Mold control: Home inspection checklist

Indications of excess moisture in the home

• Moisture meter indicates level above 50% relative humidity
• Musty smell
• Mold on surfaces (window sill, in closets, behind furniture)
• Condensation on windows, toilets and exposed pipes
• Water stains on window sills, ceilings, walls
• Moisture under plastic in basement
• Airtight construction allows odors to linger
• Damp bottoms on cardboard boxes sitting on the floor

Controlling sources of indoor moisture

Lifestyle of residents

• Limit number of occupants in living space
• Hang laundry outside to dry
• Dry wet shoes, coats and umbrellas before storing
• Keep home and clothes clean
• Cover aquariums
• Limit houseplants
• Keep pets and their food and water dishes clean and dry

Appliances

• Vent clothes dryer to the outside
• Empty refrigerator drip pan regularly
• Empty dehumidifier tank regularly
• Maintain air conditioner filter, coils, line
• Properly vent combustion heating appliances to the outside
• Store firewood outside
• Use humidifiers rarely
• Maintain moderate indoor temperatures during the heating season

Identify and repair leaks

• Plumbing, including pipes to refrigerator, water heater, faucets and drains under cupboards and laundry spigots
• Roof, including vents and skylights
• Windows, doors
• Foundation vents

Adequate air circulation throughout the home

• Keep furniture away from walls
• Open drapes or curtains
• Leave interior doors open
• Open heating/cooling vents
• Maintain heating, ventilating and air conditioning system
• Keep low wattage bulb on in closets or small enclosed areas

Eliminating potential sources of water infiltration

• Cover exposed soil in crawlspace with vapor barrier
• The concrete foundation has adequate exterior protection from water
• Drainage directs water away from or around the house
• No water pools near the foundation of the house
• Keep rain gutters free of debris and in good repair
• Downspouts carry water away from house
• Siding is sealed along bottom edges
• Don’t allow water from sprinklers to hit the house
• Trim back plants and shrubs to allow airflow around exterior of the home
• Maintain and keep exterior of house free from mold

Removing moisture from home

• Fans for spot ventilation
  • Placed near moisture source in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry rooms
  • Vented to the outside
  • Check for effectiveness
  • Leave on until all moisture is eliminated. (Install timers or controls with moisture meters built-in)
• Roof vents to allow ventilation in attic space
• Open vents in foundation to allow airflow
• Control condensation on cool surfaces inside the home including
  • Single pane windows
  • Uninsulated walls
  • Unfinished basements
  • Uninsulated or metal doors
• Install and regularly use a dehumidifier
• Carefully clean and dry any signs of mold

Share these tips by downloading the Stamp out Mold in your Home handout.