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Find out what's causing it. |
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by Greg1A  (July 2007) (rank 10th) |
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Re: How do I deal with a damp environment that promotes mildew?
Asked by
SoldierBeetle
Question:
Having just taken on a new project, the first thing to really stand out is the damp feel present in rainy conditions. There is also noticeable discoloration around the edges of the ceiling now that I look for it, that looks to be due to mildew and I am worried that this may just be the indicators of a much larger problem. have been looking into reverse cycle air conditioning and de-humidifyers, but am uncertain as to which way to go. The house is relatively well lit and I would not have expected this to be a problem.
My Advice:
There is a product I use called Damp-Rid. (Not sure where you live, but I'm in Austin, TX and get it at the "big home store.") It's a desiccant in the form of little white pellets in a cup that removes moisture from the air. I use it in a guest bathroom that gets musty and has no exhaust fan. (Yeah, that's on my to-do list.)
But I don't know how effective it would be on moisture up on the ceiling. What concerns me more, however, is what's causing water stains in the first place. If you have a slight leak in your roof as the others have mentioned, it's worth looking into the problem because it will only worsen.
If your roof has metal flashing in the valleys, make sure the valleys are free of leaf buildup. These dams can send the water running laterally under the shingles or tiles onto unprotected areas. I too had a problem once with a roof tile out of place that diverted water under adjoining tiles. But I also had a different situation once with an air conditioning duct that became exposed to the hot humid air of the attic when the duct insulation pulled away. The condensation that formed then dripped onto the ceiling insulation, soaking it, and it seeped into the ceiling wallboard causing water stains similar to what you describe.
But if this only forms during wet weather, or if it's out of reach of any duct work, a roof leak is your most likely culprit. Good luck.
