Gutter Problems Contribute to Mold Issues

In the May 11th article from Consumer Reports titled Home Repairs not to Ignore, there are several points regarding moisture and how it can lead to expensive problems with mold growth. "If there are 10 things that can go wrong with a house, 15 of them have to do with water, says Bill Loden, a Madison, Ala., home inspector." The article goes on to provide several useful tips for homeowners including:

• Gutters, downspouts, and leader pipes collect rainwater and channel it away from the house. In very wet regions, leaders should extend at least 5 feet from the house.
• Check the entire gutter system seasonally for proper pitch and for clogs, corrosion, broken fasteners, and separation between connections and where gutters meet the fascia board.
• When inspecting gutters, extend straight ladders 3 feet beyond the roof at a 75 degree angle to the ground.
• The soil around the foundation should slope away from the house at least 1 inch per foot for 6 feet or more.
• If you have planting beds along the foundation, make sure the grading of the bed, its edging, or the edge of the lawn isn't keeping water from draining away from the house.

Air Matters often sees gutter and landscaping issues such as these contributing to excess moisture in the crawlspace or basement of a home. Remember that in order to control the mold, you have to eliminate the moisture.

Air Matters has performed mold inspection and testing services in the Raleigh NC area since 2002. The owner, Renee Ward, has over 22 years of safety and environmental experience and holds both her Bachelor of Science and Masters degrees in engineering. Renee is also a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the American Indoor Air Quality Council. Contact Air Matters at (919) 870-6748.