Click on a title to read the full-story.
Home Improvement Library, Water & Moisture
Great question! We are very passionate about proper vapor barrier methods for this very reason, and it is our belief that the plastic is an incorrect method for our region. According to section 318 of the 2006 IRC code our zone (4) being St Louis and surrounding...
Home Improvement Library, Water & Moisture
The reason mold accumulates only behind pictures on the exterior walls is due to condensation caused by the interior of your home being cool with a relatively high humidity level and the exterior being warm during the summer months. It works in exactly the same way...
Home Improvement Library, Water & Moisture
From what you describe, I suspect you have already answered your question. One possible fix – other than replacement – would be an underground drainage system in the yard. I say this because of the possibility that water is intruding from under the slab....
Flooring, Home Improvement Library, Water & Moisture
Condensation, or moisture out of the air, causes the wet concrete garage floor. A combination of warm air with relatively high humidity coming into contact with the cold concrete garage floor is what causes the “wetness”. This is the same situation as cold...
Home Improvement Library, Water & Moisture, Windows
I agree the soil is saturated and water is rising from below into the window wells. The gravel drainage in the bottom of the window wells will not work because it depends on the soil absorption below – which is counter to the “saturated soil”...
Home Improvement Library, Water & Moisture
Brick Steel Lintel Caulk Gap at Bottom Yes, paint the steel to limit the corrosion of the steel. Do NOT caulk the gap between the steel lintel and the brick or masonry stone, EVER! The space or gap between the steel and the brick functions as a weep hole or weep space...
Cleaning, Home Improvement Library, Water & Moisture
Q: How can I remove mildew spots from my bathroom ceiling? A: Put a timer on you bath vent fan so that it runs for 20-30 minutes after a shower to better remove the moisture. The spots are from mildew growing on the surface of the paint, most likely from condensation...
Flooring, Home Improvement Library, Water & Moisture
I think your suggestion might help but will not likely fix the problem unless it is buried very deep. The problem is typically that the soil beneath the front porch concrete slab is supported with brackets or knee supports that are part of the foundation of the house....
Basements, Home Improvement Library, Water & Moisture
Dry Out a Water Damaged Basement DRY, DRY, DRY ASAP!! Remove the carpet or lift it with many high volume fans blowing under the carpet. Remove and replace any carpet padding. DEHUMIDIFY with as many dehumidifiers as you can muster, one per 300 square feet or one per...
Basements, Home Improvement Library, Water & Moisture
Wet Sill Plate in Basement and Floor Joists are Wet I suspect your mechanical engineer with the dew point issue is the most credible and the likely cause based on the information I read. An 80 year old concrete, stone or even wood foundation can, and will, wick or...
Home Improvement Library, Water & Moisture, Windows
Water Leaks in Atrium Windows The truth is you will need to remove all of those windows, have each opening properly flashed and re-install the windows. New home builders have been incorrectly installing these atrium windows for the past 20 years, and the lack of...
Home Improvement Library, Water & Moisture
These masonry leaks that deteriorate plaster and paint are sometimes very difficult to eliminate. They usually require an on-site visit to see all that is happening. Sometimes these “leaks” are condensation from cold spots on the brick that...
