|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
| Mould solutions |
Mould and mildew in the house is a common problem, but the solutions can be surprisingly simple.
|
|
|
|
|
Damp clothes, rotting floorboards and curling photographs are all signs of mould and mildew in the house. It is a common problem with some very simple solutions. Just choose the mould-buster that best suits your home.
Wardrobes, walls, ceilings, curtains and furniture are the most common victims of mould and mildew. It can also cause condensation on windows and ruin books, papers and clothing. Not only is mould an eyesore, but it can also be unhealthy, particularly for allergy and asthma sufferers.
Combined with natural humidity, the steam and moisture created by cooking, showering, bathing and washing can result in mould. It is particularly common in tropical and sub-tropical parts of Australia where the air is damp and hot.
There are two common ways for stopping mould — above or below the floor. Sub floor ventilation includes wind powered turbos, electrical fans and vents. Above the floor preventative treatments include dehumidifiers and wardrobe heaters.
SUB FLOOR VENTILATION
Start by having the sub floor ventilation in your home checked. Many houses suffer from inadequate ventilation due to poor sub floor venting, but aren't aware they have a problem. Make sure you get professional advice — too much sub floor ventilation can be just as bad as too little.
Mould often grows under houses with inadequate ventilation. You can prevent mould by installing extra vents (passive vents) or force fan ventilation (wind turbo).
Wind powered turbo ventilation systems can be installed in situations where it is not practical to install Anti-Damp vents, such as areas with high soil levels or homes with little access (semis or terrace houses). They are mounted on a 100mm or 150mm pipe and often used in conjunction with Anti-Damp vents. Fans are also available, however they have a limited life span.
Anti-Damp vents help remove musty smells, mould, fungi and rotting floorboards in the sub-floor area.
The advantages of good sub floor ventilation:- Prevents fungi, mould, rotting boards, musty smells, bowing timber and lifting lino or vinyl tiles.
- Discourages termites by creating an airy, light environment.
- Eight times the air flow of standard terracotta vents.
- Promotes a healthy living environment for people with respiratory conditions.
- No running costs and minimal maintenance required.
ABOVE THE FLOOR TREATMENTS
Wardrobe Heaters:
Wardrobe heaters fight persistent mould and mildew in the closet. We looked at Dampp-Chaser Closet DeHumidifiers that warm, dry and circulate wardrobe air, effectively stopping mildew, mould, musty odours and rust. As an added bonus, they are simple to operate — just set them and forget them.
Dampp-Chaser Closet DeHumidifiers are mounted on the baseboard (or the wall above the baseboard) with brackets and plug into the nearest power point. Don't use staples on the electrical cord and make sure you keep the heater horizontal. The DeHumidifier circulates the air in the closet 150 times a day and can be left on during most seasons (it uses very little energy).
De-Humidifiers:
Dry home DeHumidifiers quietly remove large amounts of water from the air. They are portable and can be easily rolled from room to room. When the DeHumidifier's four litre water container is full, it will automatically shut down.
DeHumidifiers have non-corroding parts, fan motors, adjustable dryness control and a two year guarantee. There are three Dry Home models to choose from, all with varied powers.
|
Cost
Above Floor Treatments:
Dry Home sell a range of dehumidifiers, air purifiers and wardrobe heaters.
Wardrobe heaters cost between $70 and $100 (plus delivery).
Dehumidifiers cost between $700 and $1000.
Sub Floor Ventilation:
Anti-Damp wind powered turbos/fans cost approximately $680 for a single storey house, including installation (prices may vary).
Anti-Damp mesh vents cost around $80 each, for the larger size (includes installation). There are four sizes to choose from and a wide range of colours.
|
More Info
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Above Floor Treatments:
For more information contact Frank Prentis Dry Home.
1 Albion Ave.
Pymble NSW 2073
Ph: 02 9988 4222
Fax: 02 9449 8947
Sub Floor Ventilation: :
Anti-Damp Australia Pty Ltd
PO Box 128
Gladesville NSW 2111
Ph: 1300 210 310
Fax: 02 9817 7611
Mob: 0419 842 686
www.antidamp.com.au
|
Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
|
|
|
|
|
