that the RH was above 55%. Tom talked with the homeowner about methods of keeping mold out of their home.
How to keep mold out of your home?
- Mold will begin to grow at 55% relative humidity, so it is essential to keep the RH in your basement well below 55%.
- Repairing areas where unwanted water can enter the home.
- Cleaning and drying areas after a flood.
- Venting shower, laundry, and cooking areas.
Tom also told the homeowners about the harmful effect that can arise from being exposed to mold. Mold can cause allergic reaction symptoms, like watery eyes, sneezing itching, coughing, wheezing, and more. Long-term exposure can cause these symptoms can cause severe allergic reactions.
After Tom's thorough inspection, he planned to address the first two bullets. Tom recommended installing a perimeter waterproofing system with a dehumidifier and an air purifier in the home.
Solution
The goal of the project is to prevent water from collecting in the basement and to lower the moisture in the air.
The home in Londonderry, New Hampshire, has a dirt floor basement, and water is collecting on the ground. The water is coming from the walls and running to the lowest point of the basement. Tom proposed installing 132' of WaterGuard around the perimeter of the basement, 124' of CleanSpace will cover the foundation wall with a white vapor barrier, a TripleSafe sump pump, an IceGuard, a SaniDry Sedona dehumidifier, and an Aspen Air Purifier.
The purpose of each product installed;
- CleanSpace- Will be hung first against the foundation wall from top to bottom to collect any moisture that comes through the wall.
- WaterGuard- Will be connected to the CleanSpace system to collect water from the foundation walls and direct the water toward the sump pump.
- TripleSafe Sump Pump- Will collect water in its basin and pump the water out of the basement.
- IceGuard- Will protect the drainage line from the ground line freezing and the line backing up into the basement.
- SaniDry Sedona- Will be set to keep the basement below 55% humidity to prevent mold spores from growing.
- Aspen Air Purifier- Will clear the air of allergens, mold spores, pet dander, and other airborne particles.
The system removed puddles of standing water in their basement, lowered the relative humidity to negate the growth of mold spores, and improved air quality in their home.
The home no longer had unwanted water, high humidity, or air quality issues.
Project Summary
Design Specialist: Tom Armano
Products Installed: WaterGuard, CleanSpace, TripleSafe, IceGuard, SandiDry, Aspen Air Purifier
Crew Lead: Melvin Hidalgo
