CONDENSATION CAN AFFECT YOUR FLOORING
How Changing Filters Led To A Condensation And Mold Problem
Have you ever entered a home and immediately smelled a musty odor and found it odd? When you walk into a home and smell the odor of a dog your brain tells you the homeowners must have a dog. If you smell the odor of dog urine you know the dog has had some accidents in the home that have not been treated well.
What does it tell you when you smell a musty odor? Musty odors are not common like dog odors, most especially when 68% of US households own a pet. But when you walk into a typical home and smell a musty odor it makes you wonder, what is the cause? The cause, according to Joseph W. Lstiburek, Ph.D., P.Eng., is something that can happen innocently if certain rules are not followed.
I recall hearing Joe give a presentation at an Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Certification Council/Instructor Symposium years ago. He was so factual and enlightening, and humorous too. I recall him talking about building codes in different parts of the country and how some just don’t work. Don’t expect building codes meant for Las Vegas to work in Ohio or a southern state, most especially when it comes to hotels, which I stay in quite a few times a year. Have you ever stayed in a hotel room that had a musty odor? I have and it was a well-respected chain. Joe compared the vinyl wallcovering placed on the outside facing walls of the hotel room like putting the condom on the wrong side. The moisture wicking through the outer layers of brick and building materials eventually becomes trapped between the drywall and the vinyl wallcovering in the room. Not good. Obviously that comment has stuck with me.
Most of people who are a part of my database are in the manufacturing, distribution, sales, installation, and inspection of carpet and flooring, not building or people who need to know about building codes. However, have you ever seen a floor cup over a subfloor you presumed was dry? It could be concrete or wood, it does not matter when you take into consideration things Joe talks about in his article.
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For information or help regarding flooring inspections, stain removal, carpet repair, or classes, please call me at 330-807-2255 or email me Mark@Mark4floors.com
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